THE ANDALUSIAN HORSE

What is an Andalusian Horse?

The Andalusian horse is one of the most ancient of horse breeds. It has lived on the Iberian Peninsula since pre-history and is represented in cave paintings dating back 25,000 years.

 

Where did the name “Andalusian” come from?

In Spain, the horse is known as the Pure Spanish Horse. In Portugal, the horses are known as Lusitanos. The term Andalusian is used in many countries to denote the Iberian horse. The term Andalusian arose from the region in southern Spain, Andalusia, in which many noted stud farms are located.

 

What does an Andalusian look like?

The Andalusian is strongly built, yet extremely elegant. The typical Andalusian stands 15.2 to 16.2 hands. His head is of medium length, rectangular and lean. The head in profile is slightly convex or straight with a broad forehead and well-placed ears. The eyes are alive, oval, and placed within an orbital arch. The face is straight or softly convex, moderately narrow, and without excess flesh. The neck is reasonably long, broad, yet elegant and well-crested in stallions. The mane is thick and abundant. Well-defined withers precede a short back; the quarters are broad and strong. The croup is rounded and of medium length. The tail is abundant, set low, and lies tightly against the body. About 80% of Andalusians are grey or white, 15% are bay, and 5% are black.

 

What makes the Andalusian so popular?

This horse is well known for its trusting and kind disposition and its high intelligence and eagerness- to -please. These attributes coupled with its strength, natural collection, agility, impulsion, and kind temperament are the fundamental characteristics possessed by the Andalusian horse.

 

How do these attributes relate to the horse’s utility?

The Iberian horse was the royal horse of Europe with a presence at every court. Grand riding academies were soon being formed all across Europe including Austria, France, Italy, and Germany. It was at these academies where dressage and high school riding began and flourished. The Iberian horse was the favourite at these academies because of its impulsion, collection, forward motion, and agility. Today, the Andalusian horse competes in dressage, jumping, driving, trail, and carriage driving. In Spain and Portugal, the horse displays the ultimate in courage and cunning as it faces the fierce Iberian bull.