Photos courtesy of Deborah Lindsay
Anyone who wants to learn more about horses and how to relate to them should check out one of Hallelujah Horse Ranch’s Open House events, held on the second Saturday of every month, from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM May through December and 1:00 to 3:00 PM January through April.
“The (16,000 square-foot) arena is huge, so we can do everything in all kinds of weather,” said Deborah Lindsay, co-founder and lead trainer at the equestrian center set on a 200-acre ranch in the midst of Prescott’s Granite Dells. “And it’s real tall, almost like being in a church.”
The monthly open houses begin with information about the ranch and its activities, followed by a tour of the ranch and its inhabitants, who range from slaughter yard rescues to “Royal Horses of Spain” or PREs, an abbreviation for Pura Raza Española. These Andalusian horses have been certified as part of a bloodline that stretches back to Spain in the Middle Ages and suitable for carrying it into the future.
The events serve as an introduction to the ranch, which houses 23 horses, mini-horses and mini-donkeys in roomy paddocks with shelters rather than small stalls. The visitors learn every horse’s backstory, no matter how regal or humble the circumstances they came from and get to pet as many horse noses as are offered to them.
After the tour the audiences are treated to a dressage performance by one of the “royal” horses, whose barn name is Praise and registered name is Sedutectora del Sol. “You’ve heard of American Idol? This horse is PRE Idol,” Lindsay said.
The ranch offers lessons and classes for ages 4 and older, boards horses and hosts events including horse shows and Lindsay’s “deep dive” talks about the PREs, which are offered several times a year. The ranch’s popular stick-horse races for kids, who are invited to build and bring their own steed, may be added to the open houses.
This month’s Hallelujah Horse Ranch Open House will be held Oct. 12. To reach the ranch, take Larry Caldwell Drive to the intersection with Phippen Trail, then drive south on the dirt road to the barn.
For more information call 928.374.1234, email cowgirlwithdog@yahoo.com or visit the Hallelujah Horse Ranch Facebook page.
