Menorca''s Dancing Horses

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 46
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Using a hire car to get there saves on the high cost of an organised tour. Son Martorellet is easily found on the road to Cala Galdana just south of the town of Ferreries on the main road that crosses the island.

The show explains the importance of the horses to the islanders through the ages, and how young Menorcans dream of having a horse to ride in the fiestas, where the famous rearing dance is performed safely in the midst of crowds of spectators. Although the storyline and addition of acrobatic and clown performers comes across as somewhat contrived, the performance of the horses makes up for any such misgivings. They are introduced singly, in pairs, or as many as eight together, performing intricate dressage movements.

To anyone not familiar with these movements the horses appear to be dancing to the accompanying music. When they rear up and walk forward on their hind legs, applause erupts from the audience. Special Menorcan saddles with unusually high backs help the riders to keep their seats.

The audience is treated to a series of historical spectacles. These include an attack by pirates; a disastrous ...
... fire, out of which appears a black stallion cleverly decorated with strings of blue lights that outline it in the darkness; and the wooing of Lady Hamilton by Lord Nelson when the English fleet was in the harbour of Mahon. They also watch demonstrations of how Menorcan farmers work with the horses, and the special bond that is forged between them.

Finally, with a grand fanfare, into the arena comes the most regal stallion of all, Pegasus, the white horse complete with his wings, and ridden by a beautiful princess also wearing a spectacular white dress. Pegasus belongs to King Juan Carlos of Spain, who has graciously allowed him to be introduced in the finale. That the king has entrusted this royal horse to Son Martorellet demonstrates the high regard and reputation of the establishment.

After the show some of the horses stand in line in the arena and the audience is invited to come and inspect them. The horses stand immobile, placidly tolerating the adulation of the crowd, four magnificent black stallions and one pure white with wings. The riders patiently answer the questions they are asked and show off the richly decorated saddles and tack.

You can visit Son Martorellet without taking in the show. It is open to the public every day except Sundays. You can take in a mini-show or witness some of the training sessions. You can take a guided tour or pay a small fee just to wander around the stable area without a guide.

This is also a stud farm, but of course the mares cannot be used in the show, or the stallions would get excited and out of control. Only the colts will be trained to perform. But the mares and foals can be seen on the other visits.

Son Martorellet knows how to satisfy all of its customers. The show ground has its own shop where you can buy souvenirs and specially designed T-shirts. Outside is a courtyard area with a snack bar, some table seating and a children''s playground. Everyone finds something to enjoy at Son Martorellet. Bonny Kominek is very fond of the Balearic islands and has been going to Menorca for years. Getting car hire Menorca is essntial, you can get cheap car hire Menorca from Ritmocars.co.uk