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The famous Andalusian horse training school in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain.

Andalusian horses

This, too, is part of Panama's heritage

photos and article by Gaenor Speed

The Real Escuela Andaluza de Arte Ecuestre is located in Jerez de la  Frontera in Cadiz province, Spain.

These world famous Andalusian dancing horses are stabled and trained in the botanical garden grounds of a 19th century palace.  The covered arena was designed by architect José Luis Ricado as were the five octagon shaped stables of 12 boxes each which are set around the tack room. Each horse has  various sets of his own tack and equipment.

The horses, all stallions, are in supurb condition and train 20 minutes every day with a 10-minute exercise walk before and after.

I visited the school on a training day. The arena was hushed, the audience mesmerized as the large muscled, shiny, light stepping animals went through their routine, not always getting it right, but with one trainer at his side and another observing, being patiently corrected.  An unforgettable experience.

The school, now a foundation, also has training courses for riders, coachmen, harness makers, vererinary clinic auxiliaries and grooms.

                       The Tack Room --- each horse has his own equipment

The all-time champion and his one and only rider