Sandra Rooks
As a child I began learning how to train horses at one of the largest and most prestigious Quarter Horse ranches in Colorado. Since then I have owned and trained horses of various breeds for over 40 years: Hanoverians, Thoroughbreds, Quarter Horses, Arabians, Paints, and Appaloosa. Eventually I discovered dressage. That was 18 years ago. Since then I have been reading the classics and studying with various trainers and clinicians keeping the focus on furthering my understanding of this equestrian art.
There have also been years of pursuing my special equine partner that had that balance of calm, intelligence and athletic ability perfectly suited for the demands of dressage. I also needed something that was sensitive to the aids as I don't have time to go to the gym to work out just to be able to ride my horse nor the time to do a lot of time training everyday. This quest led me to the Andalusian. And, after research and thoughtfulness, I purchased my first in 2001. This breed is extraordinary! They learn so quickly, usually the first time that you show them something. They are naturally light in their contact and response to aids (perfect for me and my goals). Their inherent bravery means that struggles with their fears and anxieties rarely interferes with their learning and trust of you, their human partner. They also have that unique blend of fire and calm that makes it so easy to not only keep them 'forward', but also keep them focused and relaxed. There have been centuries of cultivating this breed for its conformation and athleticism which made the Andalusian the animal that dressage was born upon. For these reasons, I found my partners and then several years ago began a breeding program to help you find yours.
As a small breeder we strive to provide the finest bloodlines and equine partners to our clients. We are cultivating and combining those bloodlines that have generations of National Champions from Spain, Portugal, Mexico, and the USA. We believe that this type of success reveals those individuals that are true to breed type, have exceptional movement and possess the temperament and intelligence to excel in their partnerships with us, no matter what we do with them. It is our goal to capture these qualities in our offspring for you to enjoy in your own pursuits.
Our early work with foals is to imprint upon them a trust and enjoyment in their relationships with humans. We accomplish this by spending the majority of their first 48 hours in the birthing stall with the foal and dam. Then every day following this every young horse is gently handled, pet, hugged, groomed and socialized (good manners are very important to us). This approach develops a calm sensitivity in our young horses that trusts and seeks a relationship with their humans.
I hope that you will enjoy our website and perhaps find your partner from those we are currently making available for new homes.
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