Andalusian Horse Breed Profile

 
Once youve seen an Andalusian horse you wont forget the breed. Their long flowing mane and tail and animated graceful movements command attention. While the Andalusian is a natural pro in the dressage ring they adapt beautifully to other activities as well. Youll find Andalusians on rugged mountain trails in pleasure classes and even being driven. This breeds beauty and seemingly boundless competence have earned them enduring popularity through the ages.
Breed Overview
WEIGHT 900 to 1100 pounds

HEIGHT 15 1 hands
BODY TYPE Compact and athletic
BEST FOR Jumping pleasure riding trail riding dressage and much more
LIFE EXPECTANCY 25 years
Andalusian Horse History and Origins
The Andalusian descended from Spanish and Portuguese Iberian horses in the province of Andalusia where they gets their name. Also referred to as the Pure Spanish Horse or PRE the Andalusian is closely related to the Lusitano which was named after Portugals ancient name of Lusitania.
The Andalusians history spans thousands of years originating with the prehistoric horses that populated the Iberian Peninsula in Spain during prehistoric times. The Iberian horse was influenced by horses brought to the peninsula by explorers culminating in the Andalusian breed during the 1400s.
The Iberian horse was known as a tremendous warhorse and when the Iberian bred with the native horses the Andalusian resulted continuing that legacy. Armies favored the Andalusian for their agility and speed which is typically 55 mph and those same traits made the breed a popular horse among European royalty. As riding academies formed and the art of riding became popular the Andalusian made a popular mount and influenced breeds like the Lipizzaner the Cleveland Bay and the Connemara.
Andalusian Horse Size
Andalusians are strong compact horses that average 15 1 hands high. Stallions and geldings tend to weigh approximately 1100 pounds while mares weigh slightly less at approximately 900 pounds.
The Association of Purebred Spanish Horse Breeders of Spain requires mares to be at least 14 3 hands and stallions and geldings to be at least 15 hands to be registered. For horses to be approved as elite stock mares must be at least 15 ¼ hands and stallions must be at least 15 1 hands.
Andalusian Horse Uses
The Andalusian is a highly versatile breed making them a suitable mount for dressage jumping trail riding Western pleasure English pleasure and even driving. They are a popular choice for parades and demonstrations thanks to their eyecatching looks and commanding appearance. This breed is often used as