Galeno’s Story 

Galeno is a 20 year old Pure Spanish Andalusian gelding. Galeno is a National Champion in Costume, and performed in the 2003 Rose Parade. Galeno is schooled in Doma Vaquero style Dressage. When Galeno arrived at Bethany Pappani Training, it was obvious when this horse was started, he never had his topline muscle built correctly. Due to being forced into collection before his muscle strength was developed, his back had dipped into a ‘swayback’, he had old muscle tears in his neck and carried himself in an extremely inverted position. For nearly his entire life, Galeno endured harsh training methods to achieve the High School level movements of  Spanish walk, Passage, and  Piaffe. Galeno bears the  spur scars in his neck and shoulders that show this.

Galeno’s Rehabilitation 

In 2007, Galeno was introduced to Patrice Edwards. Her world-renown classical training methods transform the horse's balance and way of going, and the partnership between the rider and the horse. Together with Patrice,  Galeno, and Bethany made profound changes in Galeno’s coordination, balance, and strength. Through cavesson lunge work, Galeno’s topline was rebuilt for the rider before the ridden work resumed . His trust in his handlers was restored, as well as his trust in himself and his ability to perform.  Galeno’s back continues to improve today. Galeno has transitioned from big bits, big spurs & big whips to nothing more than a neck rope!

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