Andalusian horse
Demonstration, Spanish thoroughbred horses on the Equitana 2005
Andalusians are a breed of horses bred in Spain. In studbook registered horses belong to Pura Raza Española, the " Pure Spanish Breed " short PRE.
Background information on the evaluation and breeding horses can be found at: exterior, interior and horse breeding.
The concept
Historically stirs the name Andalusians, therefore, that Al -Andalus was called in the Middle Ages the entire Muslim part of the Iberian Peninsula, where the horse breeding flourished. The appellation is not in principle be limited to the current region of Andalusia. To confusion, however, contributes to the fact that important centers of the Spanish horse breeding actually lie in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia.
The breeding of the PRE is extremely strictly enforced in Spain, the studbook is managed by the Ministry of Defence. Only stallions and mares that are registered here and have taken and passed a licensing are approved for breeding. All other Spanish horses that can not be considered as pure Spanish breed horses RRE or lack of approval and the appropriate papers are referred to as " Andalusian ".
Exterior
With a medium-sized, compact and muscular body with harmonious topline the movements of the Andalusian elegance and great bounce are marked. The noble, dry head has a straight or subkonvexes profile, the neck is mounted strong and high, the back is rather short, the shoulder angle. The foundation is dry, sometimes slightly, with a well muscled hindquarters.
Interior
The Andalusian horse is a noble Iberian embossing and shows a particular aptitude for the "High School ". Andalusians are very docile and sensitive animals. They are also often called a one-man horses, as they are very personal and can strangers react cautiously. They are regarded as brave, faithful and clear in your mind, as in reputable breeders much emphasis is placed on the character of a horse.
Breeding history
Until few years ago it was believed a close relationship between Andalusian and Arabian horses. However, it has now been demonstrated in genetic tests that the Iberian horse descended from the prototype of the Sorraia horse. However, until today still trying with Arab thoroughbreds and Berbers to refine the breed.
In Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia began in the 15th century its own, funded by the Royal Family and powerful nobles of the Carthusian horse breeding. This is considered the beginning of the breeding history of the famous Spanish Kartäuserpferde ( Cartujanos ) belonging to the PRE horses and are regarded as particularly noble sub-race of the Andalusian.
Horse breeding is highly fragmented in Spain and is virtually exclusively operated by small private breeders that use their own brand. There are about 3500 such brand. An Iberian breeds in Spain next to the ( traditionally white ) nor the Andalusians ( always black ) purebred Menorcans ( Pura Raza MENORQUINA, short PRM) bred for there own stud books since 1989. These horses were once considered sub-race of the PRE. The by Spanish breeders as Tres Sangres ( " Dreiblüter " ) designated horses, however, do not represent their own ( sub) race, but this statement expresses only that here three different breeds have been crossed (usually Andalusian, Arabian and Thoroughbred ). As the " Hispano- Arab" Spanish horses are designated by Arabian influence.
From 1912 the discipline of P.R.E. was and the Lusitano out in a herd book under the name of Andalusians. In 1967, the breeding parted in directions " Puro Sangue Lusitano" and " Pura Raza Española ". The relationship between the two races can not be denied today.