Bolivia

Member Report from Bolivia

REPORT GIVEN AT THE 2025 WAHO CONFERENCE

Fernando Morales Cuellar, Bolivia: Mr. President, dear Fellow Delegates, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Fernando Morales Cuellar, I am the Vice-President of the Arabian Horse Breeders Association of Bolivia and a long-time breeder. I have been breeding Arabian horses for many years, as has my co-delegate, Santiago Garcia Farinasso, the President of our Association.  It is such a pleasure for both of us to be here today, for which we must express our most sincere thanks to our generous hosts, the Emirates Arabian Horse Society, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, for their hospitality. We are looking forward to seeing more of your country, and especially your Arabian horses.

Although in relatively small numbers, Arabian horses have been present in Bolivia for many years and were formerly registered for us by our colleagues in Brazil. Our Association became a full WAHO Member in 2022, having been an Applying Member for some years prior to that, during which time the number of Arabians in our country had increased to a sufficient number for us to have an independent stud book. Of course, all our registration procedures are in compliance with WAHO rules.

Just to go through a few statistics for you. Over the past 3 years, ACCA-Bolivia, as our Association is called, has observed a stable trend in the number of horse registrations. However, a slight decline was recorded in 2024 due to the economic challenges that our country is experiencing right now and the impact of the global pandemic on breeding programmes.  We have had no imports since 2022, while exports have not progressed due to temporary import and export laws being developed by Government entities. Bolivian breeders seek international markets for the high-quality Arabian horses we are producing, and our Association is working with the Bolivian Government to open borders and allow exports and participation in international competitions.

We allow the use of Artificial Insemination and Embryo Transfer. The use of Embryo Transfer is growing in Bolivia and is gaining popularity among breeders seeking to optimize genetic potential and improve their breeding programmes.  Our most recent stud book was published in 2022 in hard copy, and the next volume is scheduled for release in late 2025. While we have discontinued the printed versions, we have migrated to an online pedigree database. The digital stud book can be found on our official website: https://www.accabolivia.com/

We ensure that all WAHO regulations are complied with and the availability of genetic disorder testing are communicated to breeders and owners through our social media platforms and our official website. Additionally, we hold annual informational meetings and workshops to educate those involved in the best breeding practices.  We actively promote our Arabian horses in Bolivia as excellent and reliable riding partners. They participate in various disciplines, including endurance, show jumping, dressage, traditional events, cattle ranching and leisure riding. Endurance is becoming popular, with many registered Arabians participating in this sport. We also promote our purebred Arabians through national events and public and private exhibitions. Currently we organize 2 shows per year.

The WAHO Trophy is awarded annually to recognize our most outstanding Arabians bred in Bolivia. The most recent winner for 2023 was Raashid FM by Echo Stormy Four, , and in 2022 the winner was the stallion Atahuallpa FM who was born in 1997, renowned for his breeding achievements. With more than 50 foals registered in the first volume of our stud book, and many more second generation offspring, he has inspired a lot of new owners and breeders to join our Arabian horse community.

To educate both our members and the general public, we publish informative articles in equestrian magazines and maintain an active presence on social media. We also organize seminars and training courses on the history, care, and welfare of the Arabian horse. These initiatives seek to enhance knowledge and appreciation of the breed.  ACCA-Bolivia remains committed to the growth and promotion of purebred Arabian horses in our country. Through responsible breeding, education, and international collaboration, we strive to ensure the breed’s continued success in Bolivia. Thank you for your attention.