The Best Spanish Horse Breeds
Since ancient times, Spanish horse breeds have been among the most popular and in demand. The Iberian country has given birth to many horse varieties, often famous, as in the case of the Andalusian thoroughbred. But, even today, there are a number of very interesting horses that are worth getting to know better. If you love horses and are interested in discovering the best breeds born in Spain, do not miss this article.
Spanish horse breeds to discover
As we anticipated, the Andalusian horse is certainly one of the most popular breeds in the world. Of very ancient origins , it is the Spanish animal par excellence. Over the centuries it has been used to create new breeds, both in Europe and America.
During the Umayyad Caliphate, around the year 700, the preservation of equine quality was considered and the famous Córdoba court kennel was created. This has made it possible to develop this variety of the highest level and characteristics of the region of Andalusia, in southern Spain.
Given this circumstance, in subsequent reigns, especially under that of King Felipe II, the project was expanded and carried on, further improving the Spanish race. Obviously, efforts were also made to develop new varieties and breeds, to meet the contingent needs of farmers, traders and the military.
However, the best stallions and the most prosperous mares were grouped together to give rise to what is now known as the Andalusian horse or PRE ( Pure Spanish Breed ), one of the main Spanish horse breeds.
Characteristics of the Spanish Thoroughbred (PRE)
Let’s briefly see what are the qualities that distinguish this beloved animal all over the world:
- He is an intelligent and elegant horse.
- It is great for both jumping and dressage activities .
- It has a height at the withers of about 155-165 centimeters.
- It has a medium sized head.
- The neck is arched, robust and with a long mane.
- The chest is broad.
- The proportions are very balanced.
Its obedience, its docility and its characteristics make it ideal as a riding horse, also for dressage competitions . It grows and is bred throughout the Spanish territory and many of the breeds that trod our planet today have much of the genetic heritage of this sumptuous horse.
Main Spanish horse breeds
Asturcón
Also called the Asturian pony, it is considered to be easy to mount, as it is a small rustic breed, with an average height of 120 centimeters. This specimen lives in the mountainous areas from the Cantabria region to the western Pyrenees. It is a very old breed .
Hispanic-Breton
It is a cross of the aforementioned Andalusian with the Breton, a mighty French breed. Originally used to carry out agricultural work, today it is an animal used to perform various tasks, including in fire control operations.
Spanish Anglo-Arabic
As the name suggests, it is the result of crossing the Spanish thoroughbred horse with the Arab one. About 160 cm tall at the withers, it has a loyal and courageous character . It is endowed with a marked intelligence and is very similar to the Andalusian. It is used with bulls and can be bay, gray and chestnut in color.
Menorcan horse
This Spanish horse breed, preserved throughout history, is characteristic of Menorca. Black in color, it has an obedient and noble character, characteristics that make it perfect for riding activities. It can also be used in agricultural work and dressage .
Losino
The Losino horse is an indigenous Castilian breed from Burgos, from the Valle de Losa. It is used to introduce children to horse riding and for horseback riding in rural and mountain areas.
It is one of the oldest breeds in Europe, considered one of the three indigenous horse types of the peninsula. It is a small equine, rustic and at the same time elegant, which is currently considered in danger of extinction.
Galician thoroughbred
Recognized as the only indigenous Galician breed, it lives in green mountain areas and is concentrated between Pontevedra and Lugo. Morphologically it is classified as a small equine or pony, because it has a height of 120/140 cm at the withers.
Known as an excellent domestic horse, it has a docile temperament and is suitable for competitions, equestrian courses or for pet therapy with horses.
Jaca Navarra
As the name suggests, it is a native horse in Navarre, in the north of Spain. Currently, there are only 400 copies of this cute quadruped left. It measures a maximum of 147 cm at the withers and was initially used as a light draft horse: today it is used for children’s riding.
Jaca monchina
Horse originally from the eastern mountains of Cantabria. It is a wild or semi-wild breed that grows in freedom and in a vast livestock regime.
Pony Pottoka
It is said that, since ancient times, this animal has lived in the mountains of Cantabria, moving in herds until it reaches the highest areas of the Basque Country.
The coat color is black. This horse is characterized by being tough, docile and fast. This makes it suitable for walking, hunting, jumping and hiking trails.
Majorcan horse
It is a breed from the Balearic Islands, in particular from Mallorca. It is used for work in the countryside and for horse riding. It has a black coat, short neck and calm temperament.
Marismeño horse
This is a native breed of Doñana, in Andalusia, and it is a domesticated wild horse which, however, is now in danger of extinction. Like most Spanish horses, it features rounded shapes, an arched neck and a lowered tail. He has great skills as a worker, adapts to any conditions and is very resistant.
Now you know a little more about the characteristics of the best Spanish horse breeds . Whether they are native, pure or the result of crossbreeding, these horses are truly amazing animals and, above all, with a very ancient history behind them.
Authors of the images: Manovillo and Lankide Gorritxiki
