Early Andalusian History
At Half Moon Dressage Center we are pleased to represent a fine selection of imported Pure Spanish horses, all trained by Francisco José García Ibañez, from horses just learning their dressage movements to confirmed Grand Prix mounts.
The Pure Spanish Horse (also known as Spanish Andalusian) was unified as a breed in the sixteenth century (between 1567 and 1593) by the Spanish King Felipe II who formally established the standards for the breed which we recognize today as the Pure Spanish Horse. During these years King Felipe II decided to bring to life the universally idealized horse which has been so long pictured in history, in bronze, in paintings. He looked at the basic horse bred in Spain, selected the best of those examples which came closest to the idealized animal he desired, and directed that the idealized horse be produced.
Their conformation hints at their capabilities: strong boned legs, good slope to the shoulder, deep heart-girth, round powerful haunches. The classically beautiful head of a Pure Spanish Horse is unique and an instant identifier of its breed. One can read the history in their large oval eyes inside a triangular-shaped orbital arch and can imagine strength for extended efforts in the inverted comma-shaped nostrils which expand downward to bring in large quantities of air. And of course there are the unique racial characteristics in the shape and dexterity of the upper lip, the sensitivity of the mouth and the point of the chin.
The Pura Raza Española (P.R.E.) has been linked with the history and the culture of Andalusia since time immemorial. There are cave drawings dating back to 5,000 BC found in the caves of Altamira and Canforos de Penarubia in northeastern Spain depicting native horses whose body types are remarkably like today's horse. These drawings depict the predecessors of the Pure Spanish Horse. Originally used in warfare, as a means of transport and for other work, the industrial revolution changed his role to that of man's companion in sport and leisure activities, in which he is one of the leaders in the Andalusian region. The Pure Spanish Horse has been an integral part of Spain from its beginnings and contributes much to our better knowledge and understanding of its landscape, customs and people.
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In Andalusia, where most of the Pure Spanish Horses are bred, the Pura Raza Española horse predominates. It is the heir of the Cartujano horse, which attracted the admiration of Kings and became the preferred mount of Royalty and the Cavalry. This horse made its second official appearance in the USA in the late 1960s (the first having been in the cargo holds of the voyages of the Conquistadores beginning with second voyage of Christopher Columbus). The process of importation was difficult and costly; the population grew slowly, having only recently reached the 5,000 mark of Pure Spanish Horses in the USA. |
The Pura Raza Española (P.R.E) has a singular and unquestionable beauty marked by large eyes that express a great vivacity. The characteristic feature of its beauty, however, is its thick mane which endows it with a unique elegance. The most outstanding attribute of the Pure Spanish Horse is, without any doubt, its temperament for even though it is certainly a very docile animal, and easily handled, not only when it is in training but also in its rest periods, at the same time it displays a vigorous and sedate character with an excellent capacity for obedience. All this, together with its beauty, makes it an ideal horse for riding, which is why it is in so much demand as a "horse of pleasure".
In 2002, the Pura Raza Española (P.R.E.) horse's potential in competitive dressage was secured when the Spanish team, including two (2) P.R.E. mounts, scored the silver medal. Success on this scale calls for celebration. This potential was confirmed when the P.R.E. Fuego XII (now Fuego de Cardenas) won the hearts of horse lovers from every discipline, inspiring a standing ovation in the 2010 World Equestrian Games after his freestyle dressage performance. In between and since these milestones, the P.R.E.'s popularity has escalated. Demand from the international and American dressage communities is growing exponentially. There is equal zeal for this breed from equestrians whose only ambition is to have a great horse to ride and enjoy. Thanks to its athletic ability, even temperament, sturdy yet refined conformation and remarkable beauty, the Pura Raza Española fulfills many dreams.
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