The Andalusian horse breed comes from Spain. The inhabitants of this country consider it their national treasure. Animals are distinguished by beauty, grace, humility, dexterity and speed. Thoroughbred Spanish stallions and mares participated in the conquest of the lands of the New World, and only noble nobles could afford to buy such a horse. The breed has survived to this day and is now used in sports.
Andalusian horse
History of the origin of the breed
The history of Andalusian horses goes back far into the past. Their ancestors, who lived during the Paleolithic, inhabited the Iberian Peninsula. Then this territory was at the disposal of the Iberians, hence the name of the ancient horses – Iberian.
These animals were crossed with Numidian horses belonging to the peoples living at that time in northern Africa. The Arab invasion of the Iberian Peninsula in the 8th century AD influenced the breed of local horses, Arabian was mixed with their blood.
As a result of centuries of natural selection, horses have appeared that are distinguished not only by the beauty and grace inherent in oriental breeds, but also by agility and speed. These animals were used in battles, participated in parades, carried nobles and kings. They are considered among the most beautiful in the world.
Later, on the basis of the Andalusians, new breeds of horses were created:
- Frederiksborg;
- Lipizzan;
- Neapolitan;
- kladrubskaya and others.
Reference. Spanish horses have been repeatedly used to improve some breed lines, for example, Friesian, Trakehner, etc.
European colonialists conquered American lands using Andalusian horses. Many modern horse breeds common in South America are similar to the Andalusian, because they have Spanish blood.
Graceful horses in the period from the 16th to the 18th centuries became in demand among representatives of Bohemia. They were considered a luxury item. At that time, the demand for Andalusians was as high as ever. Representatives of the breed became a sign of prosperity, they were bought by noble nobles.
At the beginning of the 20th century, the demand for Spanish horses fell, and the popularity of thoroughbreds from England increased. Hard times have come for the Andalusian breed. In 1912, a stud book was established in Spain. The breed was called purebred Spanish. After more than 50 years, the Portuguese started their own book. The local Andalusians were given another name – the purebred Lusitanian breed.
Andalusian horse breed
External characteristics
The Andalusian horse breed is distinguished by medium height, proportional body build with a compact rounded body and a developed chest. Characteristics:
- height at the withers reaches 160 cm;
- head small, dry;
- almond-shaped eyes;
- profile with a small hump;
- the neck is long with a beautiful bend;
- withers dense, wide;
- the chest is deep with well-developed muscles;
- the body is rounded;
- limbs of medium length, thin, dry, graceful with the correct setting;
- back line is straight;
- croup rounded, shortened, raised;
- a long tail with thick hair is low-set;
- the mane is luxurious;
- hooves are strong.
Andalusian horse in 80% of cases has a gray color. Less common is bay color and dark bay. Black horses are a rarity. The Portuguese pedigree line is presented in only two colors – bay or gray.
A distinctive feature of the Spanish Andalusian horses is a high gait, it is given to them by nature. During the run, the forelimbs of animals easily rise to the chest, giving the impression of flight.
Character
Andalusian horses have a submissive and kind disposition. They are easy to train, which allows the use of animals in circus arts, bullfighting and some sports. Spanish thoroughbreds are able to unquestioningly obey the rider and respond to the movements of his body.
Attention! Andalusians are not without pride, they demand attention and respect.
Breeding and use of the breed
The main part of the stock of purebred Spanish horses is concentrated in the Andalusian military stud. There, animals are kept on pastures all year round, which has a beneficial effect on their physical condition.
Much attention is paid to the preparation of animals. Stallions are called in starting from the age of three, they are not subjected to castration. In their homeland, horses constantly take part in competitions, competitions, and exhibitions.
Horses constantly take part in competitions
Bullfighting is another area where purebred Andalusians are used. Preparation for it takes about 6 years.Β At the performance, the animals show exceptional agility, dynamics and agility, thanks to which they manage to avoid the blows of an angry bull..
Today, representatives of the ancient breed are highly valued all over the world, and in their homeland they are a source of pride. The horses that once took part in the conquest of American lands are now admired. They show the best qualities in driving, trail, show jumping, classic riding.
Despite the difficult times that found the breed at the beginning of the 20th century, today it is again in demand not only in Spain, but also in other countries. Excellent body composition, the ability to gracefully move, agility, dynamism, endurance, humility and agility – these qualities are inherent in Andalusian horses.
