Horse
Breed Description:
The Andalusian breed of horse is often considered the most regal of breeds. It is the breed traditionally thought of as the classic medieval war horse, the preferred horse of the nobility. It is the horse most featured in Renaissance paintings and sculpture, always with a high-spirited presence, great beauty, and assertive character. The Andalusian breed of horse has large, expressive eyes. The Andalusian breed of horse is indigenous to the Iberian Peninsula, where it has existed for thousands of years. When the Muslims invaded the peninsula, they added the bloodlines of Arabians and Barbs to its gene pool. The Andalusian (sometimes spelled "Andalucian") is a large horse with a rather convex facial profile. It has a long, dramatic mane and tail, and carries its heavily-muscled neck high and arched. It has a characteristic high-stepping action. Traditionally the Andalusian breed of horse appeared in many coat colors, including spotted varieties. Today most colors are accepted in various registries; it is estimated that around 80% of Andalusians are gray, but the majority of the remaining individuals being black, dun, chestnut or palomino. Stud records have been kept for the Andalusian breed of horse since the year 1571. Today there are several registries. There are thought to be less than 20,000 registered worldwide; there are about 4,500 in the U.S. and of these the majority are in California.
Temperament:
The Adalusian breed of horse is docile and eager to learn. They are also senstive, and should be treated with patience and respect: the handler who accomplishes this will find the breed is very eager to learn and quite cooperative.
Height:
Averages 15.2 to 16.2 hands, or 62" to 66" at the withers.
Health Problems:
The Andalusian breed of horse is strong of constitution and exhibits few inherent health problems.
Origin:
The Andalusian breed of horse shows up as the type featured in cave paintings of the Iberian Peninsula dated to between 30,000 and 20,000 B.C. It was documented as a talented war horse in the fourth century B.C. Through centuries its development was influenced by various invaders of the Iberian Peninsula, including the Romans, the Celts, and most evidently the Moors beginning in the 8th century. Later when the French invaded Spain, it came to be a popular mount of Napoleon's army, who stole large numbers of Andalusians to take back to France. One small herd was hidden from the invaders, and after the wars was used as foundation stock to re-establish the Andalusian breed of horse.
But in 1832 sickness took many of Spain's Andalusians. Since the early 18th century the breed had been on the wane, as the popularity of the breeds favored at the end of the Middle Ages, was gradually replaced by the proliferation of the Thoroughbred and warmbloods.
The Andalusian breed of horse was not brought to the United States until 1962, and did not appear in Australia until the 1970's. Today it is considered a rare breed, but fanciers work hard to preserve the breed's integrity and recognition world- wide.
