Andalusian Horse

The name "Andalucian" is as confusing as any. Today, Andalucia embraces the area in southern Spain around Seville,Cordoba, and Granada, but for centuries Andalus referred to almost the whole peninsula. In fact, although other countries still use the name Andalucian, the Spanish Breeders' Association stopped using it in 1912 and replaced it with Pura Raza Espanola, meaning "the pure Spanish breed".

Modern Andalucia still remains as a centre of breeding with the Carthusian monastery of Jerez de la Frontera, founded in 1432, at its centre. This monastery was responsible for preserving the purest strain of Andalucian, resolutely refusing to use heavy Neapolitan outcrosses, even though this practice was supported by royal edict.

Breed Characteristics
The Andalucian stands no more than about 1.53 m (15.2 hh), but it is a horse of commanding presence, with lofty and spectacular paces. The facial profile is convex and the eyes are almond-shaped. It has a natural balance, and the rather sloped croup, combined with the high degree of flexion possible in the hind legs, results in the horse moving naturally in a state of collection. The breed is not built to gallop, but is extremely supple and agile. Despite being highly courageous and spirited, these horses are uniformly gentle and docile. They are still used in the bull-ring, and are particularly suited to the Haute Ecole although their high, round action is not much appreciated in modern competitive dressage.