I get the question quite often “why did you get an Andalusian?” Most of the time I say something like “ I just like the way they look” and leave it at that. But I can tell you exactly the time when the desire to have a Spanish horse started. It was 2004 during my 10 week Parelli school course.
Toward the end of the course when we started learning about finesse my instructor showed us a dressage round from the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez Spain. The horse and rider that captured my imagination was Rafael Soto and his Andalusian horse Invasor. That performance so inspired me that I asked if I could watch it again.
From that point on I probably watched that clip at least twice a day until the end of my course. I burned it into my mind. What it did for me was that it changed the picture in my mind and gave me something to aspire to. I can honestly say that I am no where close to that picture and may never be but at least I have a picture in my mind of where I would like to go. That was the time my fascination with the Spanish horse began.
Here’s what I want you to take away from this…
Find something that inspires you and burn that picture into your mind. Who knows, you might find yourself becoming more and more like your picture.
Here is a video I found on youtube of Rafael and Invasor. This is not the same as the one I watched but it is still great. Enjoy!
Rafael and Invasor
Please leave a comment below. Just click on the word that says comments and you will be able to see all the comments and make one of your own.
Jerry
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Leave A Reply (9 comments So Far)
Nicole Phoenix
910 days ago
Jerry, that was beautiful. I get the “Why Andalusian?” question a lot too. I just shrug. If they can’t see it, they never will. My common response is, “If it ain’t baroque, don’t ride it!!” hahaha.
Beautiful video. Thank you for sharing!
Christine Wertz
969 days ago
HI Jerry,
Thanks so much for sharing your Blog with us. What incredible inspiration! I have been browsing through, watching the videos and reading your stories for over an hour, just enjoying every moment:) Congradulations on your new partner ‘Presence’! I can only imagine the value she places in your calm, confident, leadership energy!… I remember that game of musical chairs at the center…very impressive:)
Jim, Julia and I will be looking forward to seeing you and Bonnie at Forever Spring Farm!
Colleen
1248 days ago
Poetry in motion, very beautiful to watch. I too have a mental image and that is the dvd of Lauren? riding River with Pat giving some instuction when she thought she might use River as her dressage horse for the 08 Games. That dvd brings tears to my eyes it is beautiful, River moves with such grace and lightness!!! Love the blog Jerry keep up the great work!!
Merry Christmas to you and your family!!
P.S. I would like to hear the story on Kahn? How did he get the scar?
Colleen
Tina
1254 days ago
I, too, have a soft spot for Iberian breeds. They have so much innate dignity and class. They’re more truly “horse” than many other less-pure breeds. *sigh* Someday!
Rebecca Sharpe
1255 days ago
Jerry,
I am so glad that you shared this… Thank you so much with your help on not losing focus on the never ending goals… I would love to see the video again on the 2002 World Games… It was magical
Joy
1257 days ago
WOW!!! That is FANTASTIC. I would love to have such harmony with my horses, but I know this comes with lots of hard work and dedicated hours…..it’s that degree that makes all the difference. I am a firm believer in dream charts, the more you see your dream the easier it will be to make that dream a reality.
Jerry this is a really cool blog, keep it up and hope you can make it to New Zealand some time (a really beutiful part of the world)
Have a blessed Christmas
Joy
Jessica
1266 days ago
Jerry,
Thanks so much for sharing!
I too have (a rather unrealistic) mental picture of riding bareback and bridleless across pastures and beaches and in perfect harmony with my mare. Hmmm…that’ll be a while, if ever! But it’s my motivation and helps me to remember to be even lighter than my lightest so when it comes time to take away the reins, true harmony will result.
Oh, the little mare I play with, Jasmine, had her baby on Nov. 18th. She had a little filly and she’s a fireball!! My mom and I imprinted her and are learning LOTS!! We’re having a great time! Hopefully, you can come and see her sometime.
Savvy on and Merry Christmas!
~Jessica Adams
Kelleen
1266 days ago
Beautiful! I love the flying lead changes on the circle. The half passes were amazing, as was the extension at the canter – WOW.
After passing Level 2, I began taking dressage lesson with my levels horse George. My instructor would ride him using a fraction of the aids I was using with amazing results, simply to give me a mental picture of what he and I were capable of achieving. You have also done this when you have played with Frankie, showing me how less effort can yield better results. I hold these mental pictures in my mind to guide me. Sometimes it takes someone who is farther along to show us (and prove to us) what we have the potential to achieve. Images can be a powerful tool!
Marcia
1267 days ago
Wow! What harmony! I have two mental pictures for myself; one for freestyle, and one for finesse.