Riding the Menorquin Horse in Spain

Meet the Beautiful Black Horses of Menorca! Travel with me to a beautiful Spanish Island, where we visit a local Finca, a horse theatre, and even ride to the ocean! You will be amazed to learn about the unique festivals that feature this beautiful horse breed!
✨Special Thanks: Asociación de Caballos de Raza Menorquina (Breeders and Owners Association of Menorca Horses), Katerina Pu, Son Vives Menorca, Joan Coll Fullana, Son Martorellet, Daniela Sabin & Son Felip. ✨
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Alyssa is an Award-Winning Filmmaker & Equestrian KZbinr on a Quest to Ride Every Horse Breed! 🐎 She has ridden over 80 breeds from 17 different countries so far. Join her for the adventure and meet amazing horses from around the world!
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#Horses #HorseRiding #equestrian
00:00 Riding Every Horse Breed
00:38 The Finca: Son Vives
02:23 A Beautiful Island
03:03 A Unique Horse Theatre!
05:53 Menorquin Dressage?
07:13 Quest Ride!
10:34 A Moment of Glory!
12:14 A Ride to the Beach

[@Sunsetluver1]

It’s nice to see a breeder with the philosophy she has of keeping horses in a heard. Another contributing factor to them being able to use stallions in the show is that there are no mares.

[@WhiteTiger333]

Right?! That made me chuckle. How much would discipline fall apart if a mare were present? LOL!

[@lisajoyaslanis]

Makes complete sense!

[@Sunsetluver1]

@@WhiteTiger333 I don’t mean that it couldn’t be done but stallions can cohabitate easier if there are no mares nearby. Stallions and mares compete in the show ring which is close quarters but the rider is in control.

[@WhiteTiger333]

True! I just chuckled because it's a reality of Nature. You are right, the rider should be in control, but the Force is strong with stallions, bless them. :)

[@susantunbridge4612]

A well-mannered stallion can do just fine with mares in the same space. Depends on the breed. I have seen a Quarterhorse stallion so quiet I didn't even know it was a stallion, and he was standing right next to me while I tended to my mare. But I have seen Morgan mares who behaved like stallions, in their stalls, wanting out.

[@agnessoler8472]

I'm from Menorca and I am so proud of our horses. Thank you so much for this video. I had a PRMe horse, his name is Pintat and he go every year to our Fiestas in Ciutadella de Menorca, the Fiestas de Sant Joan, the 23th and 24th of June. He is 20 years old now but he feels young and active enough to participate in it.

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

They are such a wonderful breed! Aww, sounds like you have a lot of fun with Pintat!

[@sixmercer2504]

That's a life some of us can only dream of! What an incredible country you have, so steeped in culture and the beauty of your towns and landscapes....and that ocean! Wow. To be in a place and position to own one of these magical horses is such a dream and to have him where you can still ride him at 20 years old, in the fiestas each year must just be something you look forward to all year long and wish it never ended having to wait for the next. I was with my mom visiting my grandparents in Chicago and we happened to see some activity going on in a large grassy area with rolling green hills. My mom decided to stop because she saw the horses (she rode as a child). We walked over and there was a dressage arena set up and a few people sitting in the grass around it. We went and sat down and my mind was blown. I was just 6 years old when the Lipizzaner Stallions brought me to tears. The most moving, life altering experience of my life. They were there doing a loose practice/rehearsal before a show they were there for. I saw a girl in shorts with long hair cantering one of the horses bareback up on a hill closer to the trailers and my heart was in my throat. I was determined to be that girl. Not 2 years later we had moved from Colorado to New Hampshire where they had (have, I believe it's still there) a beautiful English riding camp. My mom put me in the day camp and I remember begging her to let me stay every time she came to get me. She said she would have put me in the overnight sleep away camp if she knew I would be fine being away from home for 3 weeks. The next year we moved back to Colorado and the house was a surprise. I was complaining it was in the middle of nowhere and we kept on driving and onto dirt roads in a wooded neighborhood. We finally pulled up to the house and I saw the 3 stall barn and large paddock and I was so excited and begged my mom for a horse. She sent me down to the barn and there was a beautiful 15.3h palomino quarter horse who was sold to us with the sale of the house. She was "for the family". We got a second horse not long after that. An abused barrel racer who wasn't trained well. By the time I was 14 I took that barrel racer to the National Eventing Championships in Lexington KY at the Kentucky Horse Park where we were treated like royalty. It was incredible and we brought home an individual first place. I was studying and preparing for my B rating in Pony Club when I had a bad freak riding accident where I had to take a lot of time off. My injuries never healed and I stopped riding. I was 15 then. I stayed working with horses instructing and training into my 20s but I was always so fatigues and sore. I later learned I have Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome which means my accomplishments in eventing were astronomical. I never should have been on a horse. I wish I had a way to be around them again. It's hard to watch these videos and think "that was me, that should still be me". But I'm so glad I got the chance to live out my passion my dream and be that girl galloping bareback in my shorts with just a halter and lead rope.

