Meet our horse family. Much more than a business the horses are our way of life. Their wellbeing, care and training is our highest priority. When not working the horses live as a herd in a free, happy and natural environment.

The horses enjoy their work, like being with people and are a pleasure to ride.

PRE

Pure bred Andalucian (PRE) and Andalucian Arab or Sport horse crosses, ranging from 145cm (14.3 hands) to 165cm (16.1 hands). Most of the horses come to us as youngsters and most of them stay with us for life. They have been carefully selected for their good natures (a trait of the Spanish horse) and endurance.

Happy Horses

The horses are fit, happy and strong, they lead a happy and healthy life, when not working they are out together as a herd in the home paddock or free on the mountain pastures.  In the yard, each horse has its own loose box for the colder winter nights or hot summer days.  As a result, they are not sour, they work well as a team and enjoy being with people.

Correctly Started

When bringing in new horses ideally we prefer for them to be un-broken and un-handled, so ensuring that they are correctly started. This initial contact and ground work is essential for a good future working relationship with people.

Most of the horses have been started, backed and schooled by Mordecai Love.  Mordecai trained in Portugal as a classical dressage rider and has dedicated his life to working with horses. In addition to his passion for classical dressage, he is also very interested in Western training techniques.

Time and Patience

A confident and happy horse is a safer horse and a better trail companion.
The horses are usually backed and started between 4 and 5 years of age, it is important they are self-confident and physically strong before commencing with any schooling or trail work.  Normally the horses do not start trekking with clients until they are at least 7 years of age.

Most of the horses have basic classical training helping to keep them supple and strong, so enabling them to carry our weight with balance and comfort. They are light, responsive and forward going, enjoy their work and like being with people.

These are not the average riding school or trail horse, but well bred and schooled horses, responsive and fun to ride. One of the most frequent comments from riders is that the quality and schooling of the horses far exceeded their highest expectations.

Individual Characters

There is a selection of horses to suit different riding levels and great care is taken in the selection of horses according to the riding abilities and preferences of each individual.

We keep about 22 horses and each one has its own personality, each special in its own way. Knowing very well their different characters is essential in matching horse to rider.

The Horses:

  • ALHENDIN, gelding 1,65cm (16.1 hands)
  • CAPITAN Hispano/Arab gelding 1.52cm (15 hands)
  • KINDER. PRE gelding 1.56 (15.1 hands)
  • TANQUE Andaulsian Gelding 15.3 Hands/155cm
  • CAMPERO PRE 165cm (16.2 hands)
  • ZALAMERO PRE 164 cm (16.1 hands)
  • APOLO PRE Gelding 16hands/163cm
  • GARBANCITO Hispanobreton gelding 15 hands/152cm
  • Mateo, PRE Gelding 15.3 Hands/155cm
  • DILAR HISPANOT/BRETON mare - 162 cm (16 hands)
  • JALEO Andalusian Gelding 16.1 Hands/164cm
  • RED Lusitano/Quarter Horse Gelding 156 cm (15.3 hands )
  • MAYO - PRE gelding - 158cm (15.3 hands)
  • TELLO - ANDALUCAIN Gelding - 152 cm (15 hands)
  • VALENTINO - PRE - 1.55cm (15.3 hands)
  • SOBERANO PRE Gelding 164 cm (16.1 hands)
  • MELENAS Andalusian/Arab Gelding 163 cm (16 hands)
  • CHICO Andalusian/Arab Gelding 163 cm (16 hands)

The Andalusian

Also known as the Pure Spanish Horse or PRE (pura raza española), is a horse breed from the Iberian Peninsula, where its ancestors have lived for thousands of years.

History of the PRE

The Andalusian has been recognised as a distinct breed since the 15th century, and its conformation has changed very little over the centuries. Throughout its history, it has been known for its prowess as a war horse, and was prized by the nobility. The breed was used as a tool of diplomacy by the Spanish government, and kings across Europe rode and owned Spanish horses.

Conformation

Strongly built, and compact yet elegant, Andalusians have long, thick manes and tails. Their most common coat colour is grey, although they can be found in many other colours. They are known for their intelligence, sensitivity and docility.

The noblest horse in the world, the most beautiful that can be. He is of great spirit and of great courage and docile; hath the proudest trot and the best action in his trot, the loftiest gallop, and is the lovingest and gentlest horse, and fittest of all for a king in his day of triumph.

William Cavendish, the Duke of Newcastle, 1667