All About Andalusian Horses

This hub for me is going to have a very personal appeal to it because today I am writing about my favorite type of horse, the magnificent and stunning Andalusian which is also known as purebred Spanish Horse, PRE or Pura Raza Española to give the correct Spanish name.

Andalusian horses’ originally came from the mountainous regions of the Iberian Peninsula which encompasses Spain, Portugal, Andorra and Gibraltar. It is thought that because of the vast area where the Andalusian has been allowed to develop it has become a tough, resistant breed which is a leading reason that the PRE is one of the most ancient horse breeds.

The Andalusian horse was originally schooled and studded in the South of Spain where they were used as a cavalry horse. When you look at the natural characteristics of the Andalusian - it's not hard to see why that this was the horse of choice for many calvary men (see I told you that they were a brave breed).

Andalusians are brave, intelligent, strong, quick and agile; it is because of these traits that the Andalusian is now a very popular show jumping horse as many of the traits that were originally breed into them are perfect for equestrian sports. These days a good history makes a very desirable trait to look for when you are searching for Andalusian horses for sale.

In Spain and Portugal, Andalusians are seen as a very popular classical riding horse (much as Irish Sports horses are in America) and in Spain the Pura Raza Española is the only wise choice for bull fighters.

As I mentioned earlier, Andalusian horses are known as Pura Raza Española in Spain and their Stud Book is maintained by both the Military and the Government.

As you might have guessed, the Pura Raza Española is an amazing horse and it has been used around the world to breed with other types of horses to breed in some of the great characteristics. Two of the biggest success stories are that of the Lippizaner and the Alter Real both modern breeds can trace their origins back to the magnificent Andalusian.

Since the very beginning of the breeds history Andalusians have been used for riding, driving, dressage and working. As I mentioned earlier, the Andalusian is the horse of choice for many bull fighters because of their aggressive temperaments.

Personally I have started to notice Andalusian horses a lot more in hollywood movies; a quick reference at Wikipedia shows that Andalusians seem to be cropping up in every film that requires horse riding including - Lord of The Rings, The Chronicles of Narnia and Braveheart.

Having been around Andalusian horses for most my life I can tell you first hand that these really are magnificent and loyal horses; clever, quick and noble and for me the best horse breed in the world.

• The BRITISH ASSOCIATION for the PUREBRED SPANISH HORSE
• Welsh Pure Raza Espanola
• All about Arabian Horses