The Andalusian horse, also known as the Horse or PRE holds a significant place, among the ancient horse breeds originating from Iberia. Its strength, beauty and grace have inspired poets, writers and artists throughout history including William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes.
Throughout the ages the Andalusian horse served as a nobles warhorse in Europe. However due to factors such as export limitations, diseases and conflicts in the century their population drastically declined. To preserve the remaining purebred horses of this lineage Spain restricted their export for over a century until 1964.
Andalusian horses are well known for their intelligence, agility and amiable temperament. They are commonly seen in shades of gray with a height ranging from 15.2 to 16.2 hands and abundant manes and tails. The breed excels in dressage well as driving and Western disciplines.
Here are ten facts about horses;
Originating from Carthusian Monasteries
Some scientists speculate that Andalusians can trace their ancestry back to the Sorraia breed that dates back 22,000 years. Drawings of Sorraia horses can be found in caves located on the Iberian Peninsula and southwestern France.
Crossbreeding Orders
Legend has it that breeders were instructed by the military to cross their purebred Andalusians with breeds in order to provide mounts, for heavy cavalry.
Thanks, to a knight named Don Álvaro Obertos de Valeto, a number of purebred horses were preserved in a monastery.
Over the four centuries the monks continued breeding this strain of Andalusian horses. (Source; Animal Hearted)
Although there is no evidence to confirm the existence of this strain research has traced the lineage of all horses back to monasteries. However King Felipe II officially recognized the Andalusian as a breed in the century.
Andalusians Were Warhorses
The ancestors of Andalusians were warhorses during the Ancient Greek and Roman Empires. They were also favored mounts for Carthaginian warriors well as French Crusaders.
Through centuries of breeding the Andalusian breed developed athleticism and stamina. They served as brave cavalry horses for the Spanish leading them to victories. Andalusians are also celebrated as symbols of refinement, in the country.
The Andalusian horses hold a place in the history of Europe earning them the title “The Horse of Kings.” With their appearance and graceful movements these horses added to the grandeur of royalty who rode them. The Spanish aristocracy even presented horses as gifts, to European kings.
The breed standard for Andalusians was established by King Felipe II. Has remained largely unchanged over the centuries. It was King Felipe II who transformed their purpose from working with cattle, farming and warfare to focusing on dressage. Following his decree in 1567 the Royal Stables of Cordoba began producing Andalusians for high school dressage. (Source; ialha.org)
Gray is a color among Andalusians constituting over 80% of the breed. The remaining horses are comprised of 15% bay and 5% black, chestnut dun or palomino variations. There are also some colorations, like cremello, buckskin and pearl.
It’s interesting to note that superstitious beliefs, about the breed are associated with markings and patterns on horses. Depending on where these markingsre located they can bring either bad luck to the owner. On the hand Andalusians without any markings are often considered to have a bad tempered disposition.
Andalusians have had an influence on modern horse breeds over the centuries due to their popularity. For instance the beautiful Friesian horse originated from crossing Andalusians with horses in Friesland during the century.
Spanish horses also played a role, in shaping American horse breeds. As they accompanied the conquistadors traveling to the New World Andalusian bloodlines can be found in todays Mustangs. Some of the lineages can be observed among Oregons Kiger Mustangs.
In their homeland Andalusians went on to influence horse breeds as well. The Hanoverian, Holstein, Oldenburg, Gelderland, Knabstrupper and Thoroughbred breeds are a few examples of those influenced by heritage.
Some Andalusian crosses have developed into their breeds showcasing the versatility of the Andalusian horse. These include the Azteca horse (Andalusian x Quarter horse/Paint) the Arabian (Andalusian x Arabian) the Warlander (Andalusian/Lusitano x Friesian) and the Spanish Norman (Andalusian x Percheron).
Additionally it’s interesting to note that bullfighting has historically been associated with Andalusians. Although this controversial sport is now illegal, in countries it continues to be practiced in Spain as a tradition that dates back centuries.
Andalusians possess the agility, strength and bravery required to excel in this sport. In the past these qualities could mean the difference, between life and death for bullfighters. It also makes them well suited for working with cattle on ranches.
They are skilled in dressage
Ever since King Philip II established the dressage academy for Andalusians at the Royal Stables this breed has been prominent in the sport. Andalusians have an affinity for self control enabling them to execute intricate High School dressage maneuvers.
The breed has also achieved success in dressage. Two Andalusians were part of the dressage team that won bronze at the 2002 World Equestrian Games and silver at the 2004 Summer Olympics.
The secret to their success, in this discipline lies in their hindquarters, necks and flexible joints. These traits are a result of centuries of breeding that continues today. Witnessing Andalusians gracefully dance is truly a sight.
There are 200,000 Andalusians, in the world as stated by Karina Brez. This number has increased since 2010 when there were around 185,000 registered Andalusians Source; Wikipedia).
Once considered a breed Andalusians have been steadily growing in numbers over the few decades. According to the Foundation for the Horse Europe is home to the largest population of Andalusians while only about 5,000 reside in America.
Andalusians are quite popular, as horses featured in movies.
It’s no surprise that this breed, reminiscent of fairy tales has been featured in fantasy movies. The majestic appearance, expressive movements and abundant manes and tails make these horses perfect for the screen. According to the Foundation, for the Horse over 140 movies have utilized Andalusian horses.
Known films that showcase this breed include “Lord of the Rings ” “Braveheart,” “The Chronicles of Narnia ” “King Arthur ” and “Gladiator.” Even Clint Eastwood rode Andalusians to capture the essence of the Old West in movies, like “High Plains Drifter” and “Pale Rider.”