[@topazzsky]

How much does one of these horses cost?(in US dollars if you can)

[@melhawk6284]

Good luck this year, and may he still show the fire for many years to come!

[@junebrilly5302]

​@@sixmercer2504 I'm blown away by your story. ❤

[@monicaluketich6913]

I had never heard of this breed, but they are magnificent! When I saw Black Stallions in the title, I had to watch. I grew up reading Walter Farley and his black stallion series.Although his was an Arabian, these horses and their magnificent are what I always imagined.

[@se9f282]

These beauties look very much like Andalusians, the necks, suspension, and calmness.

[@melhawk6284]

That is a Medieval war saddle, through and through! And the one handed riding means you could hold a weapon and use it! Most of those movements above the ground were to extend your reach, make a hole in the scrum, and use your horses weight on the downswing.

[@agneswadenback9107]

I've not ridden one yet, but I own one. Three years old and not started yet

[@lisajoyaslanis]

Good luck, you have much to look forward to! 🍀🐎👍

[@sabinebaron241]

I was privileged to own a Menorquin stallion

[@beverleydanziger4099]

Just beautiful and a joy to see you interacting with each horse. Thank you for including us in your journey. Much love.

[@ninakaiser2930]

I was so excited for this breed! Stunning scenery with even more stunning horses. I have always been really interested in the breed but never met one unfortunately. Watching you ride this stunning stallion so well - that did something to me. And you rode him so well with the differences! Your videos are so wholesome and amazing, I love that you always show the places and stories surrounding the breed, too. 😊

[@gmwwc]

its all about rideability! I wish every breeder would repeat this mantra three times a day!

[@gmariet1391]

What a privilege to experience and share such beauty 🐎😍

[@Saddles_N_Sauvignon]

Wow! My husband and I breed and train Reiners in Texas and this is the first time I’ve seen someone in a different discipline ride and cue their horses in a very similar way. Makes sense as the modern day Reiner/cowhorse was inspired by the Mexican vaqueros who were originally influenced by Spain. ❤ Would love to ride one of these gorgeous horses!

[@cathleencoan2352]

This has to be the most beautiful breed that you have shown us ever!

[@WhiteTiger333]

Trotting without posting. I'm used to viewing the Frisian Horse channel. And these horses reminded me a bit of them - smooth and calm. The rearing, though...and the saddles to accommodate it - wow! And all stallions!

[@andreakopfler-pm2hq]

I am so in love with these beautiful black pearls - I have recently imported 3 of them to the US ❤️

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Me too - They are amazing! Congratulations on your new horses, that is so exciting!

[@maggiepie8810]

You get to ride some of the most impressive horses in the world.

[@karyncroll3235]

That was an incredible experience to see! Thank you for taking us along.

[@annazimmerman864]

Oh my gosh, I'm in love with this breed.

[@BGomez-tk7lu]

Ah beautiful horses, darker than night. What a beautiful experience!

