The Filmic Andalusian Horse

 

If you are thinking of purchasing an Andalusian Horse, here are a few things you need to know about the breed.

 

Origin

Also known as the Spanish Horse and the Purebred Spanish Horse, the Andalusian Horse is one of the oldest breeds of equids.  It is a distant relative of the Portuguese Lusitano Horse which is also a kind of Iberian Horse along with the Andalusian.  This means that both are from the southwestern part of the European continent which includes Andorra, Gibraltar, Portugal and Spain.  It is said that Iberian Horses, in its most primitive form of Sorraia, first appeared at around 25, 000 BC.

 

Uses

Andalusians are proven to be very useful in several ways.  They can serve as companions or pets to their owners, show jumpers, herders for cattle and are even valuable in the realm of bullfighting.  They are also used for equestrian sporting or for dressage.  They can even be actors on screen which has already been proven by their appearance in films like The Lord of the Rings and The Chronicles of Narnia.

 

Physical Appearance

Andalusians are small and solid in form and stature.  On average, they can stand between 15-16 hands.

However, regardless of its size, it is heavily muscled and can carry a graceful demeanour which is the main reason why it is used for equestrianism.  This horse features a lean medium-sized head, large communicative eyes, and a long muscular neck. Most Andalusians come in gray color, although some may be bay (reddish brown), black, or chestnut (dark golden-brown).

 

Treatment

These horses cannot be taken lightly due to their intellect and their sensitive disposition. You will have to be firm and strong to command respect yet gentle and caring to show respect.  This is because Andalusians can be obstinate, but capable of responding well to tender yet steadfast steering. These horses are also found to be highly trainable, clever and spectacularly beautiful which makes it suited for cinematic appearances.

 

Purchase

Before you seal the deal through the purchase of an Andalusian Horse, you should first consult breeders and carefully scrutinize the horses. Then you should come to a decision of whether you should get a mare or a female horse, a stallion or an uncastrated adult male horse , a colt or a young male horse , a filly or a young female horse, or a gelding or a castrated male horse. Also, you must think of if you want a purebreed Andalusian or a crossbreed like that with an Ariabian Horse.  You will also need to consider your budget and remember that the breeders in Spain pride themselves on maintaining the Andalusian breed pure and superior in quality.  As it already is, horses are sold for an assortment of prices—from economical to very high-priced.