When we visited Menorca in 2008, I was struck by the beautiful horses we saw in the countryside. We went to an equestrian show at the Son Martorellet stud and saw an amazing performance of dancing horses. The show told of the a young boy's dream to own a horse to ride in the fiestas, where he could join in the famous rearing dance amid the crowds of spectators. This was the main theme against which the gleaming black stallions performed intricate dressage movements, appearing to be dancing to the background music.
Right at the end, the arena went very empty and quiet for the entrance of Pegasus, the winged horse, ridden by a lovely princess, making a vision of white and silver loveliness together with the silver grey horse. They performed alone at first, before they were joined by the blacks for the grand finale.
We were told that the grey belonged to King Carlos of Spain, that he boarded the animal at Son Martorellet and had graciously allowed him to take part in the finale of the presentation. The whole show was a grand spectacle and the finale was the delicious icing on the cake.
Afterwards the stallions stood patiently and the audience members were invited to join them in the arena and take photos if they wished. I was able to get close enough to see the rich decoration of the tack and the High backs of the saddles that aid the riders to keep their seats during the rearing dance. But taking photographs was very difficult because of all the excited people milling around. Not many horses I've met would tolerate this, but the Menorcan stallions are obviously well used to being admired by crowds in the arena as well as on the streets of the towns and villages.
It was wonderful writing material and I have sold articles about it.
Original Articles. Constant-Content.
4 comments:
Now I see, it was the current Spanish king. I should know more things about Menorcan traditions, because the island is close to my home and culture. I wish I could fly there right now!
That is an amazing video. The horses look extra beautiful and graceful because of the things they can do.
Hi Josep. Menorca certainly makes for a great holiday.
Thank you Ratty. It's the first video I've ever posted. I thought I should use one here because it was quite hard to explain the show just with words. Hopefully the video and words add up to a better understanding. I was surprised at how easy it was to insert a video, so I might do a bit more of that now.
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