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In this article we will discuss the most popular Spanish horse breed - Andalusian. In the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, it was of worldwide popularity and was in the stable of almost every nobleman, including monarchs. These horses were spectacular for parades and effective in waging war. In modern conditions, they are extremely in demand in riding schools, as they are excellently suited for this purpose.
What does an Andalusian horse look like?
This animal has an average height reaching 1.6 meters. Visually, the Andalusian horse resembles an Arabian stallion because of its wide, rounded, but at the same time compact body. Compared with the riding horses of modernity, the Andalusian is more massive, it has a developed crest and a slightly long, wide neck.
The head of the animal is hooked and medium in size.The special beauty of the horse is given by its eyes of a pronounced almond-shaped form, thick mane, as well as lush bangs covering the forehead.
The legs of the Andalusians are not very long, while they are thin and light. But the horse’s hooves are very strong. This part of the body clearly shows the joints.
As for color, most Andalusians are gray. Occasionally there are black and bay. Auburn, chaffers are considered a rarity. Purebred Spanish representatives of this breed have no restrictions on color.
It is a special pleasure to watch the Andalusians on the move. It seems that the horse is spinning in the dance, as nature has rewarded it with a very high stroke. When an animal moves to a trot, its legs may even reach chest level. This horse is very agile, because the front of its body is maximally raised, and the center of gravity is closer to the rear legs. Soaring lightness and mannerism in the movements are characteristic of almost all horse breeds from this country, and the Andalusian was no exception to this rule.
In the modern equestrian sport, this breed is used less and less.Still, she can not compete on an equal footing with half-blood horses. But even in such conditions, the fans of the Andalusians did not decrease, but even added. This horse has become a part of world cultural heritage, a kind of work of art.
The value of the Andalusian horses
The role of this breed in the world livestock is simply impossible to overestimate. On its basis, many other types of horses were bred, in particular Kladrubian, Neapolitan, Lippitzian, Frederiksborg, etc. Trakehner, Holstein, Hannover were improved with its help.
The American continent was once mastered by the Andalusian horse. Without these unique horses, the conquest of the southern part of the continent would drag on for a long time, and maybe it would even become impossible. Signs of the Andalusian breed are still visible in various American breeds.
Brief history of the Andalusian breed
The Andalusian horse can boast of an outstanding past. The history of this unique breed dates back to the Paleolithic era. Then on the territory of the Iberian Peninsula lived all sorts of tribes, including the Iberians. They have always been known as the exceptional talent of riders.The horses of the Iberians were strong, resilient, maneuverable, beautiful and caused envy of other nationalities who wanted to “pocket” these animals. A large-scale war began with the participation of Muslims. Gradually, the Berbers and Andalusians began to move to the Iberian Peninsula.
Most historians agree that the Andalusian breed appeared due to the merger of the Berber North African breeds and the pony Soraya. It happened around the fifth and eighth centuries of our era. Then the great era of the formation and development of horse breeding in the world began. The Andalusian breed played a huge role in this process. On such horses knights, who fought for the New World, sat. The Spanish conquistadors conquered all their colonies in the Andalusians. This breed has made an indelible impression on the then artists. On the many famous canvases of the Renaissance you can see the Andalusian horse.
Maximum Andalusians became famous in the seventh-tenth century. It was then that they were recognized as the best horse breed and began to consider the breed perfect. Hot temper and inexhaustible energy of the horse liked noble people.At that time, Cartesian monks were considered the best experts in breeding Andalusian breed. They, probably, should be thanked, that in its purest form, the breed has been preserved in our times.
Gradually began to appear the first schools and riding academies. The fascinating grace and amazing beauty of the movement made the Andalusian horse the most popular in such institutions.
The first threat to the purity of the breed loomed in the nineteenth century, when Spain was occupied by Napoleon. French troops hijacked a lot of Andalusians. The Spaniards managed to hide only one herd, thanks to which they managed to restore the breed in the future. However, in 1832 the Andalusians were overtaken by a new misfortune. A terrible epidemic hit a large number of horses, and again managed to save only one herd.
Due to the small number of them, the Andalusians were not allowed to take them outside Spain until the sixties of the twentieth century. After export permission, the breed again became popular in all countries of Europe and the United States.
Andalusian breed in the modern world
Horse experts call Andalusians universal, and their capabilities unique.Probably, the whole thing is in the origin and Spanish temperament of the animal, thanks to which they are so energetic, strong and powerful. However, despite these qualities, Andalusians remain very sensitive. These horses love to communicate with their masters, they are very responsive and understanding. Nice and easy to control such a horse.
There is the so-called International Association of Andalusian and Lusitanian rocks. The main purpose of its operation is to promote these horses. However, the Spanish racers and so now hold the palm in terms of demand.
The number of Andalusian horses at the moment is not so high, and it reaches about twenty thousand heads. However, there is reason to believe that it will expand significantly. British, Italian, Dutch, Mexican, Brazilian and American horse breeders are actively engaged in breeding Andalusians.
The Andalusian breed continues to be popular in some sporting disciplines. Driving, trail, dressage and jumping is very suitable for such racers. They are also happy to use the aesthetic appeal of the Andalusians.Often they participate in all sorts of shows and carnivals. They love Andalusian horses and advertisers who, if necessary, use them in their campaign videos.
Probably everyone knows the love of the Spaniards to the bullfight. Naturally, she also does not do without Andalusian horses. It is on them that the bullfighters often sit, fighting with the bull. In many ways, it is the composure and ingenuity of the horse of this breed that helps to gain victory over the enraged beast. The bullfighting opening ceremony also begins with an Andalusian horse performance, in which the rider performs various tricks to amuse the spectators.
How much is an Andalusian?
The price of a horse of a given breed depends on many factors. It takes into account both the age and the degree of training, and the family tree of the animal. Also, the cost affects the appearance of the horse. If an animal is from Spain, it will cost much more than what comes from another country.
For a horse aged 2-3 years can ask about fifteen thousand euros. For a horse of 6-8 years will have to pay about thirty thousand.
Other interesting facts about the breed
- It is worth mentioning the Vienna High School riding.Here the Andalusian horses taught to show their skills to the fullest extent. Local pupils perform the most difficult stunts, including jumping, curly riding and even ballet. The star of the latter is the snow-white Andalusian horse.
- The main population of the breed, as you might guess from its name, is concentrated in the territory of the Spanish region of Andalusia. Locals even call the horse “Nuestro bondage,” which translates as “our horse.”
- The animal is kept in fairly strict conditions. Since the manes and tails are often entangled in the thickets, they are clipped. Horses graze in meadows all year round. The queens are trying to build up in the form of a "cobra", so that they show their best side.
- When holding exhibitions of Andalusian horses, judges judge by various criteria, starting with the exterior and ending with the movement. If all the parameters meet the standards, then the breeder has worked for the glory.
- To castrate Andalusian stallions is not accepted. Spaniards consider unworthy riding on such a horse. Males of the Andalusian breed differ in their temperament, but they have a good temper and most animals grow up obedient with proper upbringing.
- Andalusian breed is used in sledding. The most effective look will be a team consisting of five horses. Three in front and two behind.
Video: Andalusian horse breed
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