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Cortijo leads fundraising effort for SOHA
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Philosophy
Our horses are our Oracles, and Oracles are not
prophecies, but projective tests in riddles. I like my horses brave, generous,
level headed, focused and with big hearts... this is the way that I also want to
be.
 Cortijo
De Los Angeles, was born from a dream, my dream on preserving intact and
spreading the traditional spirit of the Andalusian horse, his pride, his
movements, his generosity, his big heart... The universe of true horsemen has
chosen every breed of horse throughout history for its genetic virtues. These
virtues can never manifest themselves without the specialized training to
enhance them.
A young Andalusian colt which is raised in a stall as a pet, will never become
the noble Andalusian horse fit for a King to ride on his day of glory nor for a
child to ride on his first day to the fair.
In my view, in North America, (even in Spain,
where some trainers and riders do it for reasons purely materialistic), we are
forcing the Andalusian horse to perform in disciplines which are meant for other
breeds, in order to achieve ribbons...competitiveness lead the North American
world to fit the horse into categories which are not meant for him, even worse,
to change his physical characteristics, so he will fit better. Here, I will
reflect the thoughts of an admired friend: Hank Young, whose philosophy I share
and treasure. I have often been asked; "if there are only a few equestrian
disciplines in the USA which enhance the virtues of my Andalusian horse and I
undertake training him in one of the Spanish disciplines, where do I show him?
What can I do with him?"
Well, enter your local parades and, after you have done a few Spanish movements,
let your horse go over to some of those wide eyed children on the sidewalk and
let them touch the soft nose of that arrogant but noble beast you are riding.
Do exhibitions with music for the handicapped
children and for fundraisers. Perform during the intermission breaks of the
local dressage, rodeo and racing events. Ride in the fifth of July and Spanish
fiestas. Perform with the flamenco dancers and guitarists and perform with a
live symphony orchestra in one of their summer night outdoor performances.
You and your horse will not receive national championships, trophies or Rolex
watches, but you will receive a special place in Heaven with the noble
Andalusian horse, for you have presented the Andalusian in dignity and the
respect he deserves as a living legend of history. You will have inspired and
thrilled those less fortunate than yourself. You will have enlightened those who
see natural beauty over mechanical strength. You may not have beaten anyone in
competition, but given a lasting impression in the human minds, of the virtues
of the words most classic horse, the Spanish Andalusian Horse.
Yes, there is something more in our equestrian life with a horse other than
trying to be faster or jump higher than your fellow enthusiasts. So its heads up
high for you and your Andalusian horse and may the nobility and spirit of your
Andalusian be with you for life.
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