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The Andalusian horse has been highly regarded since the Middle
Ages. Also the Andalusian, has officially been known as the
Purebred Spanish Horse, reigned for several centuries throughout
the known world as the embodiment of perfection in horseflesh. The
Andalusian is represented by the names Iberian Saddle Horse,
Iberian War Horse, Jennet, Ginete, Lusitano, Alter Real,
Carthusian, Spanish Horse, Portuguese, Peninsular, Castilian,
Extremeno, Villanos, Zapata, and Zamaranos.
Spanish horses have been esteemed for their quality and
appearance since Roman times. The Moors invaded Spain in the
Seventh Century and brought Barb horses with them. These oriental
horses were crossed with quality native Spanish stock, and the
result was the Andalusian. In the Middle Ages, the Andalusian was
the favored mount for European nobles. The Andalusian was a major
influence on the Lipizzaner breed in the 1500's. More recently, it
was used as a cavalry mount. Its numbers at one time diminished,
but today the Andalusian's physical appearance and flashy action
make it one of the world's most desirable riding horses.
Physical Description
The Andalusian has a distinguished appearance, usually appearing
in the colors white and light gray, and occasionally bay. It is a
compact horse with excellent proportions, and usually stands at
15.2 hands. The mane and tail are abundant. It has a flat or
slightly convex nose, small ears, and its head is set on a
substantial neck. The chest is quite massive and the quarters are
lean. The legs are clean and the action is quite energetic. The
Andalusian is renowned for its ability to learn and its superb
temperament.
Origin
The Andalusian originated in and gained its name from the
Spanish Province of Andalusia. Its ancestors are the Iberian
(Spanish) horse and the Barb horse which was brought to Spain by
invading Moors. It was bred principally by Carthusian Monks in the
late Middle Ages. The famed William Cavendish, Duke of Newcastle,
wrote: "...the Spanish horse is the noblest animal in the world..."
Cortes brought Andalusians to America for his conquests.
Notes of Interest
Andalusian horses owe a great deal to the Carthusian Monks who
bred them, beginning in the late Middle Ages. In the late 1400's,
studs were founded at monasteries in Terez, Seville, and Cazallo.
The monks were superb horse breeders and trainers, and kept the
blood of their horses quite pure. The Andalusian's purity was
threatened in the 1800's when Napoleon's army invaded Spain and
stole many horses. One herd of Andalusians was hidden and used to
renew the breed. In 1832, an epidemic devastated Spain's horse
population. Only a small herd of Andalusians at the Monastery of
Cartuja survived. No Andalusians were exported until 1962.
Registries and Breed Associations
Reference:
Andalusian Association de Caballos de Pura Raza Espanola New
Zealand Inc., 334 Mystery Creek Road, RD 1, Ohaupo, New Zealand
Kentucky Horse Park, 4089 Iron Works Pike, Lexington, KY
40511
Hendricks, Bonnie L., International Encyclopedia of Horse
Breeds, Univ of Oklahoma Press, 1995