Appearance

• Most Andalusians measure between 15 and 15.2 hands, with each hand equaling four inches. The breed's most common colors are gray and bay. The Andalusian horse tends to be stoutly and compactly built with a high-set neck. Andalusian horses are most often seen with long manes and tails, or the manes are braided along the top of the neck. The manes and tails often have a wavy texture.
  
  

History

• It is believed that the Andalusian breed resulted from crossing African Barb horses with horses that were indigenous to Spain, but when intentional breeding of these horses began is unknown. What is known is that the indigenous Spanish horses were already present by Roman times. The Andalusian horses were later bred by European monarchs and also maintained by various monastic orders, especially the Carthusians. There were times that the breed was endangered by breeding practices, such as attempts to crossbreed with the Neopolitan horse, now extinct.
  
  

Influence

• The Andalusian has been used many times to develop other breeds. When the Spanish began conquering the Americas, the Andalusian became part of the foundation for many American breeds such as the Appaloosa and even gaited breeds such as the Paso Fino. The Andalusian was also used to develop the Lipizzaner, the Friesian and the Connemara. The Lusitano is nearly the exact same breed as the Andalusian, only the Lusitano is a Portugese breed.
  
  

Uses

• The traditional uses for an Andalusian are as bull fighting mounts and war horses. Today, the Andalusian is often seen in dressage competitions and as exhibition horses, though Andalusians can compete in driving, western and jumping as well. The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art uses Andalusian horses for the school's haute ecole dressage exhibitions, which are specialized movements considered to be the most challenging of dressage maneuvers. The horses are also shown in traditional Spanish attire and tack.
  
  

SICAB

• SICAB, or the International Equestrian Trade Fair, is a week-long breed event held in Sevila, Spain. This event consists entirely of showcases for the Andalusian horse, and a horse-related trade fair in held in conjunction with the horse competitions and exhibitions. Andalusians are judged on conformation, show jumping, driving and dressage.