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QUECA



Carmen "Queca" Franco



Dressage Rider, Trainer & Judge





Born in Colombia to an Italian father and a mother from Cartagena, she graduated at a very early age from the Universidad de los Andes as an Architect (1991). Her passion for horses led her to Germany where she studied and graduated in Warendorf (headquarters of the German Equestrian Federation) as Bereiterin (1995). She returned to Colombia and, during her stay of several years, achieved results such as:
• Four-time National Dressage Champion
• Two-time National Dressage Reserve Champion
• Three times first place in the National Dressage Rankings
• Four-time Individual and Team winner of the FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHALLENGE. In 2001 she won first place in the world in Test A
• Best Athlete of the Equestrian League of Cundinamarca in 2001.
• Trainer of Four National Dressage Champions.
• Co-coach of the Cundinamarca League Team that won Gold Medals at the 2000 National Games and Individual Gold and Bronze medals.
For 20 years (from 2003 to 2024) she resided in South Florida where she obtained, among other results, the following:
• USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist with Distinction.
• Para-Equestrian Trainer Title, Silver level.
• Represented Colombia in three Nations Cups in Wellington, Florida.
Also achieved special recognitions such as:
• Two-time winner of the Horsemanship Award sponsored by Lund Animal Hospital for Gold Coast Dressage Association
• Gold Coast Dressage Association Award of Excellence
• Two-time winner of the Confederation for Working Equitation Volunteer of the Year award.
In addition, she has been involved in different areas of the discipline of Dressage such as Judge and Technical Delegate.
Her knowledge and experiences led her to assist in the founding and development of the Confederation for Working Equitation. For more than five years she helped advance the discipline of Working Equitation in the United States by organizing the Association, clinics for Judges and Trainers and competitions in Texas, Vegas, and North Carolina. She was in charge of the first National Working Equitation Championship that was held in the USA. Now a National Judge in Colombia for this discipline.
Has been a member of the Dressage Committee of Clubs, Leagues, and Equestrian Federation of Colombia. Since August 2022, has been the head of the FEC's Dressage Technical Committee. In May 2024 she was named Director of the FEC's Development and Education Committee and became a member of the Council for Sport's Mangement of the Federation.
In her spare time, takes photos, collaborates as translator for HorseGrooms.com, and writes articles that have been published on different websites such as Eurodressage.com, EstriboColombia.com and magazines such as Hoefslag.
She speaks four languages: Spanish, English, German and Italian.
Below you will see some of her achievements.
Picture above: With Vangens Star-Light, Adequan Global Dressage Festival, Feb. 2023 Florida. By Lily Forado

Picture right: With Vinho dos Pinhais, Nations Cup 2013, Wellington. By Jhonny Quintero



SOME ACHIEVEMENTS





BRONZE, SILVER

AND GOLD MEDALIST
WITH DISTINCTION USDF (2008 - 2022)

SILVER PARA- COACH CERTIFIED USEF (2019)

BEREITERIN, Warendorf, GER (1995)

MEMBER OF COLOMBIAN NATIONAL DRESSAGE TEAM
NATIONS CUP IN 2013 WITH VINHO DOS PINHAIS
NATIONS CUP IN 2014 WITH DON AKZENTUS
NATIONS CUP IN 2019 WITH WELTREGENTRIN
WELLINGTON, Florida.
(Click on each to go to a gallery of pictures)

GOLD COAST DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION
Lund Animal Hospital Horsemanship Award 2008 and 2011
GCDA Excellence Award 2012

FEDERACIÓN ECUESTRE DE COLOMBIA
Member of the Dressage Technical Committee from 1996 to 2003 and since 2020
Director of Dressage Technical Committee since August 2022
Director of Development and Education Committee since May 2024
Member of Council for Sport's Management since May 2024

LIGA ECUESTRE DEL VALLE
Member of the Dressage Technical Commitee since 2020

CONFEDERATION FOR WORKING EQUITATION
Co-Founder and Board Member.
January 2017 to September 2018.
Volunteer of the Year 2017 Volunteer of the Year 2018





SHOW SEASON 2021- 2022


- USDF GOLD MEDAL with Vangens Star-Light

- WCD in the Tropics Vita Flex Victory Pass Award in Grand Prix Special with Vangens Star-Light


