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What is a good temperament? 
I believe that the Andalusian has one of the best temperaments that a horse
could have. But the problem lies in the varying human definitions.
For example, a horse that has been bred to have the courage and boldness to
front a raging bull, to taunt and lightly skip to avoid the lunges, and to turn
and face again, can present problems for the inexperienced when the horse is a
youngster. These bold horses have no fear of ANYTHING. They are magical horses
to own once the rules have been established. They perform at their best in the
most stressful situations - noise, lights, fireworks, marching bands - nothing
upsets them. As youngsters, like all horse, they can challenge authority but
once the rules have been set, they are set. Anybody can handle them and they can
be trusted implicitly.
The more timid type of horse is quite often the easiest to handle and ride in
non-stressful situations. But in high pressure situations they need a very
confident and focused rider or handler to be able to take charge.
Then you have the horse born to perform high school dressage. This horse has
been bred to dance. You want a horse that has the desire to do more, to learn
that new dance step, to make each movement as expressive as it can be. He can be
bold or timid, but his desire to showoff and use himself to the maximum will
always come to the fore. But again, he will take his submission or courage from
his rider or handler. This type of horse provides the feeling of controlled
power - the signature of a top dressage horse.
Temperament is definitely an inherited trait. The Andalusian should have a great
presence and animation.
We expect so much from our equine partners without considering whether our own
actions or inactions could be at fault. Temperament means very different things
to different people.
The Andalusian has a very forgiving trainable temperament at the same time
showing the strength of character and boldness for which they were bred.
(Some extracts taken from D Dekker's article published in Salto a Cielo October,
2004)
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Kimaio
Park