What's an Andalusian?

History of the Andalusian

In the Baroque Era, classical haught ecole (high school) riding was considered an art form, similar to classical symphony or ballet. During this time of almost excessive refinement, elegance and majesty, the Andalusian was the horse of choice.

"The horse of Spain is finely made, both head, body and legs, and very seemly to the eye and for his making lightness and swiftness withall, he is very much esteemed, and especially of noble men." (Thomas Blundeville, England, circa 1565)

"It ought to be recognized, moreover, that of all the horses on earth, the Spanish are the most intelligent, the most likeable, and the most gentle." (Van Lohneyssen, Court Equerry of Brunswick (Germany), circa 1588)

“Comparing the best horses, and considering which is most perfect, I would place the Spanish first.  I choose him as the most beautiful, the noblest, the most graceful, the bravest, and the one who most deserves to be ridden by a King.  And if I compare it with those horses that are also great natural runners, it is always the Spanish horse that gallops with the most precision and art and the one that collects best.”  (Salomon de la Broue, Head Groom of King Henri IV of France, circa 1600)

The story of the Andalusian starts long before the Baroque Era.  As far back as the Romans, the horses of the Iberian Peninsula had been sought after as premier riding horses.  For generations the warriors, conquistadors and mounted bullfighters of Spain and Portugal selected these horses for athleticism, maneuverability and docility.  The finishing touches were put on during the Renaissance when, in 1567, by imperial decree of Philip II, the Andalusian was further refined into the ultimate classical high school dressage horse at the Royal Stables of Cordoba.

“The (Spanish horses) have a wonderful active walk, high trot, and admirable canter and an exceptionally fast racing gallop.  In general, they are not very big, but there are nowhere better bred horses.  I have heard extraordinary tales of their courage.  The best horses are bred in Andalusia and especially in the royal Cordoba stud.”  (Jaques de Solleysel, Master of the Horse to Louis XIV, circa 1664)

In the 16th and 17th Centuries Spain dominated much of Europe and the Americas as one of modern History's first worldwide superpowers. One of Spain's not-so-secret weapons was the Iberian Horse. By the 17th Century, no king or important nobleman would consider having his likeness portrayed riding anything except that rare and expensive status symbol, the Spanish Horse.

Before the English Thoroughbred, before the Arab, and long before the Warmblood was even imagined, the blood of Iberian horses was highly valued throughout Europe for its ability to improve the local stock. Stallions were given as regal gifts by the royal houses of Europe. The famous Friesian, the Fredricksborg, the Kladrubber and the once renowned Neapolitan were all largely based on Spanish blood. Vienna's home of the classical Lippizan, the Spanish Riding School, gets its name from its foundation stock of Iberian horses. 

Almost everyone knows the story of how the Darley Arabian, the Godolphin Arabian and the Byerley Turk were put to "English" mares to create the foundation of the modern Thoroughbred. What few realize is that these mares mostly originated from the King's Stud and were largely of Iberian blood. 

The Andalusian has always been bred for the agility and collection required for hand-to-hand combat on horseback. Because the Andalusian has always been a cavalry horse, he has always been a dressage horse.

"All authors have always shown a preference for the Spanish horse, considering it the best of all horses for high school dressage, due to its agility, its resilience and its rhythm. It is considered the most adequate to show off, because of its bravery, distinction, and noble character." (Francois de la Gueriniere, founding father of modern classical riding, France, circa 1733)

Today the elegant Andalusian is known in Europe as the Purebred Spanish Horse or PRE (Pura Raza Espanola). He is still the ultimate riding horse: the ultimate in beauty, the ultimate in temperament and docility, the ultimate in responsiveness to its rider, and the ultimate in brio (spirit). With its natural collection, the Andalusian is ideal for classical dressage. With its durable, sturdy confirmation and its natural jumping ability, the Andalusian is ideal for stadium jumping and eventing, up through intermediate level. With its flash, brio and elevated movement, the Andalusian also makes the most elegant of carriage horses. And, with its famously safe, sane temperament, the Andalusian often makes the ideal beginner's horse. Today in Spain and Portugal, the Iberian horse is still favored for that rigorously unforgiving test of courage, responsiveness and maneuverability: the mounted bullfight.

 Known for their presence and beauty, especially their arched necks and abundant mane & tail, the Andalusian's most important quality is their fantastic temperament. As beautiful as they are grazing in the pasture or under hand in a halter class, the Spanish horse typically transforms under saddle into a spirited, yet docile, partner. Eager to please, they willingly allow the rider to mold them to any discipline or job. "It is no exaggeration to say that the Spanish Pure Bred can be ridden with the only aid being the rider's imagination. I have heard this coming from riders of several European countries" (Sanchez Barbudo in the LIMPRE Book of Merits).

For trainers who have spent hours cajoling unresponsive mounts, the Andalusian quickly elicits an enthusiasm that can become addictive. No wonder the Andalusian is often called "the horse of kings." 

Truly, this horse will change your life.

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