General information
Destination | Category |
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Jerez de la Frontera, Spain | Sightseeing Tours |
Program details
World renowned due to the top class “How the Andalusian Horses Dance" show, The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Foundation is able to share an insight in to the incredible work it has achieved during this spectacular show. You’ll be treated to authentic Spanish music, 18th century style dress and charming and captivating choreography which is made up of classic dressage (doma vaquero) and daily chores of traditional equestrian work. You will get to see all this and much more first-hand on this enchanting and educational day.
Highlights- Become acquainted with equestrian heritage and history at its finest
- Admire the nineteenth century palace and luscious gardens
- Peruse around The Carriage Museum and The Museum of Equestrian Art which exhibit an array of equestrian artefacts
Short Tour
Start off by walking through the Visitor Reception and being led in to the cinema where you’ll get to grips with much of the history surrounding the history of equestrian art in Andalusia.
When you head through the premises you’ll be surrounded by wondrous gardens which have a whole host of exotic plants. The fabulous fountain takes centre stage in the thick of the flora. The palace still has much of its original décor so you’ll get more than you fair share of culture.
The Museum of Equestrian Art which is located in the basement provides more than enough opportunity to find out all about the origin of the equestrian art and of the horses as well. After all of that you’ll be able to wander around where they make and repair the harnesses by hand by an experienced team of craftsmen and women.
As you carry on meandering around the grounds you’ll come across the “Picadero” which still has the traditional Andalusian style which is made up of the deep yellow tones that come from the albero sand along with the bright white seen and used on Andalusian houses. Big enough to fit 1600 people, this is by far the best place to get a look at the daily training in which the horses and riders are a part of.
You’ll end this epic journey in The Carriage Museum where you’ll be able to admire the multitude of costumes, vehicles, harnesses and of course last but by no means least the horses themselves.
Full Tour
You shall enjoy all of the aforementioned parts of the short tour plus you have the chance to go it alone and walk around at your own pace. Additionally in between the “Picadero” and The Carriage Museum you can explore the massive stables which is an octagonal complex made up of five stables and you will see our most emblematic horses in all their glory. If you are eager to know even more about what happens day to day you can take a peek inside the tack room as well.
The Show
The show is broken up in to anything between six and eight splendid sections (depending on the day) and lasts for an hour and a half.
Quintessential Spanish music fills the air in this truly Andalusian arena. Doma Vaquera kick-starts the show and this is based on cattle herding. The horseman rides his horse around the arena using just one hand, beginning with a trot which becomes a gallop and showcasing perfect pirouettes and amazing arreones.
Then comes: Classical dressage. The horses perform top notch tricks and exercises to beautiful classical music. The Colts, Airs on Horseback, Pas de Deux, Passage and Piaffe, Domino on Horseback, Airs above the ground and Fantasy are just a few of the different types of choreography that are on offer.
Up next: Carriage driving. Originally intended as a means of transport, this art form is one to be marveled at. The drivers conduct the coaches with such care and eloquence it is a real treat to share such an experience with them.
Next on to: Work in hand. Levades, caprioles, courbettes, piaffe (between pillars), the Spanish walk and long reins are all to be seen in this section of the show. It’s remarkable that the hoses obey their riders with utmost respect even when the riders are not in the saddle; this section best showcases this discipline.
To top it off: Caroussel. Top quality skills are demonstrated in unison by the horses and riders simultaneously. This really puts the icing on the cake!
Start/opening time
For the exhibition: at 12 pm.
Arrive 30 minutes in advance to collect your tickets (they will be exchanged for your vouchers)
End/closing time: 1pm. For visits it is open from 10am to 2pm. Last entry at 12.30pm.
Other
Reduced admission for those over 65, people with reduced mobility or the with European youth pass (under 26 years).
Redeem informationVoucher type: Printed
Printed Voucher. Print and bring the voucher to enjoy the activity.
LocationStarting point: Av. Duque de Abrantes, s/n - 11407 - JEREZ DE LA FRONTERA - ES
End point: Same as starting point