Dressage   at   Dorado   Andaluz   is   headed   by   Alexis   MV,   who   earned   her   USDF   Silver   and      Gold medals,   and   Silver   freestyle   bar   aboard   the   farm’s   horses.      She   is   a   graduate   of   the   USDF   L program   with   distinction,   using   her   education   in   judging   to   help   the   horses   excel   in   competition. The   show   horses   at   Dorado   Andaluz   enjoy   their   lives   as   horses   are   intended   to:   outside   with   the herd.   This,   along   with   cross   training   on   the   farm’s   ample   trail   miles   keeps   these   athletes   happy in   their   work   and   in   shape.

“My   horses’   physical   and   mental   well   being   is   the   most   important   thing.   I   do   my   best   to   ensure that   they   understand   what   is   being   asked   of   them   in   every   step   of   training,   and   that   they   are   fit enough   to   do   it   with   ease.”      Says   Alexis,   who   keeps   her   riding   skills   progressing   with   regular lessons   from   Rachel   Saavedra   and   sessions   with   long   time   mentor,   Mary   Wanless.      “The   basis of   biomechanics   that   I’ve   learned   from   Mary   is   the   foundation   of   my   riding   and   teaching.   The horse   can   only   be   a   good   as   it’s   rider,   so   I   work   at   improving   myself   everyday.”

Each   animal   is   unique,   but   youngsters   here   typically   start   their   riding   careers   at   3   years   old   and make   a   first   appearance   in   the   dressage   show   ring   at   4.   The   systematic   approach   of   the   sport, dictated   by   the   Training   Pyramid   is   the   guideline   for   the   training,   coupled   with   a   sensitivity   to preserving   each   horse’s   individuality.   This   “make   haste   slowly”   methodology   has   helped   our horses,   such   as   homebred   Castiza   DA   go   from   green   youngster   to   FEI   competitor   in   4   years. Another   homebred   star,   Galana   DA   is   gearing   up   to   continue   her   winning   ways   in   2018   after   a season   of   staying   home   to   gain   strength   and   education   towards   FEI.   Galana   was   a   star   at   2nd level   in   2016,   finishing   the   season   18th   place   nationwide   with   an   average   score   over   70%,   4th   in USDF   region   7,      and   5th   in   the   CDS   6   yr   old   Futurity.

Dorado Andaluz and MV Training call the Bighorn Ranch in Mount Aukum CA home. The farm has a beautiful, safe custom barn with 11 12' x 14' box stalls and 5 12' x 20' foaling stalls with cameras. All stalls have dairy mats with 6" of crumb rubber beneath and Nelson automatic waterers. The fully insulated barn also has 4 wash stalls with heat lamps, two tack rooms, a feed room, a full breeding lab,  a collection phantom, veterinary stocks, bathroom with shower, 6 8' ceiling fans and safe non slip flooring. The 90' x 220' covered arena has GGT footing over Otto Sport mats for superior dressage footing. A full wall of mirrors, lights and automatic sprinklers makes for a lovely riding experience. A 60' round pen, several safely fenced pastures and approximately 8 miles of trails complete the peaceful gated facility. Bighorn Ranch is located 40 minutes east of the premier Northern California show facility of Murieta Equestrian Center in Rancho Murieta CA.