The training for the horses begins when they are 3 years old. First they get lunged and get used to a saddle and a bridle. When Antonio sees that the young horse is relaxed and masters his lessons calmly is the time to let someone in the saddle. Susanne and Antonio refuse to start horses before they are 3 years old, how it is done a lot of times in Germany because of the horse shows. The horse sets the speed of starting at all times. Antonio always says, that the horses eye tells him that he is ready to go to the next step. In the beginning there is always someone on the ground leading the horse with his rider, since the horses knows and trusts the person on the ground. The aim here is for the horse to learn to go forward under the rider in a balanced way.

The horses are taught in the Alta Escuela, the Doma Vaquera and the Doma Classica. The principles of all three of them is the classic way: The horse is meant to go relaxed and downward over his back before you start `real` work. Rhythm and balance have to be in place.

Even though most Spanish horses naturally have the ability to collect, it is absolutely necessary to strengthen muscles, tendons and joints just like with any other breed. This also includes a daily warm up, and regularly breaks like running free, relaxing at a ride in the countryside or lunging. The work is rounded off by lessons like lying down, Spanish walk and trot or plie which give the horse a good stretching.