"It has a special gentleness, abundant grace, a natural rhythm, and can so easily fall back on its haunches that it pleases any rider with the softness of its movements” Iglesia y Darrac 1831

Training at Dorado Andaluz is a daily process. All of our horses are handled extensively. Babies and young horses are worked in hand and over obstacles. They learn to lead politely, to tie and to allow their feet to be handled. From birth foals are touched all over and taught respect for people. Three year olds of both sexes are taught to lunge, to accept a bit and saddle and are ground driven in preparation to be ridden. By four years of age our horses are ready to begin their riding careers. We start horses slowly and gently. They are taught to go onto the bit, to yield to pressure, to turn, stop and to go forward as well as to stand while being mounted. At this point they are ready to proceed with more formal training. Most of our horses become Dressage horses. We also believe in trail riding our horses to keep their minds and bodies fresh and strong.

A bit about our Trainers and other professionals.

Alexis Martin-Vegue

Dressage trainer and Instructor

USDF Silver and Bronze Medalist

Riding since age seven, Alexis has been a student of horsemanship all of her life. She began her education in the hunter and equitation rings learning from longtime mentor Carol Goodstein of Springdown Equestrian Center. In 2002 Alexis started her training business and earned her certification as a level 4 instructor from the Certified Horsemanship Association. She also completed horse and barn care as well as management courses at Sierra College. After dabbling in many different disciplines she feels most strongly about dressage. Alexis earned her USDF Bronze medal in 2009 and her USDF Silver in 2011. She is currently competing at I1 and working toward her USDF Gold.

Alexis has had the opportunity to learn from many great teachers including Nick Karassics {jumpers}, Macella O’Neil {jumpers} and Tom Noone {Dressage}. She continues her education with regular lessons from Sandy Savage and Volker Bromman as well as attending clinics of other dressage trainers. Alexis’ strong riding foundation shines through in her detailed and enthusiastic teaching style. From 2005 to 2009 she was the coach of the UC Davis Intercollegiate Dressage Team, taking them to the national championships three years in a row, with several riders earning top ten honors. She believes strongly in establishing solid correct basics in both riders and horses while catering to the learning curve of each individual.

To learn more about Alexis and her training & instruction program visit her website at www.MVTraining.net

Sabrina Wood

Dressage Trainer and  Instructor thru Grand Prix

USDF Gold, Silver and Bronze Medalist

Successfully competing in Open Dressage since 1991, working with horses since 1970 {6 years old!}

Honorably discharged from the US Marine Corps and holds a degree in Communications from UCSB.

“Like all instructors, I have learned from others! Here is a list of people I have been lucky enough to work with: Dennis Callin, Pam  Nelson, Gerhard Politz, Dietrich Von Hopfgarten, Kalman DeJournac, Leslie Webb, Lilo Fore, Juan Matute and my first instructor Marja Sandberg. In addition I was able to clinic once by invitation ( for the USET Developing Riders  ) with Robert Dover, and once with Joann Hinneman, German Olympian.

In addition, I’ve competed heavily in the past; I’ve ridden many tests through all the levels including PSG/I1, trained and competed one horse to grand prix, brought ten horses to PSG/I1 level. When I competed heavily in Southern California during the nineties, I was often up against some of our currently “best in the west” competitors, such as Guenther Seidel, Kathleen Raine, David Wightman, Charlotte Bredahl, etc.”

Juan Matute

Three time Olympic Dressage rider {Spain}

Juan Matute is a member of the Spanish Dressage Team and competed for Spain at the Seoul, Barcelona, and Atlanta Olympic Games. He is a five-time Spanish National Dressage Champion and has trained such talented mounts as Gaucho III, Bizarro, and Mulato (Marqués de Velilla). He also coaches Spain’s Young Rider Team and Developing Young Horses in Spain. Juan Matute’s style of teaching is very compatible with both German and Spanish classical dressage principles. He is widely sought after worldwide. Juan is especially known for teaching the three “P”s, Piaffe, Passage and canter Piourettes. Juan Matute speaks English fluently and energizes his students with his good-natured personality. Juan clinics at Dorado Andaluz quarterly and is a strong influence in our Dressage training. www.JuanMatute.com

Brenda Gissell {Darland}

Brenda is our fabulous halter handler. She trains with compassion and passion. Brenda always gives her all and it shows as she is consistently awarded Best Handler!!!

P.R.E. Specialty Services!!

Solange Nadeau

Solange is an award wining master farrier and keeps all of our horses on a good hoof care program. As well as reminding me on a regular basis that our horses are a bit round :)

Vicky Smalley DVM, Our wonderful veterinarian.