Andalusian horse: description, character and breeding of the breed (part 1)

General description of the breed
Bright representatives of the species can be safely called the standard of horse beauty. Since the Andalusian breed of horses is so strong and hardy, fast and graceful, outwardly impressively beautiful, that the images of these horses can be found on the canvases of Renaissance artists. The Spaniards have long ranked their horses as Pura Raza Espanola (Pure Spanish Horse or PRE), and also have a studbook.

Bay horse of the Andalusian breed

One of the most plausible versions of the appearance of the breed among the three well-known is recognized as such. When Muslims invaded the territory of Spain with their stallions in 711, there were domestic horses that looked like Portuguese sorai ponies. Most likely, they were crossed with horses brought by Muslims. There were many more events before the Andalusian horse received official vocation in the 20th century. The breed at home is also called a purebred Spanish or Lusitanian horse.

Real representatives of the species are easily recognizable by the high stride, momentum and smoothness of the gallop and lynx. Approximately 75% of the total number of Andalusians have a gray color, but you can find black and dark bay horses. In 1986, a new breed appeared in Spain, which the breeders managed to get as a result of crossing Andalusians with Spanish-Arabian horses. Purebred representatives of the species have a growth of 143 – 162 cm, the average figure is 152 cm.

Andalusians – an easily trained breed of horses

Andalusian horse is an excellent breed, which embodied all the best characteristics of a heavy European and light southern horse.

In motion, such a beauty is graceful and smooth, her move is like an outlandish dance. This is due to the special structure of the limbs. Thin and long forelegs with distinct joints raised to the chest. Hind legs in combination with a wide and slightly raised croup visually make such animals compact. The breed has a graceful and aristocratic appearance, but at the same time does not allow to doubt physical strength and power.

External data
As for the description of such a horse, she naturally received a dry head of medium size with a wide forehead and high ears. The eyes of the animal are in the form of tonsils and large. In the presence of another straight or in rare cases with a slight hump in the nose. The head is set on a well-developed strong neck, which has an elegant bend.

Andalusian horse gray in apples

The body of this beautiful horse is somewhat rounded, and the withers, which have clearly defined lines, are quite wide. The chest of any Andalusian is wide. The back is straight and very strong, you can see quite developed muscles on it. The croup is raised, but it cannot be called long. Horses boast a long and delightfully thick mane. Their tail is quite low, but also very beautiful. On dry and powerful limbs, joints are drawn. The legs themselves are a bit short. The hooves of the animal can be called small in size and at the same time quite durable.

Andalusian horse usually has a height at the withers of 152 – 154 cm. Oblique length is 160, chest circumference is 176, metacarpus is 19 cm, and live weight is approximately 400 kg.

As mentioned above, the predominant number of bright representatives of the species have a gray color, the rest got dark bay, bay or black colors. Not so often you can meet horses with a bulanic, salted, isabella or red suit. According to official standards, the Spanish thoroughbred horse has no color restrictions.
The nature of the breed horses
These animals are rightfully considered universal – they have a real Spanish temperament, are strong, hardy and energetic. But at the same time, horses are very sensitive, kind and sociable. They quickly undergo training, although they received a prideful nature from nature, they get used to the owner, and managing such beauties is pleasant and uncomplicated even for beginners. These amazing animals are very intelligent and noble. If you respect and care towards them, approach the pets with affection and sincerity, they will answer the same.

White and black Andalusian horses

At the beginning of the century, the number of such beauties decreased slightly, but now they have again become popular around the world as an excellent riding horse. This animal is characterized by an elegant move with a small capture of space, such a movement with a graceful high step is used during ceremonies and important parades.

Andalusians are endowed with natural courage, are very agile and think very quickly. They can become a wonderful family horse. They are always ready to show their proud, but compliant temper, capable of learning temperament, to answer a person to the manifestation of his care and respect.