Cordoba - by John Berry, inspired by his trip to Spain.

A Trip of a Lifetime - Spain - by John Berry

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The music grows and everyone is on the edge of their seats in anticipation. At the end of the overture there is a prolonged silence - and then I hear a roaring sound I can't quite define.

This past summer I was honored to be asked by Ursula Beck, founder and director of the Taos School of Equine Arts, to lead an Equine Art Experience in Spain with fellow artist John Farnsworth and native speaker Lisa Steere. The class was called The Art of The Andalucian, and our unique mission was to seek out and experience every aspect of the great beauty and presence of this magnificent horse.

I have been a dressage trainer and equine artist most of my life and the Andalusian has always been a special passion of mine. Our tour's goal was to experience to the fullest the beauty of this breed and the Spanish culture, and this led us to: ride beautifully trained dressage stallions, enhance our "seeing" with simple drawings and lots of photography, experience the unforgettable equine ballet at the Royal Academy, visit breeding farms, and enjoy the local culture with flamenco dancing, sherry sampling, leather shopping and great meals.

One highlight was our visit to the Royal Andalucian School Of Equestrian Arts, located in a 17th century castle in Jerez, complete with manicured lawns, fountains, palm trees, riders exercising beautiful Andalusian stallions, and a Baroque riding hall in ivory and gold. The performance itself was like a beautiful dream. As they dim the lights and that dramatic Spanish music swells, out of the darkness and into the spotlight steps a magnificent white stallion that seemingly dances on air. Ballet, art and majesty reached out and touched my soul profoundly.

Individual riders performed, followed by groups of young horses, work in hand, historic carriages and then, Airs Above the Ground - absolutely breathtaking. Finally, the Quadrille!

Equally as moving was our day spent at the Yeguada De La Cartuja, the national Stud, where we saw some of the most exquisite Andalusian stallions in the world. After the guided tour, where we were encouraged to see and pet stallions, broodmares and foals, we were seated in the riding hall, looking out at a tree-lined lane that curves left and drops out of sight.

The music grows and everyone is on the edge of their seats in anticipation. At the end of the overture there is a prolonged silence ­ and then I hear a roaring sound I can't quite define. Over the brow of the hill come 30 two-year-old Andalusian stallions at a dead run. They pour into the arena like a torrent, swirling in great circles in front of the audience, which is by now standing on it¹s feet in amazement! Manes and tails flying, a flood of spirited stallions galloping before you and then, just as suddenly as they appeared, they charge out and are gone from view. The audience is speechless and then breaks into enthusiastic applause. Following the performance, we are invited to have a glass of sherry and take a carriage ride. More than one student told me, "It was the trip of a lifetime."

The Taos School Of Equine Arts will be conducting another trip to Spain this year from September 14 - 21, 2003. For reservations contact Ursula Beck at (505) 758-0350 or www.taosartschool.org.

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