Today was a special day for Big Sky Ranch. Gail, a new owner here, brought home her new love. A gorgeous mare from the Spanish horse breeding and training facility, Yeguada Majaloba. We did have a little giggle when my phone autocorrected ‘Majaloba’ into “my hello bob” which helped me remember the name throughout the day.

We left early from the Ranch with trailer in tow to meet Gail enroute as we headed to San Marcos, approximately 100km north of San Juan del Sur near Jinotepe. It was my first time to Majaloba and it was quite impressive.

The story is that owner Ismael Reyes started with 5 mares over 40 years ago and when we inquired today there were 150 on site. Yeguada Majaloba is a renowned breeder recognized by the Association of Purebred Spanish Horse Breeders (Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballo de Pura Raza Española ) also known “Pura Raza Española” or PRE. I’ve always known them as Andalusians but the Association uses neither the term “Andalusian” nor “Iberian horse”, and only registers horses that have certain recognized bloodlines. In addition, all breeding stock must undergo an evaluation process.

And so it was pretty impressive when before we even met Dinastia (dean ass tea ah) which in English is Dynasty – we were handed her ‘passport’ with full documentation – and a date when the Association would be in country to evaluate her.

Pura Raza Espanola (PRE) Papers

 

[tm_content_blockquote quote=”I never thought I would be able to own a horse of Dinastia’s caliber, but thanks to Nicaragua’s horse culture and the reasonable cost of training and maintenance, what might not be possible back home is possible here. I feel an enormous sense of privilege to live in a country where good horse care is affordable. Not to mention having a husband with amazing taste in anniversary gifts!” cite=”” type=”icon” avatar_image=”” size=”medium” alignment=”center” float=”” icon_id=”icon-quote” icon_color=”#666″ border_color=”” quote_color=”” cite_color=”” el_id=”” el_class=””]

Isn’t she just gorgeous? Dinastia is 3 years old with incredible conformation. I loved her curiosity and confidence and she was instantly snuggling with Gail.

Gail with her Pura Raza Espanola in Big Sky Ranch Nicaragua

As a going concern, there was activity every direction you turned. Cowgirl Claudia mounted this incredible stallion in the arena for a round or two, the vet was busy with some insemination work, and you could hear the pounding of metal for horseshoeing.

Back at the Ranch safe and sound, Dinastia begins her new life. I think she will enjoy country living and we are excited to watch her development as she begins training next week. Stay tuned.

A Pura Raza Espanola in Big Sky Ranch Nicaragua