Beneficent Forces, working with the Ancestors
I am honored to partnering with the rare, critically endangered Wilbur-Cruce Spanish Colonial horses of Rancho Del Sueno, the equine division of the Heritage Discovery Center,501c3 located in Central California.
DNA’d and genetically studied, scientists have declared them a “living museum” and refer to them as “Jurassic horses” or living dinosaurs because their genetics are so ancient and preserved. They were brought here from Spain centuries ago, and were the war horses of antiquity all the way back to pre-christian times.
In the 1600’s, Jesuit priest Father Kino was responsible for breeding large herds and supplying them to the Conquistador’s who moved through Mexico and up not what is now Arizona and California. This last remaining non-feral herd of 20 stallions, 30 mares and a few geldings are the majority of what is left of this breed and his bloodstock.
These Spanish Colonial horses are the ancestors of the Iberian breeds including andalusians, lusitano’s, paso fino’s, lipizzaners, and ALL of the mustangs of the USA. Even the Quarter Horse, Thoroughbred and some european warmbloods can be traced back to these horses.
For my clients to have the opportunity to be with these “ancestors” is beyond words. I experience them as Royalty. These horses excel as equine coaches as their temperaments are gentle, curious, willing and engaging.