The horses that whisper to men

Discover each corner of the school.

You'll know about Jerez de la Frontera because of MotoGP, the wines and its flamenco neighbourhood. But have you ever visited the equestrian school? The city has a unique venue: the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art. It was founded in 1973 although it did not become ” Royal” until June 1987, when Juan Carlos I had the honour of attending the exhibition in person.

Would you like to know more? The complex itself is splendid. At first sight just as you enter you'll be fascinated by the incredible gardens surrounding the facilities, which include numerous exotic plants and a majestic fountain in the centre. Then there's the Palacio del Recreo de las Cadenas, a beautiful example of 19th century French architecture and an ideal venue for all kinds of events.

To the left, the Picadero. A typical example of Andalusian architecture, bathed in ochre (so-called pipeclay) and pure white. It is the ideal place to watch riders training with their horses. Next to that there is the Saddle Shop, where harnesses are repaired and made.

And finally, the stables, an octagonal building made up of five stables. This is where there is most activity have before and after the exhibition. Although not fully open to visitors, access is allowed to the Saddle Room in the centre. The wooden interior with all the harnesses and saddles hanging there makes quite an impressive sight.

Let's dance! A genuine equestrian exhibition.

After a cultural visit around the area, you finally get to see what you really came for: the exhibition. The show is called "How Andalusian horses dance", and consists of an equestrian ballet set to Spanish music with the participants dressed up in 18th century costumes.

The spectacle is structured around choreography from classic dressage, the technique of breaking in horses and other elements of traditional horse riding. You'll be able to observe the intense connection between the rider and the horse, a genuine relationship based on trust and skill. Come and visit Jerez, because it's better to enjoy it with your own eyes.

And you still haven't seen everything. You still have to see most of our cultural heritage. The Equestrian Art Museum and the Horse-Drawn Carriage Museum will help you understand the world of horse-riding just a little bit better.

Strolling through the streets of Jerez.

The best complement to this experience is to be found in the town itself: its historical heritage. First visit, the cathedral which hardly goes unnoticed. Second visit, as essential as the first: any of the world famous wine cellars.

In the old town you'll also find the Fortress, the Mosque, the Church of San Miguel and the Church of San Marcos. And while you're at it, you can include a stroll through the streets while enjoying a few tapas in the Plaza del Arenal.