SHOW SEASON 2020 - 2021

WCD Fall Challenge Diamond W Contracting Horsemanship Award


SHOW SEASON 2019 - 2020


White Fences Championship Series - RESERVE CHAMPION Inter 1 with Pikk Elena HU


SHOW SEASON 2016 - 2017


Welcome Back to White Fences IV - Omega Alpha Healthy Horse Award with Cristal da Caniceira


SHOW SEASON 2015 - 2016


Americas' Lusitano Cup - CHAMPION Geldings 4 and older with Forcado da Carvalha

Gold Coast Dressage Association Year End Awards

- CHAMPION Fourth Level Open with Cristal da Caniceira

- RESERVE CHAMPION Training Level Open with Holstana DC

- THIRD PLACE Pr. St. Georges Open with Donatello DC

- RESERVE CHAMPION Inter 1 Open with Donatello DC

- CHAMPION LUSITANO BREED with Holstana DC

- THIRD PLACE LUSITANO BREED with Donatello DC

- FOURTH PLACE LUSITANO BREED with Cristal da Caniceira

- SILVER MEDAL with Cristal da Caniceira and Holstana DC

- BRONZE MEDAL with Donatello DC

- HIGH SCORE LUSITANO with Holstana DC

Nations Cup, Wellington, Florida - Chef d'Equipe for Colombia


SHOW SEASON 2014 - 2015


Gold Coast Dressage Association Year End Awards

- CHAMPION Pr. St. Georges Open with Donatello DC

- RESERVE CHAMPION Lusitano Breed with Donatello DC

- SILVER MEDAL with Donatello DC


​

​





SHOW SEASON 2011 - 2012


​ Gold Coast Dressage Association Year End Awards

- GOLD MEDAL with Batistuta V.O. and Vinho dos Pinhais

- CHAMPION First Level Open with Batistuta V.O.

- CHAMPION Fourth Level Open with Vinho dos Pinhais

- GCDA EXCELLENCE AWARD


​SHOW SEASON 2010 - 2011


Gold Coast Dressage Association Year End Awards

- GOLD MEDAL overall achievements

- CHAMPION Second Level Open with Xairel Do Bosque

- CHAMPION Third Level Open with Xairel Do Bosque

- LUND ANIMAL HOSPITAL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD

BLUE HORS CHAMPIONSHIP - CHAMPION Third Level with Top Gun


SHOW SEASON 2008 - 2009


Parkland Horseman's Association Year End Awards:

- GRAND CHAMPION Second Level with Tacoma

- GRAND CHAMPION Training Level with Marco The Magnificent

Twin Rivers Saddle Club Year End Awards:

- GRAND CHAMPION Second Level Test 1 with Tacoma


SHOW SEASON 2007 - 2008


Gold Coast Dressage Association Year End Awards

- with Vandalo Interagro:

THIRD PLACE First Level

RESERVE-CHAMPION Baroque Horses

BRONZE MEDAL - with Sacusca:

CHAMPION First Level

RESERVE-CHAMPION Open Warmblood SILVER MEDAL

- JOANN JACKSON MEMORIAL AWARD in BRONZE and SILVER for USDF MEDALS

- LUND ANIMAL HOSPITAL SPORTMANSHIP AWARD


SHOW SEASON 2006 - 2007


Gold Coast Dressage Association Year End Awards

- with Copenhagen RL: CHAMPION Intermediaire I SILVER MEDAL

THIRD PLACE Open Warmblood

- BRONZE MEDAL with Vandalo Interagro

Pan-American Games Short-List Colombian Dressage Team (2007)

CHAMPION Prix St. Georges Level with Copenhagen RL in Suncoast Horse Show (2006)



Gallery



Here are some moments of my equestrian life



FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHALLENGE 2002



SAFARI

WINNER TEST B.

Maria Margarita de Londoño (President Colombian Equestrian Federation)

FEI Judges Jacques van Daele and Gary Rockwell



BOLIVARIAN GAMES 2001. Quito, ecuador



Individual Silver medal with China Town



BOLIVARIAN GAMES 2001. Quito, ecuador



Individual Silver medal with China Town



BOLIVARIAN GAMES 2001. Quito, ecuador



Team Gold medal with China Town



bolivarian games 2001. quito, ecuador



With my Hanoverian mare China Town



NIGHT OF THE BEST



Receiving the trophy for Best Athlete of the Equestrian League of Cundinamarca from the hands of Cundinamarca's Governor Mr. Alvaro Cruz



SAFARI



COLOMBIAN NATIONAL CHAMPION 2002

- THIRD LEVEL.

