SOME of the region’s top animal health and behavioural students have travelled to Spain to share best practice and learn from one of the most devoted horse nations in the world.

Year 2 students on the FdSc Equine, Behaviour and Training (EBT) and FdSc Animal Health and Management (AHM) at Duchy College had a packed itinerary, which included visiting the Royal Andalusion School of Equestrian Art.

They travelled to Jerez de la Frontera where there is a facility devoted to conserving the ancestral abilities of the Andalusian horse, maintaining the classical traditions of Spanish baroque horsemanship.

EBT student Lucinda Grimshaw said it was a ‘fantastic opportunity’.

She said: ‘It was great to meet like-minded people who share our commitment to improve the welfare of horses and donkeys through education and training, while also learning about the history of the Andalusian horses, the Spanish culture, traditions and food.’

Other elements of the trip included a visit to Crocodile Park, meeting the largest captive crocodile in Europe and El Refugio Del Burrito, a donkey sanctuary providing a safe haven for donkeys and mules rescued from across Europe.

The students also had a private tour of Yeguada Cartuja Stud, which is the world’s largest ranch dedicated to the Carthusian horse and finally a visit to a rescue centre for animals that have been seized by customs or the police, Zoo de Castellar.