About the Minorcan Horses

We are pleased to introduce this group of riders who have come from Minorca with their Minorcan bred horses, to give you a glimpse into the culture of this Mediterranean island and offer you an exhibition of skills on horseback.

This horse has historically had a close relationship to the people of Minorca. As far back as the 14th century, these horses were pivotal in the Minorcan defence system, associated to the Camí de Cavalls [Horse route], a coastal bridle path that ringed the island. These horses are also star performers in Minorca’s festivals.

Recognition of this race is thanks to the work of the Associació de criadors i propietaris de cavalls de raça menorquina [Minorca Horse Breeders and Owners Association], an organisation which since the eighties has been working to improve and promote this unique breed, of which there are currently around 1500 registered animals.

These magnificent horses with their black coats have fine silhouettes, muscular, arched necks and billowing manes. They are hot-blooded, noble animals, defined by their sober character, with limitless stamina and energy to work. They stand out for their aptitude as a riding or harness horse, as well as being considered the best adapted breed to participate in the traditional festivals held in different villages on the island.

Thanks to these traditional festivals the discipline of Minorcan dressage has arisen, a classification on its own, whose characteristic and differentiating element is the bot, consisting of a high raising of the front quarters, transferring weight onto the hind quarters, and the moviments menorquins [Menorcan dressage movements], described as an active rotation of the hind quarters around the fore quarters at the trot.

Also characteristic are the costumes of both horses and riders. The jockey's garments are inspired on the dress worn in Minorca during the 18th and 19th centuries. Also the horses' harness and decorations, created by skilled craftspeople, are exclusive.

They will display group choreographies at the trot, demonstrate the typical bots and moviments of Minorcan dressage, combined with professional riding school exercises, accompanied by music from the island.

Horses' Names

SORT
ELIS
MUSIEL
NEPIU
KEYN
ROMBALDO
NASHVILLE
SENOR
RUSPI
PLUTON
JAKY