Christmas Present arrives early!

[mrsmills]

Just wanted to introduce you to my christmas present to myself, who arrived a few weeks ago (fortunately just before the snow came and cut us off).

Not a fantastic photo, but will post more now that I've learnt how to do it. YAY!



And yes, yes, I know that a horse is not just for christmas - she has a forever home here with us.

Her name is Ritmica, which means "Rhythmical", and she is a 13 year old PRE Andalusian mare, who has been used as a brood mare for the past four years, but before that was trained to quite a high level in ridden work (including spanish walk, piaffe etc).

I bought her back in July, for an absolutely fantastic price because the stud wanted to cut back on their operations, but had to wait until her foal was weaned before she could come home to us. Her primary role is as a companion to my other girls, but I plan to slowly bring her back into work over the next year.

And those eagle eyed amongst you will realise that this is my second PRE. I must say that I am completely bowled over by the breed - both my PRE girls are very gentle and easy to manage, with perfect manners, and amazing temperaments. Reyes is an absolute joy to ride, with superb elevated paces and a gorgeous natural outline. Yes they are sensitive, but what better way to improve your riding! ;D

[rosi]

Oh, she is beautiful. What a lovely expression.

That's you having a very Happy Christmas!

[chloe]

Wow very nice!!

[kirsten]

Congratulations - I wish you both the very best. She has a lovely look.

[daisysp8]

She has a beautiful soft expression and a very kind eye .... she is lovely Mrs Mills x

[sandy]

What a fabulous Christmas present. Hope you have a great future together.

[izzy]

Shes lovely what does Pre mean??

[mrsmills]

Thanks guys, I'm very proud of her. She has such a lovely nature, and is a very noble looking girl. She had her mane hogged, as is the tradition with the brood mare, but at my request the previous owners have been growing it out since I bought her (Only about another five years until we get the characteristic flowing andalusian mane. LOL)

izzy, PRE stands for Pura Raza Espanola, which means she is a purebred Andalusian, and is registered in the spanish studbook as such.

I didn't have her imported from spain though, she came from a little closer home - a stud near Penzance in cornwall. Otherwise, our weather would have been a horrible shock to the system, I'm sure!

[Lorraine L]

Wow she is stunning,. Congratulations and i look forward to regular updates on your future together x

[nich]

we will have to start an IH Spanish club! congratulations, she is lovely and will be all the more gorgeous when you get that mane sorted! FYI my girl's mane has grown about 4 inches in the 6 months I've had her (and previous home didn't pull, but I think I am feeding her better) so it may not be as long as you think. watch out for the neck cover though!!

[mrsmills]

Think I'm starting my very own spanish club with two PRE's, nich! LOL. A spanish IH club would be rather good though, wouldn't it!

Thanks for the advice - there's hope for the mane yet, then. She last had her mane hogged just before the foal was born, and I bought her - about six months ago, so not much to show for it yet.

Oh, and I've learnt my lesson with the neck cover. This was a borrowed rug from my TB, as after waiting about six months, the move came about rather suddenly and Riti's new rug hadn't arrived yet. She's now in a premier equine rug which is much better mane-wise.

[anastasia55555]

Merry Christmas for you indeed!

[june]

I've got a PRE x Irish Sports Horse. Fantastic horses who seem to have a real affinity for people.

[Chestnutmare]

She's lovely what a present

[Mellymoo]

Aww she's lovely! What a kind eye she has.