Posted, February 8, 2007

Skelton Mountain Dream Ranch
Breeders of the Pure Spanish Horse in America

A True Paradise

Skelton Mountain Dream Ranch (SMDR) is a true paradise—185 acres nestled in a valley, with woods, ponds, a stream and mountains…it is where every horse deserves to grow up. That is why every Pure Spanish Horse that is born at SMDR has the ideal temperament that all horse owners and competitors desire.

Joe and Deanna Skelton moved to this tranquil location in 1991, after deciding it was time to get out of the city and try something completely new. While growing up, Joe had ridden casually and was aware of the mystique that horses had. He had been around Arabians and Quarter Horses but was interested in learning about other breeds. His interest was sparked when he came across an article about a San Antonio breeder of P.R.E. Horses (Pure Spanish Horses/Andalusians). After visiting this breeder and seeing their marvelous horses, Joe and Dee’s love affair with this breed began.

In 1999, Christa Elaine Wood joined SMDR as their trainer and the focus for all breeding and training shifted fully toward producing competitive Dressage P.R.E. horses. Having grown up working with her trainer mother, Christa Elaine brought an extensive background in training young horses to SMDR. Working with Olympian, Hilda Gurney, and ‘R’ Judge, Janet Hannon, Christa Elaine has become an FEI level trainer and competitor earning her USDF Bronze and Silver medals.