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| HORSES |
The cultural wealth of Jerez is due, in large part, to the enormous influence
of the different civilisations which have flourished together in the city and
whose heritage can be discovered by simply strolling through its streets. The
remains of the Phoenician and Greek cultures which are conserved in the Archaeological
Museum, the mosque and the citadel of the Alcazar, of Arabic influence, the impressive
cathedral where the blend of styles ranging from the Gothic, Baroque and the Neo
- classical are combined. To these marvellous monuments we should add the centuries
- old vineyards and wine cellars which are internationally renowned.
The horse is another of the signs that identify these lands. The existence
of excellent grazing lands on the mud flats and the good climate work together
in the breeding of fine examples of horses which have attracted admiration since
ancient times. With the incorporation of Jerez into the Crown of Castile in
1264, horses have played an important part in the lives of the people of Jerez
and it has been with pride that they have maintained the monopoly of the race.
There has been constant concern for the selection and breeding with the aim
of making this breed effective in battle and in recreational activities alike.
We should not forget that Jerez was, as its name indicates, at the frontier
of the kingdom of Granada and that the sports and festivities in which horses
participated, were no more than a rehearsal in which the horses could be prepared
to intervene in the frequent frontier skirmishes which took place.
 The location of the Yeguada de la Cartuja - Hierro del Bocado Stud has converted
it into the gateway to a privileged landscape: the municipal district of Jerez
de la Frontera. Jerez is, quite probably, one of the most charismatic cities
in Spain and possibly in the entire world, in addition to being the principal
cradle of the Spanish horse.
Located in the south western corner of Andalucía,
in the province of Cádiz, Jerez lies in an enclave between the Guadalete
river, tributary of the Guadalquivir river, the Cádiz mountain range
and the sea which lies at a mere distance of 15 km.
The unique geographical
location of the area contributes to the unique climate which favours the cultivation
of the "palomino", the variety of grape which gives its singular flavour
and aroma to the wine that takes its name from this city, Sherry.
From the XVIII
century, a multitude of wine cellars have housed the wine and have cultivated
its richness of tones, from the indispensable fino to the amontillado and the
oloroso.
 The Finca Fuente del Suero Estate, which was the property of the Carthusian
monks and which lies in the surrounding land of the Jerez monastery, is the
emblematic location of the Stud.
It lies on the banks of the Guadalete river,
in the extensive countryside that forms the plain of the Guadalquivir, on the
same land where over five hundred years ago the monks of the Monastery created
the thoroughbred line that is the Carthusian horse.
These are superb lands for
cultivating the most prized agricultural produce and, in particular, the vines
which produce the famous wine that has brought international fame to Jerez and
which find their roots in this community surrounded by the cities of Jerez,
El Puerto de Santa María and Sanlúcar de Barrameda.
The nearly
three hundred days of sunshine per year which the district enjoys, results in
the earth crystallising and retaining moisture that is absorbed from the few
remaining days in the year when it rains.
The various crops offer a scene of
contrasting natural beauty, where the extensive coverings of golden wheat are
combined with the leafy margins of the riverbanks, the fields dotted with vines
and other labour intensive crops
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