Ms. Iana M Gonzalez love for horses started when her father, Don Fernando Gonzalez Diaz-Lombardo put her on a horse at the young age of 2 years old. Don Fernando was the owner of the famous “Caliente Race Track” located in Tijuana, Baja California. With out a doubt, Iana was born into horses. Iana started her formal training with Margarita Nava (10th Individual Dressage at the 1984 Olympics) in Mexico City at “La Joya Equestrian Center”.

Back in California she started her jumping career, wining many championships from Hunters to Amateur/Owner Jumpers. At the age of 11 Iana was selected by Madam Jean Tisso (2 times Gold Olympic Rider) to train at her beautiful farm in Chantilly, France. Iana stayed there for two years and had the opportunity to show in the European Circuit with great success.

Coming back from Europe, Iana kept showing jumpers and started her Dressage Training with Susan Gustafson. At the age of 15, Ms Gonzalez had an accident that landed her in a wheelchair for a year. Her love of horses never left her, and as soon she was back riding and training.

In 1991 Iana found herself living in Italy. Taking advantage of the proximity of the European countries, she was able to attend numerous clinics including training at both the royal schools in Spain and in Portugal. She had the opportunity to train with Rafael Soto (2004 Individual Silver Medalist) and Julio Borba (Guillerhmo Borba founded with Nuno Olivera the Royal Schools) of the Royal Academy of Equestrian Art in Lisbon, Portugal. In 1997 having returned from Europe, she accepted the position of Manager and Head Trainer for the “Mexicali Equestrian Center”, where many of her students became State Champions.

In 2000 Iana moved to Tijuana, Baja California, where she became one of the head trainers at the “Club Hipico and Criadero Caliente”. Criadero Caliente is the largest Lusitano Breeder in South America, with over 1200 horses. Iana and her student/assistant Miguel Potenciano were in charge of the training of 17 stallions at one time, from starting them to Grand Prix. Iana also participated in numerous quadrille exhibitions (with a six stallion carousel) that included all the High School Airs.

During this time, Iana achieved what no one else has to date: she produced the first and only Mexican National Champion from the State of Baja California with her student and assistant, Miguel Potenciano on a half-Thoroughbred , half Andalucian gelding. The pair competed against the top 73 horses in their category and came out Champion.

In 2004 Iana moved to San Diego, CA and began her training business. Within a year she had won numerous awards including “2006 CDS Lusitano Colt of the Year with her own horse “Talisman”. She was also 2006 Reserve National Champion 3rd Level for the IALHA.

Iana is currently training out of Encore Ranch in Temecula CA. Iana clinics with Lena Wedenmark (USDF Certified Instructor level 4, USDF Bronze, Silver and Gold Medalist) coach to the Barbados Olympic Team.

Ms. Gonzalez is currently working on her USDF Certification and medals..