| The idea of dancing horses may seem both novel and | | | | During training the horse must be relaxed at all times. |
| strange to some people. Many animals "dance" | | | | The movements to be learned are broken down into a |
| especially as part of the courtship ritual. Just like with | | | | series of steps. The trainer does not compel the horse |
| us there can be a very strong link between dance and | | | | to do anything it does not want to do. It's efforts are |
| sexuality. At shows such events for our canine friends | | | | always rewarded. One characteristic natural |
| are becoming common place. Dogs while entertaining | | | | movement of the Andalusian horse is to throw it's |
| and enthusiastic performers lack both the grace and | | | | forelegs in an outward arc before putting its hooves to |
| sophistication of the dancing horse. | | | | the ground. This movement is very "balletic". In Spain |
| The exponents par excellence of this equestrian art | | | | this action is greatly appreciated whereas in England it |
| are the horses of Andalusia. Along with the Arab and | | | | is frowned upon. |
| Thoroughbred they are the aristocrats of the horse | | | | One of the principle exponents of this art form in Spain |
| world. Roman writers noted the excellent quality of the | | | | is the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in |
| Spanish native stock. The Moors then cross bred them | | | | Jerez de la Frontera. the school occupies an |
| with their own Arab and Berber breeds which were | | | | impressive villa. It is here that the pure breed |
| later to influence most American and European breeds | | | | Andalusian thoroughbreds learn their high precision |
| of horse. | | | | ballets. |
| The Lippizaners of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna | | | | The school regularly holds shows for the general public. |
| are direct descendants of the Andalusian horse. | | | | "How the Andalusian Horses Dance" combines |
| This horse is prized for its elegance, proud head | | | | choreography, classical flamenco and the Andalusian |
| carriage, short arched neck, silky flowing mane, | | | | equestrian tradition into a breathtaking show. The |
| compact body and harmonious proportions. It is | | | | equestrian ballet is accompanied by traditional Spanish |
| customary in Spain to clip the mare's manes. Only the | | | | music with the riders wearing eighteenth century |
| stallions are allowed to keep their long flowing manes. | | | | costumes. |
| Nearly half of all Andalusian horses are either grey or | | | | There is a demonstration of Doma Vaquera the |
| white. The remainder are bay or black. Chestnuts or | | | | "cowboy" type of dressage of a practical nature used |
| piebalds are excluded from the stud book. | | | | in the countryside to herd cattle. The show includes a |
| These horses are gifted with great intelligence | | | | performance of classical dressage with pieces with |
| combined with an affectionate and gentle nature.It is | | | | names such as "The Foals", "Two Step" and "Three |
| considered to be the Dressage and Carriage horse | | | | Step". |
| par excellence. | | | | Another section includes carriage driving, and hand |
| The Andalusian marshes in particular provide the | | | | control where the horse obeys instructions from its |
| animals with nutritious pastures.This fact and the | | | | rider on the ground. The highlight of the show is the |
| excellent climate contribute to the successful breeding | | | | Carousel where a group of horses and their riders, |
| of this horse. | | | | carry out synchronized advanced equitation exercises |
| The dancing horse combines sport with aesthetics. | | | | in the ring. |
| Dance training begins when the horse is still young | | | | It really is a beautiful sight to see the young women on |
| though physically strong and mature. It is essential that | | | | foot dancing Flamenco with their horses as their |
| the horse have a certain configuration and the right | | | | partners. The horse is directed and controlled by his |
| temperament. The movements they are taught are an | | | | rider who remains on foot. There is a wonderful |
| extension of the natural playful frolicking of the young | | | | interaction between horse and humans. |
| horse, and the "showing off" of the stallions as they try | | | | Don't miss an opportunity to see the dancing horses of |
| to impress a possible mate. | | | | Andalusia if you have the chance. |