MIRIAM FRENK

THE INTERNATIONAL ANDALUSIAN HORSE EXPERTS

Miriam@miriamfrenk.net

Tel: +34 609 55 28 17

Fax: +34 91 345 41 58

SOME ADVICE FOR THE NEW ANDALUSIAN  HORSE OWNER

Here are some important tips for first-time Andalusian horse owners. This advice is not specifically meant for any particular horse or client - and yes, some of the contents may make you smile! 

 - Andalusian horses mature late, towards their sixth year so if you have purchased a horse under five years of age , remember he should not be worked hard to prevent serious long-term injury to his joints.  Pre horses have very active minds and are willing to please their riders so they may offer you more intensive and advanced movements than required.  Be careful that by accepting their generous offer, you do not risk  their long-term health and soundness.  

- Generally speaking, horses in Spain are not worked hard, so make sure the horse’s work programme is increased gradually.  

- If your horse’s feet have tall heels do not drastically lower them as Andalusian horses have a different shape of foot to the warmblood or thoroughbred.

If the feet are narrow, ask your farrier to put wider shoes on, thereby inviting the foot to broaden over a period of time. 

- Andalusian horses are tough individuals but are more prone to laminitis than other large breeds.   Take care to balance feeding with their work regime. However this does not mean that you have to keep them on a permanent diet!  

 In Spain we like the horses to be round and fairly fat and as a result slim Andalusians look a bit strange to us. PRE horses  raised in Spain  will have been used to eating a considerable amount of cereals and therefore adjustments to their diet must be made gradually to avoid physical and psychological problems.   

-          Like any other  equine some Andalusians can also get stressed due to the extended relocation journey and consequently behave in an unexpectedly wild way on arrival.  Therefore, and just in case, prepare your stabling before your Spanish horse arrives.  The lower stable door should be of sufficient height to restrain the horse and a full or weaving grid fixed above is recommended to ensure there is no risk of injury should the horse try to get out of the stable.  If the horse is very upset on arrival it is advisable to ask your vet to administer  a sedative  

 However your horse travels, make sure he is comfortable on arrival,  make a fuss of him and give him time to settle into his new environment over the following few days. Do not start ridden work, until the horse has fully adjusted. Daily exercise on the lunge  and walk in hand to get familiar with the new surroundings are of course necessary.  

-  Once the horse has settled in his new routine, worm him, have his teeth checked and investigate with the former owners when the next flu and tetanus vaccinations are due.  If this information is not available it is wise to opt for starting the vaccination process again - just in case.

 -  In Spain the majority of stallions will not have been turned out in a paddock since they were youngsters,  nor will their digestive tracts be used to any quantity of grass.  Therefore, like all good equine management, make changes gradually by slowly and carefully increasing the time in the paddock over a period of time.  A smaller field with high fencing (Andalusian horses can seriously jump!) Will ensure the continued safety and prevention of injury to your Spanish horse.

 - The conformation of the Pure Bred Spanish horse requires an adjustment of the training methods used for warmbloods or thoroughbreds.  You will achieve the greatest success with your  PRE horse  if you select a reputable trainer who has experience producing the Iberian type of horse. 

  For example too much use of the long and low outline necessary for the warmblood will disengage a Spanish horse and place his balance on his forehand. 

 Incidentally Miriam Frenk is also available to take clinics abroad should you need some assistance with the training of your new purchase.

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