A Purebred Spanish Horse (PRE) is undoubtedly one of the most outstanding and striking horses in the equestrian world, especially in the Iberian Peninsula. This specimen has a long history and stands out for its nobility, strength, agility and its docile and relaxed temperament. This has made it a perfect animal for competitions such as dressage, where elegance and temperance are essential.
From Equspaddock, as true lovers of the equine world and equestrian equipment shop, we tell you all the details of this breed. Discover its origin, its characteristics, its character, its way of being, its physical appearance and much more.
History and origin of the Purebred Spanish Horse
Spain has always been a very important country in equine and horse breeding for hundreds of years. Specifically, the Pura Raza Española, also known as the Spanish horse or Andalusian horse, began to be bred during the Middle Ages, as the nobility was not only looking for strong and athletic horses for war, but also elegant and beautiful ones. This is how the PRE horses we know today came into being.
According to PRE ANCCE data, in the 16th century, King Philip II ordered the construction of the Royal Stables in Cordoba, where the best mares and stallions bred along the Guadalquivir River were brought together. For more than three decades, the breed was perfected, thus developing what would be considered the perfect horse, initially reserved for the exclusive use of the Royal Household.
This evolution coincided with the Renaissance, a period in which horse riding became popular and was attributed great medical benefits, so that the nobility became interested in horse games and riding. Hence the need for a more refined and agile horse than the robust specimens they had for war.
From then on, the breed faced various challenges, such as the French invasion and the Industrial Revolution, which changed the role of equines in agriculture and other tasks. However, the PRE continued to evolve and become increasingly popular among equestrian enthusiasts.
Some of the key events in the history of this horse are the creation of the Registro-Matrícula by Alfonso XIII, the founding of ANCCE in 1972, and the establishment of SICAB in 1991 as a response to African horse sickness. Today, the Eastern is bred in more than 65 countries and has proven to be one of the most outstanding specimens in top competition.
Physical characteristics and variations of the PRE
The breeders of this type of equine take very good care of the lineage in order to maintain from generation to generation the true PRE and its physical characteristics which are unmistakable. Some of them are:
– It is of medium size, between 155 and 170 centimetres at the withers.
– Its neck is arched and muscular.
– The loin is short and strong with a sloping croup.
– Large, expressive eyes.
– They are very intelligent and noble.
– Their strides and movements are precise and majestic.
– Their mane is abundant.
– Their limbs are strong and well proportioned.
– They are very responsible and emotional animals.
Breeding and stud breeding of the Spanish Purebred
Purebred Spanish Horse breeding is well known in Spain and important in the equestrian world, to the extent that it is regulated by the National Association of Purebred Spanish Horse Breeders (ANCCE). In this way, the purity of each individual horse is guaranteed and quality standards are established throughout the breed.
The great breeders of these horses continue to breed them in natural pastures and meadows, in order to favour the development of the specific characteristics of this specimen.
In order to guarantee the purity of the breed, crossbreeding is controlled, DNA tests are carried out, and so on. Through these processes, the beauty, nobility and elegance of the breed are guaranteed. Therefore, the work of preserving this lineage involves both the breeders and the institutions that regulate it.
The Spanish horse in equestrian competitions
Thanks to its athletic condition and its great beauty and calmness, this breed is perfect for certain high performance competitions. As a result, it is undoubtedly one of the most widely used horses in dressage, dressage vaquera or high competition, rejoneo, harnessing or recreational riding.
The movements of the Andalusian horse are complex, courageous, resistant, precise and agile, and they have a great facility for learning sporting techniques.
Andalusian horse, equestrian symbol of the Peninsula
Purebred Spanish Horses are not just another breed, they are a symbol of the history of Spain and reflect the dedication and passion of their breeders for the equestrian world. A lineage that is still valued today all over the world, being one of the most outstanding specimens for its beauty, loyalty and nobility.
