As part of the summer festival of Motril, there was a world class equestrian show that featured 22, beautiful Andalucían horses, incredibly skilled riders, flamenco dancers and a spectacular band to which both the horses and the dancers danced to. The show, which was called The Spirit of Andalucia, had several unique and well prepared acts. The opening act featured a horse and carriage with flamenco dancers. The flamenco dancers were being carried around the arena and the flamenco dancers were waving and welcoming the applauding crowd. The second act featured a combination of two white horses and two black horses. The horses were trotting marvelously around the arena. The third act was a type of western style performance and the performers´ costumes were suitable for the act. The fourth act was a romantic performance and the horses were trotting harmoniously side by side. One of the riders was able to control her horse with just one leg! The next act took place on the stage in the centre of the arena. There was a live band playing Spanish music and there was some very authentic and impressive, flamenco dancing. There was a short intermission following this performance and the people in the crowds were anxious to see what was to come.
After the intermission, the show became very exciting and the horses, the riders and the dancers were just truly remarkable. The opening of the second half featured six horses each with one rider and a beautiful lady wearing a beautiful, colourful dress sitting sideways behind the ride on each horse. The six horses were cantering and dancing around. The women looked so calm and graceful. The fear of falling off doesn´t seems to have even crossed their minds. The next several acts demonstrated the bond between the horse and his trainer. The trainers controlled their horses without reins. Sometimes the trainers were on foot next to their horses and the horses did the most amazing things. One horse even remained stationery in the centre of the ring while another horse performed. This horse then automatically knew when it was his turn to join the other horse and they were perfectly in sync and again with no rider or reins. The most dramatic part of the performance was when the flamenco dancers were in the bull ring. They were dancing and appeared to be seducing the horses. It is really hard to describe just how fantastic this was. If we are lucky enough to have this show come to the area next year, be sure not to miss it.
