Andalusians

The Andalusian is the horse of kings: Even the rulers adorned themselves with these wonderful horses – with their long manes, the high erection, and the imposing movements.

Origin and History

The real name of Andalusians is PRE, which is the abbreviation for Pura Raza Española, in German “pure Spanish breed”. The horses that have breeding papers and have been licensed are entered in the studbook and are then called PRE. The PREs are often called Andalusians – but an Andalusian can actually also be a PRE mix.

The Iberian horses, i.e. both PREs and Portuguese Lusitanos, descend from the Sorraia horses. These were refined with the help of Arabs and Berbers. In the 15th century, the Carthusian monks started breeding horses in Jerez de la Frontera in Andalusia. The Carthusian horses emerged from this breed, supported by kings and nobles. Even today, the horses called Carthusians (Cartujanos) are considered to be the noblest PREs.
Initially, the Iberians, i.e. the PREs and the Lusitanos, were listed in a joint studbook. It was not until 1967 that the two breeds separated into the “Puro Sangue Lusitano” and the “Pura Raza Española”. Since 1989 there has also been a separate studbook for the black Menorcan, which was previously considered a sub-breed of the PRE. In general, many small breeders in Spain breed horses – and they all have their own brand. Mixes like the “Tres Sangres” (“three-blooded”), in which Andalusians, thoroughbred Arabs, and English thoroughbred are crossed, and the “Hispano-Arab”, in which thoroughbred Arabs are crossed with Spanish horses, are also popular.
Today PREs are often bred larger and thus more closely resemble the typical warmblood horse. Their movements, actually with the high-wide forehand, are often bred a little more in the direction of expansive gaits. These horses are more suitable for tournament sports. Of course, there are also breeders who prefer the smaller, compact type of Spanish horse.

interior
The PRE is spirited and docile. He reacts sensitively to the moods of his rider and can therefore sometimes be a little more difficult. PREs have a reputation for being very caring about their owner and a little shy of strangers. Overly sensitive and nervous horses have not wanted to inbreed, but unfortunately, they do occur occasionally.

Exterior

For many, PREs embody true dream horses: Majestic movements, high necks, and flying manes combined with a lot of temperament. The medium-sized horses are extremely pretty, have noble heads and strong necks. A not too long back and a sloping shoulder favor the typical movements with high action of the forehand, which is called “knee action”.

Suitability / Use

For sensitive and experienced riders, the Spaniard is a wonderful, docile horse with a lot of talent for dressage riding. The short back and the natural bending of the knees paired with the high erection ensure that the gathering is easier for the PRE than many other horses. But of course, real assembly requires correct riding as with all other breeds.

In addition to dressage riding, PREs are also extremely suitable for working styles such as working equitation, and of course, you can also do beautiful cross-country rides with them. However, his talent for show jumping is just as limited as that for endurance sport – the Spaniard’s movements are usually too laborious for this. But some PREs also have fun driving, especially in Spain you can see many a horse on the Ferias in front of a light wagon.
Care should be taken not to use the sensitive PRE as a beginner horse. Its beauty and gentleness sometimes lead riders who do not have sufficient experience to overestimate themselves – then a PRE can sometimes be difficult. In the right hands, however, sensitivity is in good hands – horse and rider with a fine connection then seem to merge into one.

Attitude

PREs are generally rather frugal. Too much concentrate and too rich pasture do not give them. Then they quickly become too fat and there is a risk of metabolic problems. In addition, the sensitive Spaniard needs sufficient exercise and contact with conspecifics. If you take this into account, you have an unproblematic horse.

Diseases Typical of the Breed

If they are not properly fed, the horses from the rather barren Spain tend to have metabolic disorders. Summer eczema also occurs in these horses. In addition, PREs with excessive ironing, as an outward movement of the forehand is called, tend to premature wear of the joints. Osteoarthritis may then limit the use of the horses for riding at an early stage. Serious breeders try to avoid this problem.