Andalusians are pure Spanish horses (Pura Raza Española or PRE) and descend from the native horses of Spain and Portugal. The breed rose to prominence during the Renaissance, when horse-related activities became more popular and horseback riding was practiced by aristocrats. Nobles demanded horses that were both lovely and agile. Because the breed was lovely, it became a diplomatic tool in the Elizabethan era. Habsburg monarchs sent their native horses as gifts to kings across Europe, who prized their Spanish mounts.
Juan Manuel Munoz Diaz and his Andalusian stallion Fuego compete in the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Photo by Bob Langrish
In the mid-15th century, during the Reconquista, some notable stud farms were established in Spain. Carthusian monks in the Iberian Peninsula were entrusted with the task of documenting the lineage of horses and improving the breed. The Carthusians, a Catholic order founded in 1011 AD, were among the select few who could read and write. To ensure the accuracy of their records, the central breeding facility was located in their monastery. The most renowned breeding horse was a stallion named Esclavo.
There are two other characteristics unique to the Carthusian breed that are thought to be inherited from the foundation stallion Esclavo. The first is warts under the tail, a trait that Esclavo passed on to his offspring and which some breeders still consider to be evidence that a horse is of the Esclavo bloodline. The second is the occasional presence of “horns,” which are frontal bumps that may have been inherited from Asian ancestors. Physical descriptions of the bumps vary, ranging from calcium-like deposits on the temple to petite horn-like protuberances near or behind the ear. Unlike the tail warts, however, these horn bumps are not considered evidence of Esclavo descent.
In the 16th century, the Andalusian became the basis of many North American horse breeds when Spanish conquistadors brought the horses to the Americas for employ as war horses and breeding stock. Their bloodlines greatly influenced up-to-date breeds such as the Appaloosa, Mustang, Morgan, Lipizzaner, Friesian, Quarter Horse, Paso Fino and Peruvian Paso. All living Andalusians can be traced back to a select number of horses bred by Carthusian monks.
Despite their popularity, the horses' numbers declined as even lighter and more supple horses became more popular for activities such as racing and hunting. After World War II, the Andalusians were threatened when famine and plague virtually wiped out the breed. The Spanish government was forced to ban the export of the breed, and this ban was not lifted until 1960. Today, Andalusians are bred in more than sixty countries around the world.
How do you recognize an Andalusian horse?
Andalusians are renowned for their beauty. They are between 15 and 16.2 hands elevated and have noble heads with gentle eyes. They have a straight or slightly convex profile, a broad neck and a well-developed crest. Their most common coat color is gray, followed by brown, although they can also be found in many other colors. They always have bulky manes and tails. They are forceful and full of energy with even and elastic gaits that show elevation, extension and collection. They are obedient yet spirited, noble and warm animals that learn easily and adapt to different tasks and situations.
Are Andalusians the most exorbitant horses?
Andalusians are more exorbitant than other breeds, especially if they have been trained for shows. Each Andalusian horse is a representative of PRE, Pura Raza Española, and therefore prices are usually influenced by three factors: correct conformation, quality of movement and typicality (typicality is an equine word that means embodying the ideal characteristics of its variety or breed) as attributed by the judges at the conformation shows for purebred Spanish horses. These are qualities that the PRE horse should have in the eyes of the Spanish judges at the Concursos Morfológicos, the conformation shows for purebred Spanish horses.
Good show horses have solid pedigree and a acute mind, and they move with the grace and style expected of the breed. A youthful, promising horse is less exorbitant than one that is ready for the arena, but youthful horses need training, and that costs money too. The established movement of PRE horses is upward and forward, and their more pronounced knee action is a real draw in international FEI dressage competitions, making these horses even more desirable to riders around the world. Mares, stallions and youthful animals with a quality show record can be very exorbitant to sell, as can animals that have passed the second phase of the breeding approval revision called Reproductór Calificado. Chestnut Andalusian horses are uncommon and in high demand, so their rarity naturally drives up prices.
What are Andalusians used for today?
An Andalusian horse performs at the 2002 World Equestrian Games in Jerez, Spain. Photo by Bob Langrish
Andalusians excel at eventing, dressage, show jumping and driving, as well as general riding. They are agile, energetic, have a natural gait and are uncomplicated to train. Dressage, an archaic equestrian discipline, has made Andalusians the royal horse of Europe. The Duke of Newcastle wrote in 1667 that the Andalusian is “the noblest horse in the world, the most lovely that can be. He has great spirit and courage and is docile; has the proudest trot and the best movement in his trot, the most sublime canter and is the most affectionate and gentle horse, and most fit for a king on his day of triumph.”
PREs have been quite successful on the world stage from the start. But at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Fuego XII and Juan Manuel Muñoz, members of the Spanish dressage team at the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, again finished 5th overall. They were joined in the team by PREs Norte and Gnidium.
Andalusians are used in bullfighting more often than any other breed. This is because bullfighting is a product of Andalusia, a region of Spain. As part of the ceremony, Andalusians are still ridden by a rejoneador during the event.
The actual bullfight is where the horses' temperament and athletic ability come into full play. The horse must remain placid while being attacked by an incensed bull, and then at the last moment the lively horse leaps away from the animal's horns, taking high steps in a provocative gait.
Their graceful beauty also makes the Andalusian a popular horse for film roles.
For more information:
International Federation of Andalusian and Lusitano Horses
National Association of Purebred Spanish Horse Breeders
