Epona Equestrian Center, a distinguished British Horse Society-approved facility nestled in the scenic Andalusian countryside near Seville, Spain, is dedicated to the art of horsemanship. Founded in 1985 by Fernando and Jane Garcia, the center, named after the Celtic goddess protector of horses, boasts a team of accredited instructors under the guidance of their daughter, Catalina “Caty” Garcia, the chief instructor. Another daughter, Viviana “Vivi” Garcia, an accomplished instructor and master trainer, specializes in the Pura Raza Española (P.R.E.), the noble Andalusian horse breed with roots tracing back to the 1500s. Vivi Garcia’s expertise was honed at the prestigious Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art in Jerez, where she trained under Rafael Soto, a seasoned Olympian.
Vivi Garcia’s training philosophy is deeply influenced by Soto’s teachings, emphasizing the critical importance of rhythm, balance, and straightness, alongside the fundamental principles of each gait. While she may not currently compete, her training methodology is geared towards competition, with many horses trained at Epona finding success in various equestrian events. A notable example is the P.R.E. stallion Marques XXXVI, whom Garcia trained for six months, including advanced movements like passage, piaffe, and flying changes, before he was sold to Rhea Scott in California. Marques XXXVI went on to earn the USDF Pura Raza Española Horse of the Year title in 2012 and was named Horse of the Year at Prix St. Georges in 2013 under rider Sabine Schut-Kery.
The Unique Qualities of the P.R.E. Horse
The P.R.E. horse is renowned for its strength, intelligence, and calm temperament. Typically standing between 16 and 17 hands, these horses possess a more compact build with a shorter back compared to many other breeds. Their conformation, characterized by a well-arched neck and a naturally proud carriage, makes them inherently suited for collection in dressage. Vivi Garcia notes that P.R.E.s are eager to please and possess a strong work ethic, learning quickly and being suitable for riders of all levels. However, she advises against overriding them, a common tendency among riders accustomed to breeds that are more difficult to collect, such as warmbloods. Overriding can cause Spanish horses to lose forward impulsion. Their sensitive and willing nature requires a more nuanced riding style; they often offer more than is asked, making sensitivity paramount. Garcia also highlights a remarkable characteristic of well-trained P.R.E.s: their continuous improvement over time. The natural movement and reach evident in their youth tend to expand and enhance as they mature, a trait particularly beneficial in movements like the half pass.
Developing Power and Suppleness in P.R.E.s
While P.R.E.s may not possess abundant natural power in their hindquarters, this can be significantly developed through consistent and correct training. Garcia emphasizes that every horse has the potential for improvement, often exceeding initial expectations. Proper training can lead to the development of muscle, power, and balance, transforming a P.R.E. into an exceptional dressage horse. The horse’s very appearance can change dramatically with dedicated training. Conversely, talented horses can falter due to inadequate training methods.
To cultivate hindquarter strength and musculature, Garcia relies heavily on lateral movements, which enhance elasticity and reach. Exercises such as shoulder-in and counter shoulder-in performed on a 20-meter circle are particularly effective. These movements accentuate the crossing and stepping under of the inside hind leg, fostering power and elasticity. Travers on the circle is another beneficial exercise, though it is more demanding and requires careful execution to avoid over-challenging the horse, especially when introduced for the first time. These exercises should be implemented progressively to ensure the horse remains light in front.
Garcia’s approach to half halts is brief, lasting no more than a few strides, and always followed by a softening of the aids, particularly the rein. This technique encourages the horse to engage its hindquarters, shift weight back, and become light in front. This is an opportune moment to focus on stretching the topline, a crucial element for developing self-carriage and encouraging the hind legs to step further underneath the body. Combining lateral exercises, half halts, and stretches on a circle, followed by asking for a long and low stretch, helps build topline muscles and suppleness, which is essential for improving the engagement of the hind end. Garcia incorporates walk pirouettes, leg yields, and gait transitions during warm-ups to refine the correct use of the hindquarters. She likens this combination of exercises to “gymnastics” for horses, developing stretch, elasticity, muscle power, and suppleness in a manner akin to human athletes. A horse that finds these movements increasingly manageable as its body prepares itself will be more trainable, willing, and ultimately, happier.
When it comes to training the half pass with a P.R.E., Garcia notes that the fundamental principles remain consistent across breeds, though individual P.R.E.s may exhibit varying degrees of natural elasticity. The key to improving the quality of a half pass lies in developing the horse’s physical potential through gymnastic exercises.
The Spanish Walk and its Benefits
While not a competitive dressage movement, the elegant Spanish walk is a traditional element of Spanish riding that beautifully complements the P.R.E.’s natural carriage. It has been practiced for centuries and, according to Garcia, does not create training conflicts. Instead, it aids in stretching the shoulder and front legs, enhances elasticity, and, when executed correctly, can help slow the walk’s rhythm, allowing the horse to bring its hind end further underneath its body.
Vivi Garcia’s journey to becoming a master trainer is a testament to her lifelong dedication to horses. From her childhood immersion in riding, influenced by her parents’ equestrian pursuits, to her early success in jumping ponies and later in dressage, her path has been one of continuous learning and refinement. Her acceptance into the rigorous four-year program at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, where she excelled in a challenging dressage test, marked a pivotal moment. Under the mentorship of Rafael Soto, she honed her skills, graduating with the distinguished title of “jinete” (rider). Soto himself praises Garcia’s natural ability and her exceptional talent for training young horses efficiently. He emphasizes the importance of analyzing problems to find solutions, a philosophy he instilled in Garcia and which she now applies effectively at Epona Equestrian Center. Their continued professional relationship, with Soto offering advice and occasionally training alongside Garcia at Epona, underscores their shared passion for equestrian excellence. Garcia finds immense satisfaction in training and in watching horses she has developed perform, with her current focus firmly set on the work at Epona.
For more information on Epona Equestrian Center and related resources, please visit eponaspain.com, sevilla.org, andalucia.org, and kerrits.com.