[@carolmartin2503]

This is very emotional for me. I'm a 'retired' trail guide and have spent many hours on many horses in many locations, But not nearly as many as you have! At my last job (at an incredible mountain resort) there was a beautiful black 16 hand horse who had delightful gaits. He was prized by all the trail guides and was seldom 'available' for me, who had children to get on the school bus before I could 'mount up'. Difficult situations resulted in my having to get a college education. I hated to leave the horses and the daily riding! It was painful!. One of the carriage drivers was a solid reliable friend and told the owner/manager how much I loved the black and how he was 'aging' and was too much of a bully in the nighttime pasture .... and the owner told him to get the horse to me. That was one of my finest surprises.....and I went to get him and he filled my then empty barn, and my dreams for a terrific mount. We spent many days on the local trails ....and he was the finest riding horse I ever had the pleasure to enjoy ! We spent about 20 years as a team, and he shocked me with a bout of colic.... it broke my heart and I still miss him! The old vet told me he had known him as a colt and he said my beautiful black was over forty years old...... altho he looked and moved like a young horse. He looked much like the black mounts in this video ! Thanks for producing it ! The Bible tells us that there ARE horses in Heaven .... I do know my sins have been payed for by Jesus Christ so expect to spent eternity in Heaven and also hope my beautiful black 'favorite horse forever' is waiting for me!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thank you for sharing your story, Carol! Sounds like you and he were meant to be together! 🥰What wonderful memories to cherish.

[@suehelms906]

What a stunning breed! Thanks so much for this video, I have never even heard of this breed until now.

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks for watching, Sue!

[@deni9626]

What a glorious horse. They actually give off a calming, majestic power. Incredible.

[@nataliazen]

Menorca is definitely added to my travel bucket list! Gorgeous! The horses and the island!!!! 😍😍😍

[@Anaana-jl5kg]

❤Mee too!

[@heinzstoffregen5348]

You rode him extremely sensitive with all you riding skills. And he listened to your aids very well. The best part to me is the levade after 10:58 - making him rear up to the vertical and then walking forwrard: That was sensational. Was this your first rear or are you familiar with riding rearing horses? Anyhow: you looked extremely well on this one. Thank you for the pleasure to watch you ride this horse.

[@gmwwc]

A Levade is a crouch on the haunches at about a 45 degree angle, with front feet tucked under.

[@NZKiwi87]

No one makes these horses do anything. They ask and encourage.

[@katieaiken3000]

Gorgeous animals, gorgeous country, and a beautiful ride.❤️❤️🥰

[@carolhilton9855]

I ride western but grew up English. I learnt this style right from the get go. It’s all about leg seat and very little hand .

[@sigiloXXX]

That was great to watch. The wind! I know. Hop over to Spain and start with the Pure Bred Andalucian Horse. Olé Olé!

[@sheakimberley6226]

I love Discover the Horse!! It is one of my favorites tv shows. ❤️

[@papajeff5486]

These Menorquins are so stunning, however, I suspect unattainable. Watched you ride the Thoroughbred in Kentucky and so hoped to see you blasting around the track at full speed. Do you ever get to get up to top speed?

[@patriciapaquette1998]

Absolutely gorgeous horses. I can smell the leather and feel the softest of muzzles - perfection.

[@Nigolasy]

My first book about horses featured Menorquin horses and I it was love on first sight. The book always described them as very tempremental and hard to ride due to that but your video gave a whole different view! This must have been the calmes stallion I've ever seen and my hopes rose again, that maybe - one day - I might have the chance to ride one.

[@ladygodiva999]

I’m a « mother » of a young Minorquin stallion in France. A very special lovely horse. Glad he is in my life❤❤❤❤

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Awww, that is so cool! They are an incredible breed. What are your future plans for him?

[@ladygodiva999]

@@DiscoverTheHorse thanks for him! To keep him as a stallion, and live his best horse life. Actually he is not « apto »(1m53😒) he needs 1m54 to be approved. I’m so sad about this réglementation. He had a lover this year, (Minorque too and no apto too). We are waiting for a baby next year. He is so cool. I will ride him afer his 6yo. Too young to support any saddle and rider. But he works really well with us even if I stay on the ground! And you?

