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.
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
