The secrets of the Andalusian Horse: Beauty, Intelligence, and Nobleness

The Andalusian horse is one of the world's most ancient horse breeds, originated in the region that gave it its name, Andalusia, located in the south of Spain. In this article, we will go over the main characteristics, breed details, culture, and other interesting facts about the beauty of this horse breed.

Origins and Impact on Spanish Equine Breeds

Andalusian horses are Iberian horses of baroque type, called very frequently “Pure Spanish Breed” (Pura Raza Espanola, PRE). Its origin has been decisive in forming different breeds such as the Friesian, Mustang, Lusitano, or Azteca. 

Its origins go back to the 16th century, when King Philip II created the institution of the Royal Stables of Cordoba, grouping the best stallions and mares around the Guadalquivir River and creating the beginnings of the Spanish horse. From this, and following different decisions related to Spanish equine history, such as the prohibition of crossing mares and donkeys, the Spanish breed has been maintained very pure and healthy. 

Within the Andalusian horse history, it has become a popular horse among historical figures in Spain, such as the Duke of Osuna or Duke of Medinaceli, and has been the preferred mount in numerous wars, becoming an important part of Spanish culture.

During the 19th century, the number of violent events (war or disease) and less controlled crossbreeding reduced the number of herds available, not being slowly recuperated till the 20th century, when the export of these breeds was liberalized, opening a great opportunity for Andalusian horse enthusiasts.

A Legacy of Historical Beauty

This breed is medium-sized, with a height between 155 and 175 centimeters and a maximum weight of 650 kilograms. Their lifetime expectancy is normally between 25 and 35 years old. While their proportions are harmonic, they have a particular muscular build, strong elegance, and beautiful fur.

Andalusian horse temperament is well-known for their strong character but, in terms of dressage, these horses are easy to manage and fast learners. They are intelligent and the Spanish horse training methods allow them to learn efficiently, being able to follow orders and execute complex performances with hard work.

Celebrating the Andalusian Horse in Competition 

Spanish horse history is full of events where the Andalusian breed has had a main character position: its nobleness, presence, and attitude make it a perfect horse for classic dressage, morphology contests, and vaquera and Alta Escuela dressage.

Andalusian horse performances show a special predisposition for classic dressage, with a strong neck that makes its presence unbeatable, while the strong rump allows it to excel in the impulsion in every exercise its performance. 

It must be noted that this outstanding capacity couldn’t be possible without the farmers and breeders who have worked over the years to improve the qualities of the specimens. This is how we see an increasing number of Andalusian horses participating in international competitions.

Top Andalusian Horse Events and Festivals

All Andalusian Horse fans know that attending horse events is key to seeing this incredible horse in action and evaluating its capacity in dressage, as well as being able to participate in the trade of this magnificent breed.  

These are the main events that any Andalusian horse enthusiasts forum should visit. Additionally, these visits offer a deep dive into the rich Spanish horse training methods and traditions of Spain: 

• Pasión y Duende del Caballo Andaluz: celebrated in Córdoba, it performs a perfect combination of elements of classical and Andalusian horse training, doma vaquera, Alta Escuela, amazon, and other Spanish equine traditions,  connecting it with the equestrian history and tradition of Córdoba.
• Feria del Caballo (Jerez Horse Fair): one of the most famous equestrian events in Andalusia during May. The fair shows some of the finest horses displayed at their best​​​​.
• Andalusian Horses Dance Show: held at the Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art, includes performances with classical dressage, carriage driving, and doma vaquera.
• SICAB (Salon Internacional del Caballo de Pura Raza Española): this international horse show in Sevilla showcases the PRE horses. It includes exhibitions, competitions, and equestrian performances, making it a great event for ​​Andalusian horse enthusiasts.

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