Lew Eklund of Carlin, Nevada, first saw Spanish Viento (Joker Spanish Fort x High Wind, AQHA) when she was just 3 years old. She had just stood champion filly for her age group at a show in Spanish Fork, Utah. Lew liked her balance and conformation. Bred by Leo Stanton of Salt Lake City, Utah, Spanish Viento was owned by Melvin Herbert of West Bountiful, Utah, when Lew watched her victory at that Spanish Fork show. By the end of her fourth year, Lew purchased Spanish Viento and began to show her regionally.
A versatile mare who showed mostly before the ApHC points system existed, Spanish Viento earned points in cutting, western pleasure and halter. She also competed in working cow horse and reining, often placing above other breeds in open shows. In a 1991 interview with Appaloosa Journal, Lew said a company that tested horses for balance and correctness once took measurements of the mare. Out of 15,000 horses of all breeds tested, Spanish Viento proved the best, according to the company’s methods.
Spanish Viento’s foals excelled in halter and performance, just like their dam. She produced 10 foals, the last eight of which were by Hall of Famer The Executive. Her leading point earners included The Covergirl, Jr. Executive and The Secretary. Her foals earned a total of 391 performance points, 52.5 halter points, 13 registers of merit, 12 bronze medallions and two superior achievement certificates.
Spanish Viento produced her last foal, The Immigrant, in July 1990 and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.