[@TsarOfRuss]

I dont know why i watched the entire video... i dont own a horse or know anything about horses... the horse looked beautiful, thats why i clicked the video.. i am entertained! 🤭 That entire farm is calm, the animals are calm, the people are calm

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks for watching! 😊

[@lindseyknockaert]

I own a foal of this breed. She is lovely ❤

[@MegF142857]

Those rock fences are amazing. The horses are gorgeous. Never heard of this breed. I like that they are raised in a herd style. Like Icelandics. I'd never heard of Menorcan dressage. Western riding uses one hand. Wondering if it is similar to the finished spade horses? They are war horses - could hold sword while riding unlike classical dressage. Or maybe it's one handed to work with cattle - rope or pole work? I'd love to hear more about the riding style & history of this breed. The video was too short for such an interesting horse breed.

[@cynthianauman1358]

Sweet ride thank you 4 taking us along to see these amazing horses 🐎 ❤️

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks for joining me. 😊

[@feiryfella]

What a wonderful breed! 😍

[@myrnaedmisten599]

Wonderfully ridden! And such a stunning! horse. I’m in awe. ❤

[@rockconsumer8683]

Very beautiful horses!!

[@nozee77]

Wowwowow, that was a very special episode! The scenery was so stunning, almost unreal at times. And the horses! Omg! I knew about the Menorquin, but never saw them in such detail. What a special breed they are!

[@kathyhepler382]

Gorgeous horses!! Thank you. Beautiful video 📸📸

[@sheila3845]

Wow such a beautiful view Of course the farms where all the horses are , are also beautiful

[@naturesdefence2023]

Such a joy to watch. Thank you for sharing your journey.....a dream realised.

[@maredevries6802]

A beautiful breed, we have been riding these beautiful horses here in the Netherlands for years with great pleasure. We also occasionally breed with them and foals will probably arrive next year with a studbook, of course, so if you are interested, let me know!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

That is so exciting! Would love to see photos of the new foals when they arrive!

[@marymansell402]

One of the very best videos! They get better too.. thanks and God bless you !

[@susancoulthard4414]

We saw the sommni show a few years ago. The horses are stunning, a magical evening. Fabulous place ,so well looked after ,a dream to see them. X

[@jodyhuston1516]

I have never seen or heard of the Menorquin breed … and I am SO Impressed! They remind me, in conformation, of a black Lippizanner. Now I’m going to view the rest of vid for more information before a comment !👍🌟

[@shortymcfox2251]

How beautiful! You looked like you were floating during trotting and cantering. The smile on your face during your lesson said it all. I’m so glad you got this experience with such a grandeur breed! 🌻🙂

[@bm4751]

No wonder you have that desire to ride every breed. This is a beautiful horse breed, with a dedicated following to keep this cultural icon, as part of local culture. Great video, thank you

[@andrea0307]

That was one of the best quest rides ever! What an amazing and beautiful breed! You rode amazing! Loved that! Thank you for sharing! ❤

[@birgit4314]

Your videos are always nice. So much breeds, so much beautiful horses 🐎❤. I think, this cheese from the happy cow's is very tasty 🧀☺️.

[@swansonganimalcommunicatio4207]

You bring the magical world of horses rite to my living room. Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my furs to yours xxx

[@raymondoverson8715]

It seems this breed is the one from the story books. Thanks so much for sharing.

[@tommy..980]

Wow!!! You’re video’s are really amazing… And there as Beautiful as you are 😊

[@obiwankenobi6952]

Never seen such beautiful Horses…I love Lusitanos, but these are very special ❤❤❤

[@johngraham4053]

85 breads, so how many breads exactly then?. Also thats a strange saddle. Was it really comfortable? By the way a gorgeous video, thank you.

[@kaikelanihoala6716]

Alyssa this is Tonya. It is my 70th birthday today and I am enjoying wine and dinner with my friends and watching your incredible videos. I love you and I am so proud of you.

[@emk7132]

How lovely!

[@cirkle862]

I’m so jealous, I’d absolutely love to do what you’re doing.

