What is an Andalusian horse?
The Andalusian and Lusitano (both of them known as the Iberian horse) is one of the purest, most ancient and historically documented breeds alive in the world today. It has also contributed more to other horse breeds than almost any other breed, but with a history of keeping its own lines very pure.
These horses originated in a peninsula on the Mediterranean Sea, called Iberia. Iberia is comprised of two countries, Spain and Portugal. Historical records of horses in this area date back to before the time of Christ. The Andalusian and Lusitano were recognized as one breed, even sharing the same stud book, until about 50 years ago, when Spain and Portugal started running their own separate stud books and breed associations.
The Iberian horse is the prototypical ideal warhorse of the Romans, with a high arched neck and powerful rounded lines. Their gate is elevated and rounded. They have long been considered among the best Calvary or war mounts in history, including by the Romans. They were also the choice mount of Royalty in Europe, with their regal bearing, even in times of peace. At that time, men rode stallions and so the Iberian stallions were selectively bred for gentleness and manageability (to make the king look good on his big day). This trait is still evident in the gentle stallions of the Iberian today.
With technological advancements in warfare and the artistic advancement of the Renaissance, the Iberian began to be enjoyed purely for the form of advancing and practicing equestrian art, making it the original “dressage horse”. The movements of agility and collection used to maneuver a rider to safety or maximum advantage in battle, were now refined under saddle as an art form. These were the very movements performed naturally by Iberian horses, making them the preferred mount of the classical masters. Even today a well bred Andalusian foal will be seen performing piaffe, canter pirouettes, levade, and other airs above the ground spontaneously, while at play.
Today, dressage riders and other sporting equestrians are rediscovering the incredible agility and natural collect-ability of the Andalusian horse.
Could you please put all of these Spanish and Portuguese names into plain English!?
Iberian horses are all horses, Spanish or Portuguese that come from the Iberian Peninsula (or are descended from horses from there).
Iberians of Spanish breeding are called “horses of pure Spanish blood” in Spain or PRE for short. In America the name “Andalusian” is often used to describe Spanish bred Iberians.
Iberians of Portuguese breeding are called “horses of pure Lusitano blood” in Portugal, or PSL for short. In America, we simply call them Lusitanos.
Horses of mixed Spanish and Portuguese bloodlines (but 100% Iberian) are “pure Spanish Portuguese” or PSP for short. In America, these horses are usually called Andalusians, even though this term is also used to describe horses of specifically Spanish breeding.
The term “Andalusian” is also commonly used to refer to any horse of Iberian blood, Spanish, Portuguese, or any blend of the two.
Are there any differences with the Spanish and Portuguese bloodlines?
Since all Andalusians shared the same stud book just about 50 years ago, there is still a strong common type in all Iberian horses and it is not difficult to find horses representing both bloodlines that look almost identical. The Spanish and Portuguese have, however had different emphasis in their breeding program, so that you will see certain tendencies come out stronger in certain bloodlines. The Spanish bred more strongly for beauty and a flashy high parade style gait. In Portugal, the focus has been more on functionality and athleticism, since mounted bullfighting is the National Sport. Thus some lines of Lusitano are known for their outstanding athleticism. The military stud in Spain (along with some private breeders, such as the Escalera family) also focused more strongly on athleticism and functionality, preserving lines of Spanish Andalusians that maintained a more sporthorse type of movement. No doubt there are also many Portuguese breeders that emphasized beauty. So, today, if you know what you want, it can be found in any combination of bloodlines. The ideal of course is to find the perfect blend of both beauty and athleticism.
What horse breeds have been influenced by the Andalusian?
There is hardly a horse breed out there without some influence of Iberian blood. The popular Warmblood breeds were largely influenced by an infusion of Spanish blood to transform ordinary coach horses into sport horses. Welsh, Connemara ponies, and Irish Draught horses all have a strong Iberian background. Iberian blood was used to improve early European race horses that were the foundation for the thoroughbred of today. The original horses brought to the Americas by the Conquistadors were Iberians. They were the basis of our American stock from which all American breeds were in some part derived. This means that Iberian blood had a strong influence on Quarter Horses, Mustangs, Morgans, Rocky Mountain Horses, and all of the gaited breeds.
