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Hi List ! Found this post today on an Andalusian list. As many know, the Spanish take their horses to unbelievible levels of behavior, preformance and training. I find this kind of thinking rare in the US, and refreshing, compared to the notion that 2 yr olds should be started, finished and out showing, breeding ect. Lisa * In traditional Spain a horse is called a 'foal' uptill the age of 7. Nothing is expected of the horse untill then. Andalusians are mature (physically and mentally) at 8. If people can wait untill then (which we find hard in the fast West) a Andalussian can easily reach the age of 30 end even older in good health and usability. I own a 3 1/2 year old Andalusian stallion. We now do a little groundwork. The coming year(s) we'will start walking extensively. Building up muscles, balance, stability and courage (walking is the most effective way of muscle build-up). When he is 5 I will start riding him. Only for very short periods, with sufficient intervals in between. Basis will be the classic (old spanish dressage, which basically is gymnastics aimed at building backmuscles and balance). When is is 7 we will start on the longer trails. By that time we might also use him in breeding. For me 'being' with 'my' horse and accepting him and myself as we are (without some kind Disneyfied stereotype of how things 'should' look) is the essence of horsemanship. My ultimate goal: that both are individualities understand each other so perfectly, that just thinking a turn to the ride will cause this turn. Rgds, Kees de Bruijn ---
