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This article will focus on the most popular Spanish horse breed - Andalusian. In the sixteenth and eighteenth centuries, it had worldwide popularity and was in the stable of almost every noble nobleman, including among the monarchs. These horses were spectacular for parades and effective in waging war. In modern conditions, they are extremely popular in riding schools, as they are excellently suited for this purpose.
What does an Andalusian horse look like?
This animal has an average height of 1.6 meters. Visually, the Andalusian horse resembles an Arabian stallion because of its wide, rounded, but compact body. Compared with the riding horses of our time, the Andalusian is more massive, it has a developed crest and a slightly long, wide neck.
The head of the animal is hunchbacked and medium in size. The horse’s eyes are especially beautiful due to its pronounced almond-shaped eyes, its thickest mane, as well as its magnificent bangs covering its forehead.
The legs of the Andalusians are not very long, while they are thin and light. But the horse's hooves are very strong. On this part of the body, the joints are clearly visible.
As for color, most Andalusians are gray. Rare and bay are rare. Red, bulanic are considered a rarity. Purebred Spanish representatives of this breed have no color restrictions.
Of particular pleasure is the observation of the Andalusians in motion. It seems that the horse is spinning in a dance, as nature has awarded her a very high speed. When an animal moves to a lynx, its legs can 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 hind legs. Soaring lightness and mannerism in movements are characteristic of almost all horse breeds from this country, and Andalusian was no exception to this rule.
In 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 Andalusians did not decrease fans, but even added. This horse has already become part of the world cultural heritage, a kind of work of art.
The value of Andalusian horses
The role of this breed in world livestock production is simply impossible to overestimate. On its basis, many other types of horses were bred, in particular the Cladrub, Neapolitan, Lippician, Frederiksborg, etc. Trakenen, Holstein, Hanover were improved with its help.
The American continent was once mastered precisely thanks to the Andalusian horse. Without these unique horses, the conquest of the southern part of the mainland would have dragged on for a long time, and perhaps even become impossible. Signs of the Andalusian breed are still visible in various American breeds.
A brief history of the Andalusian breed
The Andalusian horse boasts 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 kinds of tribes, including the Iberians. They have always been known as the exceptional talent of riders. The horses of the Iberians were strong, hardy, maneuverable, beautiful and envied by 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 ponds Soraya. It happened around the fifth or eighth century AD. Then began a huge era of the formation and development of horse breeding in the world. A huge role in this process was played by the Andalusian breed. On these horses were knights who fought for the New World. The Spanish conquistadors conquered all their colonies in the Andalusians. This breed made an indelible impression on the then artists. On many famous paintings of the Renaissance, you can see the Andalusian horse.
Andalusians were most 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. The ardent disposition and inexhaustible energy of the horse liked the noble persons. The best experts in breeding the Andalusian breed in those days were considered Cartesian monks. Probably, they should be thanked for the fact that in its pure form the breed has survived in our times.
Gradually, the first schools and riding academies began to appear. The mesmerizing 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 Napoleon occupied Spain. French troops stole a lot of Andalusians. The Spaniards managed to hide only one herd, thanks to which in the future they managed to restore the breed. However, in 1832, the Andalusians were overtaken by a new misfortune. A terrible epidemic struck a large number of horses, and again managed to save only one herd.
Due to their small number, it was forbidden to export Andalusians outside Spain until the sixties of the twentieth century. After export authorization, the breed became popular again throughout Europe and the United States.
Andalusian breed in the modern world
Equine experts call Andalusians universal, and their capabilities are unique. Probably, the whole point 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 owners, 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 breeds. The main purpose of its functioning is to popularize these horses. However, the Spanish horses 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. The breeding of Andalusians is actively engaged in British, Italian, Dutch, Mexican, Brazilian, American horse breeders.
The Andalusian breed continues to be popular in some sports disciplines. Driving, trail, dressage and show jumping are very suitable for such horses. They are happy to use the aesthetic appeal of Andalusians. Often they participate in all kinds of shows and carnivals. Andalusian horses are also loved by advertisers who, if necessary, use them in their campaign videos.
Probably everyone knows the Spaniards love for bullfighting. Naturally, she also can not do without Andalusian horses. It is on them that bullfighters often sit, fighting the bull. In many ways, just the concentration and ingenuity of a horse of this breed helps to win a victory over an angry beast. The bullfighting ceremony also begins with the performance of the Andalusian horse, in which the rider performs various tricks to amuse the audience.
How much does an Andalusian cost?
The price of a horse of this breed depends on many factors. It takes into account the age, and the degree of training, and the family tree of the animal. The cost also affects the appearance of the horse. If the animal is from Spain, then it will cost much more than that which comes from another country.
For a horse aged 2-3 years, they can ask about fifteen thousand euros. For a horse of 6-8 years will have to give about thirty thousand.
Other interesting facts about the breed
- It is worth mentioning the Vienna Higher Riding School. Here, Andalusian horses were taught to show their skills to the full. Local pupils perform complex tricks, including jumping, figured riding and even ballet. The star of the latter is considered a snow-white Andalusian horse.
- The main livestock of the breed, as you can already guess by its name, is concentrated in the territory of the Spanish region of Andalusia. The locals even call the horse “nuestro bondage”, which translates as “our horse”.
- The animal is kept in fairly strict conditions. Since manes and tails are often tangled in thickets, they are sheared. Horses graze in the meadows all year round. They try to build up the queens in the form of a “cobra” so that they show their best side.
- When holding Andalusian horse shows, judges are judged according to various criteria, from the exterior to the movement. If all the parameters meet the standards, it means that the breeder worked wonderfully.
- It is not customary to castrate Andalusian stallions. The Spaniards consider it unworthy to ride such a horse. Males of the Andalusian breed are distinguished by their temperament, but they have a good temperament and most animals, if properly raised, grow obedient.
- Use the Andalusian breed and in teams. The most spectacular team of five horses will look. Three in front and two in the back.
Video: Andalusian horse breed
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