Walnut Creek Andalusians

	Walnut Creek Ranch started in 1995. I have always had an interest in Longhorn cattle because of their western American heritage, fascinating colors and horns and decided to start a small herd. I had also been riding and training my own personal horses for 30 years and decided to finally give the place a name. I had been involved with Arabians, Morgans, Thoroughbreds, Quarter horses, Fox Trotters and Warmbloods over the years. When I saw my first Andalusian in the mid 1980's, the Andalusian instantly became my premier choice for my future riding companion. I couldn't afford one until 1998 and found a yearling; a gray stallion that started my on-going love affair with this magnificent and noble breed.
I sold the first stallion after breaking him to saddle, because my dream had always involved a black stallion. You bond with these horses so closely, for a lifetime, and they are such a substantial investment that I truly feel you should get exactly what you desire. This is why I allow people to choose the sex and color of the foal they want when they purchase an in-utero foal from me. I looked at several black colts during my search until Rico instantly caught my eye.
	After working with these first two wonderful stallions, I decided I needed additional Andalusians. You will find that it is very difficult to have just one. Their nobility, intelligence, beauty, courage, humor, willingness and efforts to please, far exceed any other breed. They will grab your heart and not let go.
Rico had impressed me so much, that I decided to do some more research before purchasing some mares for him. I spoke with many, knowledgeable breeders who were happy to share their passion and love of this horse and I thank them for their insights. After reviewing the information, and knowing what I wanted to produce in a breeding program, I decided to go with the P.R.E (Pure Raza Espanola). I had this in mind when I had purchased Rico, and my experience with him and guidance from others convinced me that the P.R.E. was the epitome of this breed. I had seen enough "Americanization" of the Arab and Morgan over the years, that I welcomed the chance to have the Spanish judge my horses for their stud book. They have kept this breed true and consistent for many centuries and I value their commitment, love and dedication to the P.R.E. Participating in the inscription and revision process of the Spanish stud book would only enhance my breeding program.
	I had seen my first black Andalusian in 1987. He was the imported Escalera stallion Dejado, owned by the Parras. He had impressed me enough that I wanted some daughters of his. I found two (Hilandera and Golosa), and my mare herd was started. I saw that the breed was fast becoming very popular with dressage enthusiasts and thus began my search for a big, forward moving black mare. Novena TCV, fit the bill.
By then, I had Rico working under saddle. His work ethic, athleticism and strong build made me take a longer look at the Guardiola breeding on his dam's side. I found that the Guardiola horses had been bred for these characteristics. Guardiola blood lines are extremely rare in the U.S and even fewer are black. I decided I may need to import in order to find a black Guardiola bred mare. Through the wonderful Lanys Kaye-Eddie, I found the perfect mare right here in the United States
	This incredible black mare was not only half Guardiola and linebred to Centella V, the Guardiola Champion of Spain; but she was a daughter of the incomparable Indiano XVIII. To top it off, she was gorgeous, correct and had the extended movement that is so desirable. She became the crown jewel of my broodmare band.
In 2002, I decided I needed a bigger place for my growing herd of Andalusians. After several years of searching, I found the right property. 40 acres of beautiful brome grass pastures with a creek running through all the pastures.
	Over a mile of pipe fence was installed. Barn plans were drawn up and construction started. This time, it was going to be done exactly the way I had always wanted. We call it: "The Place That Rico Built" since he had generated the funds to make it possible
Concrete stalls with custom grill work were put in. Foundation forms were set up and the stalls were poured before any framing of the building was done.
	The tack room and stallion stalls were on one side of the barn with outside doors to an 8 acre stallion pasture surrounded by 6 foot fence.
Broodmare stalls were put across the aisle, along with a run in for additional weather protection. The foaling stalls are monitored by a video camera wired to the bedroom TV for 24 hour viewing of mares that are due to foal. The mare stalls and run-in are connected to the 10 acre mare brome pasture.
	A 60' x 120' indoor arena was added and attached to the stall barn. I felt an indoor arena was necessary to provide consistent footing for Rico's reining training and sliding stops, as well as a secure footing and cover from the elements for breeding mares.
I also designed a breeding apparatus in a corner of the arena. It had a walk-in foal catch pen and a strongly built front panel. This way, the foal is safely caught and out of harms way. The mare can then put her head over into the foals' pen and brace herself against the panel while being bred live cover. Rico is so well mannered that I can now safely breed a mare with a foal by myself if needed.