Recently, I have begun to teach Ilustre the Spanish trot. It has been a very enjoyable process for both of us. For Ilustre, it breaks up the routine, especially right now when we are stuck in the indoor arena until the ice melts. Andalusians, as a breed, are incredibly intelligent animals and Ilustre is no exception, so keeping things interesting is essential to his mental well-being. For me, it is enjoyable to watch the horse’s progress as he learns a new skill. It is important to keep things fresh. Too much repetition can lead to boredom and frustration for the horse. Learning new tricks is a great way to keep your horse’s brain engaged, and to keep things fun and interesting for both horse and rider. At twenty-one years old, Ilustre has proved that you can teach an old horse new tricks! Have fun with your horse!
