Jerez de la Frontera: Andalusian Horse Dance and Museums

Marvel at the equestrian skills of Spanish horses and riders at a unique "How the Andalusian Horses Dance" ballet at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez de la Frontera. Accompanied by quintessential Spanish music and 18th-century style costumes, the choreography uses movements based on classical dressage, Doma Vaquera, and traditional equestrian chores.

The horses carry out advanced exercises to classical music. Each show consists of 6-8 different choreographies such as "The Colts," Airs on Horseback," Pas de Deux," Passage and Piaffer," "Domino on Horseback," Airs Above the Ground" and "Fantasy." See the horses demonstrate their ability to draw carriages which were originally used for transport, but are now used for sport and exhibitions, using classical harnesses and driven by coachmen who dexterously demonstrate their skills. See classical "Haute École" dressage exercises, such as levades, caprioles, courbettes, piaffe (between pillars), and the Spanish walk. Watch the group of horses and riders perform advanced equestrian exercises in unison, providing a fitting end to the performance.

The entrance into the premises is through the Visitor Reception Centre, where you will find a digital cinema where you can see a spectacular audio-visual presentation of the history of equestrian art in Andalusia, until 11:00 AM. This area leads into the gardens, which contain a great variety of exotic plants. The Palace itself rises majestically above the gardens and is a beautiful example of 19th Century architecture. 

In the basement, find the Museum of Equestrian Art, which consists of 11 rooms where you will discover the origins and history of equestrian art and the horse in Andalusia. Admire the Saddlery, the place where the harnesses are made and repaired. The Carriage Museum marks the end of your journey where you will see harnesses and equestrian costumes.