Our Trail horses

Our horses grow up to 4 years free in large herds in the corals. Mostly in winter the serious side of life begins - they are driven into boxes, learning what halters are and get accustomed in our Roundpen to cart-loads and training. Since they had the connection to the herd and were living in a natural ranking, they are fixed relatively fast on humans and learn daily in addition. Soon we can work with them at the large riding place and let them get used to saddles and riders.

At the beginning they are ridden with a combination of snaffle and bridle, which then are changed however against a loose Hackemore, as soon as they know the basic assistance. Also they are only a short time in the boxes and then come again together into the coral. Now they become acquainted with the environment of the Finca, go along in the group on easy rides, getting reliance by the experienced horses and increasing their endurance and musculature on easy climbing scales. It is amazing how cool and experienced they are after a few months - a basis they gained in our breeding and the achieved confidence into the group and the rider.

Now they have at least one year time to develop their equilibrium on rides in the surroundings of the finca with experienced riders. Andalusians are late bloomers and evolve until they are seven years old. One should not expect too much in their younger years if, in the long term, healthy horses of a high endurance are expected. When they are having the proper condition, are diligent and enjoy work, we take them to the beach or to the 2-day-trail, where they get used to our lorry and other corals. It depends on each and every one of them how long it takes to escort us on their first trails. So they are gaining their first experiences partly being ridden, partly coming along loosely, always being attached carefully and getting their recreational breaks at the finca.

Also the, in peak condition, older route horses are controlled and get holidays, if we notice that they need it, or participate at easier trails. There are not only the long distances on partially very difficult area, but also the gift to adjust themselves again and again to their riders and to build up a personal relationship with them, which makes them really special partners. It is not only the condition and riding ability, which constitute an experienced route horse, but also their flexibility - they grow up for example on the Finca with mineral water and have to get used on the daily routes to other water sources. You often see inexperienced horses "dance around" at the breaks; meanwhile the older ones relax or take a nap. It is amazing to see them every time - after work is done and they are going home - push into the lorry.

In all those years we worked with our horses, experiencing each day completely different situations, our respect for them constantly grew and, however, they surprise us again and again. They are partners, which give so much and require very few.
If you get to know them, you will appreciate them!