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Some time in November, El Caballo horse farm will wel- come a new arrival from Costa Rica. "Caribe," a pure-bred, dark Andalusian stallion, was re- cently purchased by John and Mary Ann Austin, the owners of the El Caballo Farm, which is located about 15 miles north- east of Port Perry. And the Austins are eager- ly waiting for his arrival. They purchased "Caribe" via video tape from a large and well known stable in Costa Rica owned by a wealthy industrial- ist. "He's a very showy horse with plenty of flash," John told the Starin a recent interview. The Austins paid $10,000 in US funds for "Caribe" and must also cover the cost of shipping him from Costa Rica to Canada. But first he must spend time in quarantine in Florida. Canadian agriculture regula- tions don't allow .direct ship- ment from Costa Rica to Cana- da. The animal must first "become an American" for a few weeks. John and Mary Ann are confident the wait will be more than worth it. They are counting on "Ca- ribe" to greatly enhance the 5 breeding of the beautiful Anda- lusian horses. The Austins have been breeding and raising Andalu- sians at El Caballo for the past four years. Though this breed of horse is well known and admired for centuries in its native Spain, Costa Rica, Mexico and for the last 20 years in the United States, there are just three or four breeders in Ontario and a handful in the rest of Canada. For centuries, the Andalu- sian has been known as the "Royal Horse of Europe," the fa- vourite of kings and the nobili- ty. But through the ages, it was used extensively as a work horse and in battle. During the brutal Spanish Civil War in the mid 1930's many of the horses were killed for food. So many in fact that the breeding stock was threatened, and it was only in 1965 that Spain lifted an embargo to al- low the Andalusians to be ex- ported to other countries. John and Mary Ann start- ed raising Andalusians four years ago when they had a chance to buy two mares. "We accepted this chal- lenge, knowing it would be so much work. But raising horses John Austin with the Andalusian stalllon "Destacado E" at the El Caballo farm north- PORT PERRY STAR -- Tuesday, October 3, 1989 -- 37 Rare Andalusian horses raised in Scugog - Wi Salas, MY Mary Ann Austin bottle-feeding the new colt "Mariposa," born last July. He makes a messy meal out of the process. The Austins are among just a very few breeders of Andalu- sian horses In Ontario. The horses are known for their gentle temperment, and for centu- ries in Europe they have been the favourite of royalty and the nobility. like this-keeps us alert, mental- ly sharp and physically fit," said Mary Ann. With the pending arrival of "Caribe," the farm will have two See *y, east of Port Perry. A second stallion has been purchased from Costa Rica and should be arriving at his new Canadian home In November. ~ RONALD D. BRIDGEWATER, Ba. Lis. LAW OFFICES 38 WATER STREET, PORT PERRY 985-8491 -- providing 14 years experience in -- REAL ESTATE -- INCORPORATIONS FAMILY LAW -- WILLS -- ESTATES "The trdlible with the future is that usually it arrives before we are ready for it!" country Lane / 7A & High Street, Port Perry, Ontario REALLY LIMITED REGENCY 2'6" ROYALE MAHOGANY OAK $100.00 $195.00 * DOORS & MOULDING * HARDWARE * Complete House Trim Packages at Discounted Prices. RR4, UXBRIDGE Durham No. 23, just s. of 47 "(416) 852-7722 stallions. "Destacado E" a four year old was bought from a farm in Arizona two years ago. He's a beautiful animal, unusally peppy and active for Andalusians which are known for their even temperment and gentleness. Presently, there are two young colts on the farm, one born in the spring, and the oth- erbornin July. This youngster, named "Mariposa" which means but- terfly in Spanish, is being bottle fed by Mary Ann. "He won't take the bottle straight on. For some reason, he has to have it from the right side," laughed Mary Ann as the colt slurped and gulped happily, spraying her with a shower of milk." Although Andalusians are born with a dark coat, almost all turn a striking grey colour in mature age. Bays or jet blacks are veryrare. John said the fact the breed is even tempered makes them wonderful show horses, and they are fine for families who enjoy riding or driving carriag- es. He is hoping to be able to show his horses at the Royal, but not until 1990. Eventually, John and Mary Ann hope to have a dozen pure bred mares, and sell the foals in eastern North America. In the meantime, they are waiting for "Caribe" to make his first appearance at El Caballo. One of the characteristics that attracted them to this three-year old stallion is his col- our: nearly jet black. 4 Diapers by MEE MEE Inc.f ( *100% Cotton Diapers *Form Fitting *Environmentally Safe *One Size Fits All *Variety of Colours \ & Prints J RUTH ANN DABOUS 985-4260 J & DRY D Technical Maintenance Martin DocKennedy Martin Regal Also check out our selection of collars, leads, bowls, toys, shampoos and grooming products to keep your dog healthy and happy. Call Lynne at 985-4191 Professional All-Breed Dog Grooming Quality Supplies for your dog's every need FOOD SUPER SPECIAL 8kg. BAGS Reg. Now $14.99 $12.99 $8.79 $6.99 -- REESE ------