Momentarily, the arena becomes filled with breathtaking elegance as horses and riders put on an astounding performance of classical dressage and doma vaquera – which involves making horses dance to traditional Spanish music – all within an intricately choreographed show.
Even the horses appear to enjoy this performance, evident by how they sway and shake their heads during it. Don’t miss it; this show won’t disappoint.
The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art
The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art (Real Escuela Andaluza del Arte Ecuestre or RAE) is an esteemed international institution known for its thrilling performances at its riding arena situated adjacent to Jerez de la Frontera’s 19th century Palacio de Las Cadenas – both locally and abroad. As an invaluable repository of classical Andalusian heritage and an active proponent, RAE serves both as an indispensable repository and promoter.
The main activity takes place in a riding arena, while other facilities serve to educate and train students of equestrian arts. Doma Vaquera (a discipline derived from traditional cattle herding) teaches riders to control their horses by trotting first before breaking into gallop mode; Classical Dressage trains students of more advanced exercises.
This unique organization comprises an intricate network dedicated to horses and their culture. This network includes a training center, veterinary clinic, aspirant’s house, saddlery shop and carriage museum. Furthermore, an academic program for riders provides academic studies related to breeding, coach driving, farriery and saddlery among other topics.
The Riding School is one of the four “Big Four” of classical equestrian arts worldwide – alongside Vienna’s Spanish Riding School, Portugal’s Escola Portuguesa de Arte Ecuestre at Queluz and France’s Cadre Noir in Saumur. However, its primary mission remains teaching people how to effectively communicate with and train horses in an ethical and natural manner.
The ‘Doma Vaquera’
Doma vaquera is the riding style employed by cattle herders in Spain, commonly referred to as ‘vaqueros’. This technique requires an responsive horse capable of herding cattle into separate fields while working fighting bulls from horseback. Doma vaquera has become a competitive sport within Spain with special judges and arenas dedicated to testing riders; additionally it has evolved into an increasingly popular form of dressage known as working equitation.
A wooden pole, known as a ‘garrocha’ is used to signal instructions and signals to horses during exercises, and herd cattle in fields. This discipline requires superior horsemanship skills as well as strong bond between horse and rider. Although PRE horses (purebred Spanish horses) are most often utilized, other breeds may also be utilized.
Garrocha was originally limited to professional cowboys, and true “garrachistas” dedicated their entire lives to perfecting this discipline and its techniques. Although not an easy endeavor, becoming a master garrachista takes time. Balance, collection and communication between rider and mount must all be established over time before performing this art form can truly showcase Spanish horses to their fullest extent – leaving an indelible memory on those witnessing its grace.
The ‘Como bailan los caballos andaluces’
Over centuries, Andalusian horses have played a pivotal role in creating European and American horses, featuring traits which make it solid, trustworthy and stable animals. Recently however, however, training methods for Andaluz horses in equestra have changed considerably, with less focus placed on traditional “doma vaquera” training practices being employed by trainers.
Now, the ‘Como bailan los caballos andaluces’ show is one of the most renowned equestrian ballet shows in Spain. Featuring white tack and an ensemble cast of talented horses performing intricate maneuvers under its command, as well as acrobatics set against classical Spanish music, this show boasts one of the greatest audiences around!
Shows offer an unforgettable way to appreciate the splendor of Andalusian horses while learning more about ecuestre riding techniques used by riders.
The “Como Bailan Los Caballos” is an authentic ecuestre ballet and an ideal way to witness traditional Spanish equestrian art in action. Held before lunchtime, this show provides the ideal way to experience authentic Spanish culture. For more information and tickets booking call the number listed on their official website of Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art; or alternatively you can book them directly by phoning up directly.
The ‘Dancing Stallions’
Have you ever experienced a dancing horse show (also known as Doma Vaquera)? It is truly remarkable – horses move gracefully to traditional Spanish music while riders perform intricate choreography, creating an impressive spectacle of power and grace that you won’t soon forget!
An ability for horses to dance comes from long hours spent training them, including conditioning exercises like long reins work, circling and dressage that strengthen its back, legs, balance and obedience.
These exercises resemble classical dressage in nature and involve exercises such as the levade, capriole and courbette ridden without stirrups; horse must complete movements several strides above ground. One particularly challenging movement is school quadrille which involves eight riders working in formation at walk, trot and canter performing flying changes, pirouettes and the half pass.
Even in spite of the rain and freezing cold, thousands of people braved it all to attend Industry Hills Expo Center’s Feria Del Caballo En Espanol event held every four months and featuring daytime competitions as well as nighttime horse-dancing displays.
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