The relationship between a professional rider and his owners is not built overnight. It takes time, trust, and a shared understanding of working with horses. In the case of LeeAnn Ablin, this journey began in 2019, when she met Luis Fernando Larrazábal after buying Coralina LS La Silla, a six-year-old mare. A year later, in the spring of 2020, LeeAnn began training with Luifer and, since then, the project has continued to grow. Today, there are four horses that are part of her stable San Francisco Stables.
LeeAnn's love of horses began much earlier, in the Chicago area, when her daughters started riding as little girls. In 2015, the family moved to Florida and bought a small farm in Wellington. What started as a family hobby gradually grew into a sporting project.
«My relationship with horses began in the Chicago area, when my daughters started riding when they were little. We moved to Florida in 2015 and bought a small farm in Wellington,» recalls LeeAnn.
The meeting with Luifer came a few years later and was an important step for the family. The purchase of Coralina LS La Silla was the starting point of a relationship that also extended to Emily, LeeAnn's daughter, who began training with Larrazábal after acquiring Cassini Miraflores that same summer.
Since then, it has been about six years. LeeAnn describes this journey as an «incredible journey» for them and their horses and highlights Luifer’s way of working, both on and off the track.
«Luis is a person with whom it is a pleasure to work, both as a rider and as a trainer. He gives everything for this sport, but always respecting the individual needs of the horses and their owners. His work ethic, dedication, and commitment are truly inspiring,» he explains.
Four horses at San Francisco Stables
Currently, LeeAnn has four horses that train and compete under the direction of Luifer at San Francisco Stables: Baroness, Cenmietta PS, Tadewa PS and All-In VDL Z.
Baroness is an 11-year-old Westphalian mare, the daughter of Balous Bellini. Cenmietta PS, 12 years old, is an Oldenburg mare by Centadel. Tadewa PS is seven years old and is the daughter of Talan, while All-In VDL Z is a six-year-old Zangersheide stallion, the son of Arezzo VDL.
When incorporating a new horse, LeeAnn and her family consider various factors. The potential for development, athletic abilities, genetics, and mentality are important, but what comes first is character.
«We look for various qualities, including potential for development, athleticism, genetics, mentality, and heart. Finding the right combination of all of them is very important to us,» he notes.
The day-to-day life of the stable is also conditioned by the weather in Wellington. The heat and humidity mean that, for much of the year, work with the horses begins in the early hours of the morning.
«A normal day starts with training in the morning. The heat and humidity in our area determine the schedules for many of our activities. The care and training of our horses are our top priorities. During the winter months, we are lucky to be able to train later,» says LeeAnn.
Baroness, a special mare
Within the stud, Baroness is special to LeeAnn. She has followed her evolution from her early years and has witnessed her progression up to becoming a well-established mare on the international circuit.
At the age of seven, she was named Horse of the Year and subsequently began competing internationally. Among her experiences are the Bolivarian Games, the Central American and Caribbean Games, and various competitions in Canada. In December 2025, Baroness and Luifer also won individual and team silver medals at the Bolivarian Games in Lima. More recently, in August of this year, they won individual and team bronze medals at the Central American and Caribbean Games in Santo Domingo.
During 2026, the duo continued to compete at the highest level. At the WEF, Luifer achieved three international victories with Baroness and subsequently made the leap to 5* level, reaching the Spruce Meadows show jumping arena.
«We have developed a special connection with one of our mares and it has been a joy to see her develop over the years. Baroness was named Horse of the Year when she was seven years old and has since competed internationally, including the Bolivarian Games, the Central American and Caribbean Games and in Canada. Our plan is for her to continue competing at 5* level,» explains LeeAnn.
The evolution of horses is not measured solely by results in competitions. For LeeAnn, an important part of Luifer’s work is to accompany that process and develop each horse according to their characteristics.
«Luifer has been fundamental in the development of our horses, as well as in our own evolution as riders. As an elite rider, his talent is exceptional. We continue to be inspired by his motivation, dedication, and determination,» he affirms.
A family project with a future
LeeAnn's project revolves not only around high-level competition. Both she and her daughter enjoy their own amateur horses under the guidance of Luifer, while the young horses continue their development without accelerating their growth.
Tadewa is a good example. At seven years old, the priority now is to give him time to mature and discover just how far he can go, without setting a ceiling for his sporting career in advance.
«With Tadewa, our plan is to take our time and let his evolution guide us towards whatever the future may bring. My daughter and I want to enjoy competing with our amateur horses under the guidance of Luifer,» he explains.
As the stable continues to grow, LeeAnn has the illusion of being able to see Luifer one day competing at the highest level with one of his horses.
«Perhaps, if we are lucky enough to achieve it, one day we will have the opportunity to see him compete with one of our horses at the highest level.».
«It has been a pleasure to share this journey with Luifer and we are excited to see where it will take us and our horses,» she concludes.
