Bravata Breeding Philosophy

Bravata Andalusians is breeding for Temperament, Talent, and Type. We believe that these are the critical elements that will ensure that the Bravata Andalusian becomes a successful partner with its owner. Our goal is to place each our horses with a high expectation of success. Therefore, our program focuses on the needs of the owner as much as on the characteristics of the horse.

For most owners, the fundamental requirement is that the horse possesses an exemplary temperament. All Andalusian horses, especially stallions, must exhibit the calm, quiet, safe, sane temperament that can be switched on (brio) or off, as needed. Especially off. Almost everything in life requires some trade-offs. However, this is one area where we believe that there should be no compromise.

After that, the horse must possess the physical talent to perform the required functions at a high level. This talent is a consequence of the horse having a high degree of athleticism and the proper physical structure (conformation) to produce and support it. On a practical level, this is most often manifested in things like the horse's jumping ability and movement. 

"How should a Spanish horse move? The answer is simple; in the most natural, unforced way possible. The sole objective (is) agile, raised, large, harmonious movements full of cadence. This means elevation, extension, and the third concept, essential to me, which is the one, which sets the words to music: Cadence. The three are indispensable and none must be missing or else it would not be our breed" (Sr. Sanchez Barbudo in the LIMPRE Book of Merits section on "Movements").  Bravata seeks straight movement with excellent engagement and impulsion from the rear.

In addition, a "handy" riding horse should not be too tall. Otherwise it will be less agile and will have difficulty staying sound. Bigger is not necessarily better. Males should be 15.3 to 16.2h (not much more). Females should be 15.1 to 16h.

Third, but almost equal in importance, the horse must exhibit the beauty and conformation that are characteristic of its heritage. The goal is to achieve the round, collected, historical type of Andalusian horse with sturdy bone and an abundance of mane and tail. This is sometimes described as the "warhorse" type, but the heavy mane and tail are probably more a result of fashion in the classical riding schools. The Baroque Era was famous for rounded, curvilinear architecture. It was an excessively elegant, ornate, and extravagant period. Royal ostentation was the norm. As a product of this time, the Andalusian should be a reflection of the Classical Baroque.

Temperament, Talent & Type. These three critical success factors combine to make up the Triangle of Individual Functionality. If any of these elements are missing, the package is incomplete.  The Triangle of Individual Functionality is achieved by the use of breeding stock who are both outstanding as individuals in their own right, and who also share in the proper genetic heritage. Ideally this is a blend of old Spanish Military, Escalera, and the ubiquitous Bocado bloodlines. 

The Bocado Line (also known as "Carthusian" or "Terry") is the most popular and the most common strain of Andalusian. These are the prototypical Spanish horses - the Warhorse Type. The Bocado is what you probably envision when you think about Andalusians. The Bocado are renowned for their great beauty and their sweet temperaments. Unfortunately, because of their overwhelming popularity and limited gene pool, predominantly Bocado horses tend to be more or less inbred and sometimes exhibit some of the consequences of that inbreeding.

The old  Military line is not really a separate bloodline at all. The Spanish military have always used a lot of Bocado in their Andalusian breeding program. However in the past they heavily utilized non-Bocado lines from several old time breeders like Baones, Miura, Escalera, etc. Horses of this blood were chosen more for functionality than for beauty. Today, this blood is exhibited in the descendants of Maluso and Agente. Even when using Bocado-dominant stock, the military selected for functionality and highly tractable temperament.

The Escalera Line, one of the oldest in Spain, is the result of one family's consistent breeding program going back over 200 years. Escalera's have always been selected for functionality. Generally, the family sold off the stallions and kept only a small herd of the very best mares. These famous Escalera mares, which were invariably bay in color, were then bred to the very best of the Military stallions. Escaleras are among the most highly sought after horses in Spain, especially for dressage.

So, the Military Line gives functionality and calm temperament. The Escalera Line gives physical prowess and functionality. The Bocado produces beauty and sweetness. These three elements form the Triangle of Genetic Heritage.

The Bravata Andalusian breeding program seeks to utilize the concept of individual functionality and couple it with an optimized genetic heritage. We believe that an ideal Spanish sporthorse would incorporate all the elements of both triangles. Bravata's goal is to annually produce a few excellent foals that exemplify these precepts.

Black Andalusians: The Rarest of the Rare
 Most Andalusian horses are gray. About 20% are Bay. Only about 5% are Black. Consequently black Andalusians are very rare and there are only a few hundred of them in North America. Good quality blacks are hard to find. Bravata is breeding for pure black - no white markings. Consequently Bravata's black Andalusians are especially rare and unique.  (Read more about the color black in Andalusians.)

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Bravata is breeding black Andalusian sporthorses for temperament, talent and type.

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