The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is one of the world's foremost equestrian institutions, and its Thursday and Saturday performances — officially called "How the Andalusian Horses Dance" — are among the most impressive shows in Spain. The Carthusian horses, grey and white, perform dressage movements to classical Spanish music in a purpose-built arena, ridden by trainers in eighteenth-century dress.
Booking well in advance is essential for the main performances. On training days (Tuesday through Friday mornings), visitors can watch the horses being schooled in a more relaxed atmosphere and at lower cost — often more satisfying than the formal shows, since the interaction between rider and horse is more visible. The grounds include a carriage museum with an extraordinary collection of historical vehicles, and the stables themselves are open for viewing. This is one of those places where the distance between tourist attraction and the genuine article is nil.