Owner: CLAUS SOHELKE .



FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHALLENGE 2001



Mrs. Jennie Loriston-Clarke (GBR), Mrs. Irmeli Summanen (FIN) FEI Judges and Ms. Stephanie Rexrodt from PSI Performance Sales International.



COLOMBIAN NATIONAL GAMES 2000



Constanza Jaramillo and Rosen

Team and Individual Gold Medalist



BOLIVARIAN GAMES 2001, QUITO, ECUADOR



With Trainer Thomas von Samson (GER)

Team Gold and Individual Silver Medalist



THALIA



COLOMBIAN DRESSAGE CHAMPION 1999

- FIRST LEVEL

Owner: GEN. ALFONSO MEJIA VALENZUELA



CHINA TOWN (aKA COCA)



COLOMBIAN NATIONAL CHAMPION 1998

- SECOND LEVEL

FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHALLENGE 1998

- WINNER TEST B

FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHALLENGE 2000

- WINNER TEST A

COLOMBIAN NATIONAL CHAMPION 2001

- FOURTH LEVEL

FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHALLENGE 2001

- WORLD'S BEST SCORE TEST A

TEAM GOLD MEDAL BOLIVARIAN GAMES 2001 INDIVIDUAL SILVER MEDAL BOLIVARIAN GAMES 2001 Owner: CARMEN FRANCO



RAMSÉS



COLOMBIAN NATIONAL RESERVE-CHAMPION 2003

- FIRST LEVEL

Owner: CLAUDIA TÉLLEZ AND FAMILY



ACOLITO INTERAGRO



BEST TAIL AWARD Sponsored by TailRx

Owner: NAETTE SEXTON



ACOLITO INTERAGRO



High Score Lusitano Award winner sponsored by Interagro Lusitanos - July 2012

Owner: NANETTE SEXTON



BATISTUTA V.O.



Vita Flex award winner sponsored by Vita Flex - May 2012

Owner: NANETTE SEXTON



XAIREL DO BOSQUE



High Score Lusitano Award winner sponsored by Interagro Lusitano - December 2010

Owner: NANETTE SEXTON



Ruth Cardwell and Westyn



SUNCOAST SUNBURN CLASSIC 1 August 26, 2006 - TAMPA, FL

HIGH POINT AWARD 79.231%, VINTAGE CUP RIDER AWARD,

HANOVERIAN RIBBON

TRAINING LEVEL CHAMPION



TWIN RIVERS SADDLE CLUB AWARDS CEREMONY JULY 2006
YEAR END AWARDS SHOW SEASON 2005/2006
Darlene Moree and Calypso: CHAMPION FIRST LEVEL
Rose Miller and Tacoma:
CHAMPION TRAINING LEVEL
Dr. Janet Hibel and Valentines 'n Roses:
RESERVE CHAMPION TRAINING LEVEL



LAUREN FRIEDLAND and ACOLITO INTERAGRO



Gold Coast Dressage Association 10/11

- Champion Training Level Amateur Jr/Yr

- Silver Medal

Picture by Joanna Jodko



vinho dos pinhais



Peak Performance Award winner sponsored by The Sanctuary - April 2011

Owner: NANETTE SEXTON



LAUREN FRIEDLAND with FEF INCANTATION (DANTE)



