Jerez – Part Two

 

 

I think I’m done with ‘parts’. . . Boring .  So, I am going to start labeling the posts as something different. Right now we are in Tavira, Portugal (more on that later) but I still need to write some things about Jerez, although the weather here is super nice and it’s getting harder to find the motivation to write as opposed to eat, drink, and take in the ocean view. Anyway, this one will be about Horses, one of my favorite subjects, as the people at my ‘ex’ work will tell you.

One of the things that one needs to check out in Jerez is the Royal Andalusian Equestrian School, Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre, known the world over for its unique equestrian show entitled ‘How the Andalusian Horses Dance’.  It is a showcase of horsemanship which exhibits and summarises the work carried out by the institution since its establishment in 1973. We didn’t take in the evening show as the format and style are similar to the one we saw in Cordoba, but we did tour the ‘backend’ which gives some insights into the training, care, breeding, saddle and leather work, and general schooling of both the student and the horse.

 

 

First off, the horses are absolutely beautiful!  Athletic, with long flowing manes, they prance, dance, and move with mesmerizing grace. The Andalusian horse is bred for this type of movement and they make it look easy. The school itself gets many applicants but they only accept 6 students per year for a 4 year internship and in order to qualify you must pass some rigorous exams, in both theory and practice.  Oh, and you need to be between the ages of 16 to 24.  I guess that rules us out. It was very male dominated up until a few years ago but now there are a whole 7 female students there.  The cost seems reasonable, with each student required to donate €1000 per year only.  They must find their own accommodation though.

Located right in the city, the school grounds are a combination of lovely gardens, stables, and riding arenas with a stately 19th century palace for a centerpiece.  The original owners were wine merchants, but It became a horse facility after the place was abandoned.  Who the hell abandons a palace?  Guy probably drank too much sherry and wandered off?  I don’t know what an abandoned palace goes for these days but back then I’m guessin’ the new owners got it for less than the cost of a few months’ supply of Vancouver gasoline.

It was a very interesting few hours and if you like horse stuff, an absolute must see.  They allowed us to watch the training methods with the instructors guiding the students through some difficult exercises.  Gifted students and athletic horses all made it look easy.