The Andalusian horses

"And while I was riding, my heart resounded in the gallops over the wet meadows; it resounded in the snorts and the grinding on the bit of my dapple grey steed. An inexpressible joy illuminated my heart, and I knew that if I were to leave this world right now, I would surely fall into Paradise"

Baron Von Munchaussen

The Andalusian horse dates back many centuries.  We find evidence of it as far back as the 8th century BC.  Although it was slightly smaller than today the conformation of the Spanish horse was already established and appears in numerous likenesses in paintings and Mosaics of the pre-Christian era.  This can be clearly seen in the frescos and statues of the Merida archeological museum.

In the 3rd century BC the Romans settled in Iberia.  The favoured images on their coins were the horse and the bull evidence of which we have in the coins of the time, the silver Denarii's.  Here we see the Spanish horse almost exactly as we know it today.

The priority of the Iberians when selecting a horse was one physically and psychologically suited to working with cattle on the open range, a hardy and agile horse equally manoeuvrable on all kinds of terrain.

A horse swift and graceful with a balance bred into him by tradition and history.

Until the 16th century the Andalusian was the most treasured war horse for its swiftness and agility in battle, until heavy armour was used and a heavier, slower horse was necessary to carry the weight.  They are courageous, sensible and sure-footed, spirited and fast, combining an even temperment with beauty, hardiness and valour.

The Andalusian horse is extraordinarily intelligent and will come to terms with anybody.  This is the horse who, if pushed to the limit, can get the better of even the best rider, yet will carry a child on its back without danger.  His temperment, his class leaves nothing to be desired.

Like that Spanish horse whose name was Bonito, offered by Antoinette Pluvinel to Louis XIII of France with the following words:

"Sire: It is only proper that your Majesty, as the greatest King in Christendom should learn to ride on the most perfect horse in the world."