La Real Escuela Andaluza Del Arte Ecuestre

13 December, 2007

The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is located in Jerez de la Frontera, about half-way between Sevilla and Conil de la Frontera, was founded in 1973 and is dedicated to the training of horsemen, dressage, and breeding of Cartajuna horses.

Here is a profile shot that illustrates the features of the breed.

It is known that this breed of horse probably existed in the Iberian Peninsula as far back as 3,000 years ago, in the 4th century BC. It was praised by Aristotle and later by other historians such as Plinio the Elder, Virgil and Columela. The Iberian horse was famous and renowned throughout the world, and was thus exported in order to crossbreed with other breeds beyond Spain's frontiers.

During his reign, Felipe II planned the improvement of the then existing Spanish stock, sparing no efforts in his venture, this great labour achieving enormous success in the selection of the Pure Thoroughbred Spanish Horse. Concerning the same, the Grand Master of horse-riding François Robichon de la Guernière stated "All writers have always given preference to the Spanish horse and considered to be the best of all horses for the arena, due to its agility, resourcefulness and natural rhythm. It has been esteemed the most appropriate for the arena, for displays and parades, for its poise, grace and nobility; and even more suitable for war on a day of action, both for its great spirit and docility". And adds: "the Spanish Horse is the most fitting to be mounted by a King on occasions of triumph".

The Spanish horse was the most highly appreciated in Europe for several centuries and it is easy to see portraits of the age where Kings and nobles appear mounted upon Spanish horses. This information on the breed is drawn from the school's interesting website.

To access the various parts of the site, in English, click on the British flag at the lower right "Skip introduction". This should kick you into the English language version. If you prefer Spanish, click on "Saltar Presentacion" - accent on last syllable. Once in the site on the left-hand top click on "Presentation" for more on the history and also for the photo gallery. There is also a section on training - so for the horse aficionados there is lots of information.

These are highly bred, spirited horses that nonetheless react well to intensive training, allowing them to with time excel at dressage. Unfortunately no photos can be taken during the incredible 2 hour show, How the Andalusian Horses Dance, which runs each Tuesday and Thursday at noon hour so we are relying on digital images that we purchased at the school. None of the purchased images actually covers the show but some images illustrate certain aspects. This is unfortunate because the precision, symmetry, musicality, and discipline of both horses and riders are spellbinding. Sometimes as many as 10 horses and riders are in the ring at one time so the need for each of these learned skills is paramount. In fact the horse and riders in the show are more synchronized than those in this posed picture.

Perhaps this captures more of the action and precision of the show. With the mane knotted and hanging on the opposite side you can see one of the breed’s features, a short thick, strong neck.

Equally attention grabbing is the spectacle of two teams of 4 horses pulling buggies, often in such tight circles that the inner two horses, especially that back one, is sidestepping rather than moving forward as they complete turns up to 360 degrees. All of this is taking place in a relatively small area, approximately 20 meters wide by 60 meters long (60 feet by 180 feet).(1)

The school is located on the grounds of what was once El Palacio del Recreo de las Cadenas (the recreation, or perhaps vacation, palace) begun in 1864 by King Francisco de Asis de Borbón. Although there is a royal box in the stadium and

the riders give a salute to the box, the palace is not occupied by royalty. It can be booked for conferences, dinners, weddings etc. How about marrying off your daughter here, riding in a buggy drawn by these beautiful horses and then enjoying a reception in the opulence of this Louis XV style palace?

We will leave you with a picture of this stunning leap, a number of which can be seen during the show.

Jerez de la Frontera is a big city, and difficult to navigate in. Perhaps it is easier for Europeans to find their way by car without street signs and periodic indications of direction. For example, we were told by the school to follow signs for the city center and that we would see signs for the school. In the final analysis we saw one sign for the school, about 3 blocks from it. Luckily a friendly cashier in a gas station responded to Roger’s Spanish and the mention that we were from Canada with a big smile and the international thumb to forefinger sign of approval and the comment “ooohhh Caaaanada” and gave us excellent directions that got us to the right side of the downtown and the right major street. From there a lady at a bus stop was able to direct us to the correct turn about 4 blocks on, where we finally saw the first and only sign for the school. So for two Canadians IN A MOTORHOME big cities are rarely easy. And that’s a real shame because larger European cities often have more examples of historical buildings and spaces, as well as more cultural opportunities. For example, 4 blocks from the Real Escuela is one of the centers of Flamenco. But we will probably have to miss it. Once you get your motorhome into the city center you might be able to find day-time parking as long as you don’t get into the narrow-streets of the “old city” but you will not be able to legally park overnight. In fact in the places we have been able to day-park in big cities we would not feel safe parking overnight. As for the Flamenco cultural experience, the Flamenco group of Conil will fortunately be performing after our Christmas dinner on 20 December and we will get to be a part of that.