|
Origin of the Andalusian
The true origin of the Spanish Horse is not a certain science; what is known is
the in the pre-Roman era there were already referenced to horses in what is
today known as Spain.
Roman authors such as Plutarch, Pliny
ands Old and Seneca speak of the Hispanic horse as a beautiful docile, arrogant
and brave horse, ideal for war and for the sports that were carried out in the
circuses at that time.
During the reign of King Phillip II,
the equine realm of his kingdom was organised, laying down definitive bases so
that the Purebred Spanish Horse was able to reach its peak during subsequent
years. This was possible with the creation of the Royal Stables in
Cordoba, where he gathered together the best stallions and mares from all the
provinces bordering the Guadalquivir RTiver, which at the time, were the most
productive in the breeding of horses.
Thus, the Royal Stud Farm was
created, which after time became known as the National Stud Farm. A
multitude of horses were exported to the American continents; these horses
played a decisive role on its exploration, and were the origin of and the basis
for most of the breeds that have subsequently been raised there.
In Europe, Spain was enjoying its
Golden Age; at that time, the most treasured gift from a Spanish Monarch was one
of the nation's magnificent horses. Spanish horses soon earned repute and
were decisive in the birth of many of Central European breeds.
There are currently more than 1,300
Purebred Spanish Horse breeders in Spain and more than 400 throughout the rest
of the world. Remember that there are about 80,000 horses throughout the
whole world, bred in more than 60 countries.
Breeds such as the Lipizzaner,
Lusitano, Paso Fino and the Warmbloods of Central Europe all owe their ancestry
to the Spanish Horse.
The Spanish Horse was used to create
several Central European warm-blood breeds. Today stallions are being used
to improve a large number of sports horse stud farms in this area.
Its mental balance, intelligence,
will to work and harmony of form, give it an extraordinary capacity for
collection.
~ Your ultimate riding partner ! ~
(Extract taken from The Purebred
Spanish Horse, ANCCE) | 
Kimaio
Park