Gold Coast Dressage Association 09/10

- Champion First Level Jr/Yr

Gold Coast Dressage Association 08/09

- Champion First Level Jr/Yr



GOLD COAST DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION



Cover of 2018 show program



PARKLAND HORSEMAN'S ASSOCIATION



Year End Awards with Rose Miller. 2007



BLUE HORSE CHAMPIONSHIP



Champion with Top Gun 2012



BLUE HORSE CHAMPIONSHIP



Champion with Top Gun 2012

Picture by Sue Stickle



TWIN RIVERS HORSE ASSOCIATION



Year End Awards with Rose Miller. 2007



WELLINGTON CLASSIC DRESSAGE



High Score Lusitano with Batitstuta V.O. 2012



WELLINGTON CLASSIC DRESSAGE



High Score Lusitano with Vinho dos Pinhais 2011



HIGH SCORE OF SHOW



With Top Gun 2010



BEST LUSITANO AWARD



Nations Cup 2013 with Vinho dos Pinhais



HIGH SCORE OF SHOW



With Batistuta V.O. sponsored by The Horse of Course 2011



GOLD COAST DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION



High Score Lusitano 2012



USDF REGION 3 CHAMPIONSHIP



3rd place with Xairel Do Bosque 2010



USDF REGION 3 CHAMPIONSHIP



8th place with Vinho dos Pinhais 2010



TWIN RIVERS HORSE ASSOCIATION



Year End Awards with Rose Miller and Darlene Moree. 2008



usef silver stirrup awards



South Gate Farm horses 2012



USEF SILVER STIRRUP AWARDS



South Gate Farm horses 2011



WINDSOR AWARD



With Vinho dos Pinhais 2011



EXCELLENCE AWARD



Gold Coast Dressage Association 2012



LUND SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD



Gold Coast Dressage Association 2011



BEREITER DEGREE



Warendorf 1995



prix st. georges champion



Suncoast Dressage 2006



USDF SILVER MEDAL



2008



USDF BRONZE MEDAL



2008



VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2018



Confederation for Working Equitation



VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR 2017



Confederation for Working Equitation



VITAFLEX VICTORY PASS AWARD



2012



LUND SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD



Gold Coast Dressage Association 2007-2008



PARA DRESSAGE COACH SILVER PROGRAM



United States Equestrian Federation 2019



HEALTHY HORSE AWARD



With Cristal da Caniceira. Sponsored by Omega Alpha April 2017



GOLD COAST DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION



Sophia Damasceno and Weltregentrin 2018



GOLD COAST DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION



With Holstana DC 2016



GOLD COAST DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION



With Donatello DC 2016



USPRE WEEK MASTER CLASS WITH SABINE SCHUT-KERY



With Barquero 2022



GOLD COAST DRESSAGE ASSOCIATION



With Cristal da Caniceira 2016



SEMINARIO COMISIONES TÉCNICAS
INDERVALLE



Noviembre 2020



DIAMOND W CONTRACTING HORSEMANSHIP AWARD



with Pikk Elena HU September 2021



VITA FLEX VICTORY PASS AWARD



with Vangens Star-Light July 2022



USDF GOLD MEDAL



June 2022



Inspiring Women of the Equestrian World. By estribo colombia



Recognized March 2024



CERTIFICATE OF ATTENDANCE TO THE ONLINE WORKING EQUITATION JUDGES COURSE



November 2024



PROCESO DE ACREDITACIÓN DE ENTRENADORES COCED



March 2024



MEDAL FROM ESUME FOR CONTRIBUTION TO THE SPORT



Recognized August 2024



FEI CAMPUS - COMPETITION MANIPULATION



January 2025



FEI CAMPUS - WHAT IS THE FEI 2025



January 2025



FEI CAMPUS - THE HORSEMANSHIP STUDY



January 2025



FEI CAMPUS - BASIC MANAGEMENT AND CARE



January 2025



FEI CAMPUS - FOUNDATION COURSE FOR DRESSAGE OFFICIALS



January 2025



USDF GOLD MEDAL WITH DISTINCTION



Recognized 2023



FEI CAMPUS - CODE OF CONDUCT FOR THE WELFARE OF THE HORSE



January 2025



FEI CAMPUS - COMPORTAMIENTO EQUINO



January 2025



USDF bronze MEDAL with distinction



Recognized 2023



USDF SILVER MEDAL WITH DISTINCTION



Recognized 2023



REGISTRO PROVISIONAL ENTRENADOR DEPORTIVO



Marzo 2025



FUNDAMENTOS DE ADMINISTRACIÓN DEPORTIVA
MINDEPORTES



Noviembre 2024



MUJERES QUE INSPIRAN
ESTRIBO-LATAM



Marzo 2025



CONGRESO INTERNACIONAL CONTROL DE ENTRENAMIENTO DEPORTIVO



Junio 2025



PROUDLY SPONSORED BY





CUSTOM SADDLERY



Chelsea Barrett - OM Equestrian Saddle Fitting



animal trace minerals



Horse Supplements



ALL THINGS EQUESTRIAN



Deena Mudget McCombs





Q-EQUESTRIAN



queca@q-equestrian.com
Phone: +57 310 866 3521