The Andalusion

Road Testing the Andalusian Horse by Alison Watson

"He is an exquisite living legend. The rare natural breed of the world's first horses.
The original Pegasus" …from the Andalusian web ring

In this series of articles I am about to embark on, I am endeavouring to bring to the readers a little information about various breeds of horses throughout the world. My first such breed is the Andalusion, particularly due to my long love of this breed, and also due to the fact that it is one of the oldest breeds in the world and is part of many newer breeds.

Gumnut Farm Buddero

History

The Andalusian horse is one of the oldest breeds of horses in the world, being approximately 6000 years old, and is said to have existed prior to the Barb and the Arabian breeds. Throughout history, this breed has been crossed with other breeds to either improve existing lines or to create new breeds such as the Lippizaner that is a direct breed of the Andalusian, the American mustang and the Warmblood.

Spain, until the 1960's, had an export ban on Andalusians that were largely bred in the Andalucia region with stringent guidelines and the studbook was, and still is, controlled by the Spanish military. Since the ban was lifted, the Andalusian has slowly increased in numbers in countries such as USA, Canada and Australia.

The Andalusian was introduced to Australia in 1971 when a Western Australian man named Ray Williams, imported five purebred mares in foal and "Bodeguero", a stallion. Mr Williams also established El Cabello Blanco, a performance stud where visitors were able to see his horses perform classical dressage movements.

Since its introduction to Australian shores the Andalusian has progressed from being primarily recognised as a circus/trick horse to that of a sport performance horse. In recent times a small band of stud owners consisting of new, young breeders have initiated a breeding program focussing on producing and raising off spring that are ideally suited to Olympic disciplines. They are also breeding for specific colors, preferring the blacks and bays to the common grey.

Stud owners cross the Spanish Andalusian with breeds such as Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods and Arabians to provide equestrian enthusiasts with horses suitable for equestrian sports of all levels. Some studs are also maintaining the pure Spanish Andalusian bloodlines reproducing the horse to traditional Spanish Studbook requirements.

Intelligent, kind natured the Andalusian makes an ideal perfromance horse
Gumnut Farm Santanna with stud owner Alison Goward

Appearance

Confirmation

A strong solid horse of sculptural beauty and great presence. The breed has a naturally proud stance a noble head with a hawk-like profile and an elegant neck set upon strong shoulders. His tail may be banged or left natural and his mane is not traditionally pulled but left to grow long and flowing. Mares' manes are usually hogged. He possesses high stepping gaits, is very agile and athletic.

Color

Predominantly grey. Also black and bay.

Height

14.3 hh to approximately 17 hh.

Types

Pure Spanish, First cross, Second cross, Third cross - now recognised as an Australian Andalusian

Life Span

25 - 30 years and they are among the longest living horse breeds. It is preferable not to have the breed broken in until it is four years of age and they can take up to 15 years to fully mature.

Temperament

They are intelligent, very receptive to human interaction, friendly, inquisitive and extremely proud animals. They possess great strength and endurance due to a lower heart rate than other horse breeds and they are able to maintain a docile nature that makes them most suitable for training due to their steadiness under pressure.

Suitability

The Andalusian is suitable for all types of riders of different levels from beginners to the elite competitors. With cross breeding, capable horses are becoming increasingly available to compete in dressage, show jumping and eventing.

WebsitesAnyone interested in finding out more about Andalusians or just want to view some fantastic photos and websites, then a visit to the following sites "Australasian Andalusian Horse Association" and the "Andalusian Horse" www.andalusians.com is well worth the effort. The lattter website is an American website but the ring does contain a few great sites with beautiful photography.

There is also a website of a photographer named Robert Vavra. Just search his name and this should be enough information to contact the site. Robert Vavra is most famous for his spectacular photography of horses. He has published a number of books such as "Horses of the Sun", "Andalusian", "Eques" and "Unicorns I have Known".

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