CHRIS MAUDSLEY 
My introduction to the Andalusian breed was in 1985, when my sister and I took a trip to Roma to Anchorbar Stud. The purpose of our trip was to put a mare in foal to one of their stallions, Dacio III (Imp).
While we were there I decided to purchase my first Andalusian Anchorbar Monsana, who was a second-cross filly (Andalusian / Arab). A few months later I bought my first Spanish Andalusian colt, Cristom Equador by Dacio III (Imp), out of Coplera (Imp). The purchases of these two horses led me to start my first stud, Christom Andalusian Stud.
While at Anchorbar, I was also introduced to the principles of the art of Equitation, taught by the late Master, Nuno Oliveira. In search of someone who might tutor me in this, I traveled to Don Baxter’s complex in Murwillumbah. I also attended several clinics when Don and Mandy Baxter came north to Gladstone and Mt Larcom.
Some time after this, I acquired my well-known Spanish Andalusian stallion, Salmantino (IMP) and continued to enthusiastically pursue the classical training principles of Master Oliveira.
My passion for Spanish horses grew to love, but sadly in 1995, I was struck down with bad health and was forced to disperse my stud. Following this sad event, I moved from Rockhampton to the Atherton Tablelands to live with my parents while I regained my health.
In 2000 I met my partner, Grant Gardiner and he felt that the only horses I should have were Andalusians. So, here we are today! I have established my second stud, Cristogracia, with two breeding stallions; Alegria Agraciado and Alegria Serio, both PRE Spanish Pures.
I continue to enjoy classical equitation and natural horsemanship and remain faithful to the training principles of Master Oliveira. My future goals include buying a black pre-Spanish colt or filly for breeding and helping people come to a better understanding of their horses.
GRANT GARDINER
Stud owner
My introduction to the Andalusian breed was in 2000, when I met Chris. Previous to this I enjoyed mustering and trail riding, I had four stock horses, two of them being ex-polo cross horses.
Since meeting Chris I have learnt the importance of understanding horses from a holistic approach – which means understanding their mental and physical. We use a combination of horsemanship and classical equitation to ensure our horses have the best start for their future.
We have been working together now for the past eight years, managing Cristogracia as a stud and training facility. I pride myself in socializing and training the young horses that we put under saddle together.
I enjoy taking these youngsters down the farm for their first creek crossing (with some of these horses never to have seen running water), cattle and wildlife encounters as well the different terrains. It is also enjoyable to ride them out with a companion horse (used to build confidence) and get them used to mail boxes, people, mowers and whipper-snippers, traffic, dogs, other horses etc.
In the preparation for sale of our own horses we also socialize them at the local horse shows and sporting events… this introduces them to a whole new world of interesting ventures (such as sideshow rides and wood-chopping).
My own personal riding horse (and best friend) is senior stallion Alegria Agraciado. I remember the many months it took Chris and I to choose our future stallion. When we decided on Agraciado he arrived as a seven-month-old colt from Alegria Spanish Horse Stud in
Melbourne Victoria . For the next few years Agraciado and I built a strong bond and we often went on walks/runs. These outings slowly built up to an eight kilometre circuit, with Agraciado and I playing naturally together.
When Agraciado was two-years-old, Chris started him under-saddle using Classical methods. She has continued with his on going eduction, but Agraciado and I still enjoy our eight kilometre circuits (now ridden!).
My future goal is to be able to be able to ride classical dressage. This really is the ultimate way to work with horses through lightness to achieve the highest levels of equitation.
Stud owner
