Breed of the Week: The Andalusian

Let me begin by asking: What little girl did not dream about this horse?

I know I say this about almost every breed I write about, but truly, this is one of my favorite breeds. With long sloping shoulders, short but sturdy body, thick neck, and a wide forehead to host those beautiful large eyes. And that mane and tail... Oh, That mane and tail! It made them one of the most popular horses used in paintings by European monarchs, that and their beautiful symmetry. Andalusians have always been considered noble horses, being mounts of kings and other royal horsemen. The famed William Cavend, Duke of Newcastle wrote: "... the Spanish horse is the noblest animal in the world..."

Everyone knows that they have been used as war horses for thousands of years but do you know how the breed was established? They are from Southern Spain, in the 15th century Cartusian monks (who were excellent breeders and trainers) bred them in monasteries in Seville and Jerez.

The monks kept the breed pure until around 1492 when Napoleon invaded Spain, he stole or killed almost all of of them. All but one herd that had been hidden by the monks, that herd was used to renew the breed. Then in 1832 an epidemic devastated Spain's horse population. Only one small herd of Andalusians at the Monastery of Cartuja survived. All of the 20,000 Andalusians we have in the world today come from that one small herd.

It's thought that that the Andalusian breed is most heavily influenced by three breeds: the Barb, native stock, and the Arabian. Some people argue about the influence of the Arabian, but as for myself I can see a resemblance, and I know that the Arabian has been used all over the world for centuries to better breeds. So I don't have much doubt.

The Andalusian it's self has influenced many breeds, including the mustange.

Today they are bred for Calvary horses, and for high-school riding. They are growing more and more popular in America where they are being used for every thing from western events and trail riding to dressage and show jumping. In spain they are still used in the bullrings! These horses are all-around amazing horses, they are so gentel and even-tempered. They're fast learners and have an amazing abitily to retain what they have learned. They can be used for almost anything. But put all of that aside and they are still one of God's most beautiful creations.