How does the Andalusian cross with other breeds and what should I look for in a cross?
Since there is already so much Andalusian blood in many breeds, and because the Iberian bloodlines have been kept very pure for centuries, Andalusians cross extremely well with most breeds and usually their characteristics come through very dominant, often a half looks mostly Andalusian, many could almost pass for a purebred. A cross is a great option for the buyer who loves the Andalusian looks, talent, and temperament, but has a strict budget. Of course look for the other parent to be contributing at least moderate type and talent for the goals you have for your horse, and of course good solid sound conformation. You get a good horse by breeding two good horses together and anything with an unsoundness of mind or body that could be passed on should not be bred. We choose only mares with correct conformation, nice natural dressage movement and good temperaments for our crossbreeding program. I also look for evidence of strong baroque type that is already there in the mare (roundness of frame, natural collection and lots of mane are some of my favorite characteristics!). If I don’t like the mare, based on her own merit, I will not choose her as a broodmare. Iberians also tend to pass on extremely dense bone and hoof quality, and none of my crosses have ever needed shoes. An Andalusian crossed with a Quarter Horse produces an Azteca, the National breed of Mexico. An Andalusian crossed with an Arabian produces a Hispano-Arabe, a popular breed in Europe for dressage and eventing. Since these two crosses are recognized as breeds within themselves, they can sometimes claim high prices. All crosses with at least 50% Iberian blood can be recognized as Iberian Warmbloods and half Andalusians.
What should I look for in a purebred? What are common faults to avoid?
If you have your heart set on a purebred, there is nothing like one in the world. Here are some things to look for to know you are getting a good one: Everything about an Andalusian should speak of roundness, the whole body, the arch of the neck, the hindquarters, the gait. Avoid, an overly thick neck, especially one that is too heavy on bottom, the neck should look sculpted underneath and arced. Avoid weak hindquarters that lack muscling and power. The croup and hip should be nicely sloping. Avoid a flat croup, like an Arabian, this is incorrect for the breed, and will have a harder time collecting. The head should be proportional with a medium sized, expressive eye. Andalusians possess an extremely loving temperament and are capable of a bond with humans unlike any other breed I have worked with, so do not settle for less than a wonderful temperament; it should not be hard to find. The breed is also exceptional for extremely straight legs and solid feet, so this also should be expected. Remember, your whole horse is riding on his legs and feet. The Andalusian is considered a hot blooded breed, so there should be no coarseness or hint of draft qualities. He should be light on his feet, sensible, but also responsive and sensitive. Andalusians are bred to be level headed, but also fire up quickly at their rider’s command, when it is time to perform. The Andalusian should have an overall uphill feel to his build and movement. The withers should be higher than the croup and neck set on moderately high (but not straight up so as to create a U underneath). Since the Andalusian is a rare breed, there is a wider pool of prospects to choose from if you are willing to buy young. This is actually my preference, since young Andalusians tend to be very mature for their years and are also very trainable. Once started under saddle they tend to advance quickly. I buy foals to get the bloodlines I want. If want something ready to start, I find a two year old to be ideal. The first year can be spent cementing that all important bond and properly and patiently introducing all of the basics. We do extensive groundwork and introduce very light riding work at this age. At 3 walk, trot and canter can be solidified. At 4 we are ready to begin advanced work. I find that, in this way, little time is lost over starting with an older horse, since even with a highly trained horse it takes 1-2 years to develop a real partnership and with a youngster, after the first two years, you have a great partnership and young prospect with many years still ahead of you both in performance and fun together, that is ready to go all the way.
Article
Interested in the Andalusian or Lusitano?
by Shannon Olson of Promise Farm Andalusians
What you need to know to have a basic understanding of the breed and what you should look for in a purebred or a cross.
Author
About the author: Shannon Olson is a classical dressage trainer and breeder of Andalusian horses and Iberian Warmbloods. Shannon has also taught courses on the development of horses and horse breeds throughout world history. She owns and operates their family run farm with her husband Justin, in the state of Washington. You can learn more about their farm and horses by going to their web site:
PromiseFarmAndalusians.com
