Andalusian Horse Breed Profile

Once you’ve seen an Andalusian horse, you won’t 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. You’ll find Andalusians on rugged mountain trails, in pleasure classes, and even being driven. This breed's beauty and seemingly boundless competence have earned them enduring popularity through the ages.

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 Portugal’s ancient name of Lusitania.

The Andalusian’s 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 1,100 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 eye-catching looks and commanding appearance. This breed is often used as a bullfighting mount in Spain and Portugal.

Colors and Markings

The Andalusian was once found in many coat colors, but those colors have been refined over time. Today, Andalusians are most likely to be gray or bay, though minimal black, dun, chestnut, and palomino colors do occur. Andalusians with rare buckskin or cremello colorations can be registered.