Dakota Winds Andalusians
We are located in Western South Dakota, twenty miles from Rapid City near the town of Sturgis. Sturgis is where the World Famous Motorcycle rally is, which occurs yearly and attracts over five hundred thousand, visitors. Mount Rushmore is approximately 45 minutes from us and the Famous Old West gambling town of Deadwood is only 20 minutes away with its cobblestone streets and ultimate dining.
The ranch is located in the foot hills of the Black Hills and surrounded by thousands of acres pristine beauty. There are beautiful canyons, streams and lakes just minutes away. Here are some of the finest riding trails in the US with many trail heads and horse camps. One quarter mile from our door, starts the Centennial Trail which winds through 111 miles of the Scenic Black Hills, including Custer State Park where buffalo and wildlife , are easily viewed. We also have the Mickelson Trail which is over 100 miles of groomed railroad bed that winds it way through some of the most beautiful scenery available. The bridges on this trail are fabulous, some raising you and your horse as high as the tops of the majestic spruce trees in the canyon below.
Dakota Winds has been breeding Andalusian horses for 25 years. Our knowledge of the breed and horse management is extensive. We usually have about 40 horses here with 5 stallions at stud. The horses are produced with these characteristics in mind:
Disposition and horses that have the mind to be easily trainable and sensitive. Type- We breed for Andalusians that look like Andalusians, the old type, A horse with presence, that when people see it, they don't have to guess what kind it is, there is no doubt, "that is an Andalusian". Athletic ability, versatility -we breed for horses that can perform many different things, move, be agile, quick and sure footed. Movement -We like them to move, again, like the "old type" flashy ,powerful, movement that is smooth to ride. Conformation - functional conformation that enables them be athletic and to have the versatility to excel at any discipline.
The horses are raised "out" they have about 260 acres to run and learn how to navigate all obstacles in nature. They are exposed to trees, water, mud, rocks, wildlife and the ups and downs of steep canyons. They are easily broke to trail because they are already familiar with nature. They grow up healthy, sound, strong and sane and have learned herd discipline. In these large pastures ALL of the horses are sociable and very friendly to their human visitors.
Visitors are welcome, please come and see us, just let us know you are coming first.
We will be happy to introduce you to all of the horses and they will be happy to meet you !!