The Andalusian Horse: Turn Fantasy into Reality

By Anita Alfaro
Reprinted from Conquistador Volume 3 Number 5. Updated 2008, Conquistador Staff.

Do you remember as a child on the carousel wishing that the magnificent, fiery steed on which you were mounted could come alive and gallop away with you to far off lands? Or maybe, as you were reading the myths and fables of unicorns and winged horses, you could imagine yourself astride one of these beautiful creatures and exploring enchanted places. There are some who say these images are merely figments of then imagination, but if you have ever had the chance to ride an Andalusian horse, then you know that this fantasy is a reality. The Andalusians have all of the fire and presence of the mightiest carousel steed and all of the ethereal beauty of unicorns and the winged horse, Pegasus.

HISTORY
As a breed, the Andalusians dates back to the Moorish invasion of Spain. The Moors were the finest horsemen of their times and they brought with them their magnificent Barb horses which they crossed with the native horses of the Iberian Peninsula. When Spain reclaimed its territory, the Spanish breeders in the Southern province of Andalucia continued to develop an unmatched warhorse. The horse they developed was sturdy, with a long sloping shoulder, short back, rounded, strong hind quarters, wide chest, deep girth, with a well-crested, naturally arched neck and very sturdy legs.

The history of the Andalusian is not confined solely to its war accolades. For centuries it was raised on the vast open plains of Southern Spain along with fierce Iberian bulls. It learned to avoid the sharp horns of the charging bulls through its quick action and agility. The Andalusian horse still is the mount of the Spanish cowboy, chasing down and herding cattle in much the same way as his famous grandson, the Quarter Horse, does here in the U.S. The Andalusian is still used in the sport of Rejoneo, (bullfighting from horseback) in Spain, Mexico, Portugal and other Latin countries.

As urbanization restricted the availability of open riding spaces, Dressage became the perfected discipline of riding among the nobility. The breed exhibited an unparalleled affinity for collection and the agility and animation needed to perform High School movements and the airs above ground. These unique talents were honed to perfection by the Lipizzans, a direct offshoot of the Andalusian horse.

When Spain went on to claim the New World, she took her horses with her. On Columbus’ second voyage in 1493, he brought the Andalusian to the Americas. Thereafter, every expedition to the New World included the horses in its cargo. Breeding farms were established in the Caribbean to provide mounts for the Conquistador as they explored and settled the New World.

These original Spanish horses provided the foundation stock for all American breeds of horses. The American Mustang, the Pasos of Central and South America and the Criollos are the very obvious descendants, but Morgans, Foxtrotters, Walking Horses, Saddlebreds and the famous Quarter Horse, can all trace their heritage back to the Andalusian.

BREED STANDARD
The average height is 15.2 hands, but with improved nutrition and selection, heights of 16.2 plus are not uncommon. The horse is to be of straight or sub convex profile, of balance conformation and notable general harmony. They display brilliant aires, are energetic, cadenced and elastic with appreciable elevation and acknowledge facility for collection. The neck is lightly arched and of medium length. The mane and tail are thick and abundant. The croup of medium length and width and well rounded with tail set low and hung close to the body. They are high-spirited in their movement, but docile in nature. In color they are mostly grey but black and bay are also common. Buckskin and chestnut are rare. Pinto and appaloosa are not acceptable marking patterns. The Andalusian horse which in ancient times carried the royalty of Europe, fought the fierce Iberian bulls and carried Crusaders and Conquistadors, is now facing its future head-on. Because of its versatility, intelligence, agility, beauty and willing nature, it is making its way into all disciplines of the modern equine world.

In Addition to being shown in breed shows throughout the country, the Andalusian horse also competes successfully on the open circuit in dressage, driving, western trail, saddleseat, jumping, eventing and any other venture that their owner cares to tackle. With their style and beauty, they are a natural for parades and exhibitions, and their warm, willing dispositions, make them an ideal family horse. The uses of the Andalusian are restricted only by the imagination of his owner.