[@Anaana-jl5kg]

Wow❤🐴No never heard of a Menorcan

[@msnchez95]

I'm glad you had fun in Menorca! Hopefully we'll see you back in Spain for more :) Un saludo desde España!!!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

I loved it and can't wait to get back to Spain for more breeds! 🥰

[@ColonelKlink100]

I thought there couldn't be any horse better than the Friesian, but now I have a new favorite breed - the Menorquin.

[@JustMe-FromMO-USA]

This was my introduction to this beautiful breed. As a longtime lover of Friesians, I am certain I would have initially mistaken the two as the same breed. But the video allowed me to notice the differences between them. Now I am a fan of the black horses of Menorca. Beautiful and elegant, smart and sweet, who could want for more?!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thanks for watching, so glad you enjoyed the episode!

[@rhondaengness7214]

That was so amazing!!! I saw many of your dreams become reality with this horse. Incredible!

[@desertlillie9659]

Absolutely stunning. Thank you for sharing your experience. ❤

[@almirakline6070]

❤😮😊😊 id never heard of this breed. Wonderful, and GREAT JOB riding that stallion!!

[@DiscoverTheHorse]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@kaylapatek8421]

That horse stole my ❤ 🐴❤️❤️❤️

[@reininggal5151]

I’ve ridden many disciplines and this bred & discipline looks amazing. What an amazing adventure.

[@sarahmarks7082]

Xarol is a gorgeous stallion 🖤👑! I've seen this specialized saddle before. What a phenomenal experience 😍🤩

[@histockton2759]

Absolutely just enchanting

[@streckenfahrer]

That´s how horses should be ridden, in onehand. Beautiful horses!

[@Faelani38]

What an absolutely beautiful horse.

[@marymacgregor6952]

Very beautiful horses. The air bnb was lovely. My daughters would love to stay in such a place.

[@kingagrabinski8849]

I haven't met this bread. What a beautiful horse!!!

[@Pnille]

ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!

[@mustphahrizi9563]

I'm so happy i discovered your channel

[@elainezaricor2599]

I want one of these amazing horses ❤ Beautiful perfection! I have never heard of the breed. Thanks for sharing them ❤

[@helenhodge-croom9635]

A true black! None of that sun fading like freshians do in the sun!

[@richiehounshell446]

Best one yet,,,your smile and genuine Happiness is intoxicating,,,would really like a part two on this breed🥹👍

[@lucinaramsey4705]

Just magical …. I’ve never heard of this breed, so beautiful.

[@jomurphy1654]

Simply incredible! I so envy your journey! I loved my long long gone horses as a child but life took me far away from them - this was a truly special breed - breath-taking!

[@lars1480]

I have been looking forward to this tanks 😁👍

[@Taecoconut]

I’ve been waiting for this!!!!

[@rhondapoole]

Beautiful horses

[@teresarunions5594]

I love these videos and have learned a lot about all kinds of horse breeds. You could write a book about your adventures with horses, and a lot of people myself included would read it. I am sure of that.

[@trishamaitoza6481]

Just absolutely gorgeous!!!!

[@beckysanders2935]

He’s stunning!

[@pamelahansen5928]

Just wow

[@cb8682]

So beautiful. Thank you😊

[@carolhill9934]

You are so fortunate ❤❤❤

[@brendakrukowski6250]

Stunning ❤

[@hillarys.k8518]

That was AWESOME!

[@jobrannan9561]

Beauty in motion!!! Magnificent horses!!❤️

[@CC-so7qe]

Thank you for this, my heart

[@elainehorne188]

Oh.........wooow!!! I am speechless!

[@jaybomb8371]

No, I've not had the privilege of meeting one. But I'd love to!!! Cheers Ausgranny 🇦🇺🇦🇺🤶🐎

[@lancejames9228]

gorgeous horse

[@ashlingofAsh7580]

Yesssss! This breed is stunning

[@chilloften]

Their beauty so emotional.

[@littlebrookreader949]

Wow!

[@janw491]

What stunning horses