high school dressage), especially the airs above the ground.
“The terrain in Spain is very rocky, so through evolution, in order to get away from predators, they had to step high over rocks and sandy soil. They developed the ability to have very expressive front end movement,” continued Lara. Due to their wonderful high knee action and uphill balance, Spanish horses do not naturally extend like Warmbloods or Thoroughbreds. It can certainly be taught to them with training, but is not as natural as collection.
Photo courtesy of Carlos Lara
Andalusians excel at high school dressage due to their natural ability to collect. This Andalusian from Cuatro L Andalusian Breeding Centre demonstrates a lavade.
Besides dressage, PRE can be used for a number of different disciplines, both English and Western. “They can be used for any discipline because these horses tend to be so brave,” said Lara. “They do a decent job at most everything.”
“The Andalusian is built with natural balance, collection, impulsion, and agility — an all around athlete,” said Bette-Lyn Eger of the Pacific Association of the Andalusian and Lusitano Horse (PAALH). “They excel in upper level dressage. Andalusians also participate in driving, jumping, eventing, reining, performance, and exhibitions.”
Often referred to as “the original cow horse,” Andalusians are also great for working cows either competitively or on the farm. Spanish vaqueros have used Andalusians since the Middle Ages for cattle ranching. Their technique of training horses to work with cattle, called Doma Vaquera, has now been turned into a competitive sport and art form.
Besides their bravery, there are many other qualities that make the PRE a wonderful partner for almost any equestrian. “Andalusians are people orientated, possessing a proud but kind temperament,” said Eger. “They are sensitive, and particularly intelligent, responsive and cooperative, learning quickly and easily when treated with respect. It is said with the ideal Andalusian temperament, the horse will carry itself with presence and pride in the show ring, as well as be able to follow quietly behind a child.”
Getting the best out of an Andalusian requires patient training. “They often try to please and can be pushed too quickly. If so they may internalize and nervous signs of stress will appear,” said Eger. “Take your time with them, building a trusting foundation. This breed will give you their heart if treated with firm understanding, respect, and patience.”
While relatively rare in Canada, there are approximately 175,000 PRE worldwide. Andalusian crosses are also quite popular in North America, with many even given their own names, such as Azteca (Andalusian-Quarter Horse), Spanish Norman (Andalusian-Percheron), Iberian Warmblood (Andalusian-Thoroughbred), and Hispano-Arab (Andalusian-Arab).
Puro Sangue Lusitano
The Lusitano is named for Lusitania, the name the Romans gave the area of the Iberian Peninsula which corresponds to modern day Portugal. Its full Portuguese name, PSL, means “pure blooded Lusitano.” The official studbook for the PSL is held by the Portuguese Puro Sangue Lusitano Breeders Association (APSL) in Portugal, which was established in 1967, though in North American they can also be registered with IALHA.
Photo: Davi Carrano
Stallion Alvahiro Interagro has a convex profile typical of Lusitanos.
Compared to the PRE, the Lusitano is a very rare breed, with fewer than 3000 productive mares worldwide, mostly in Portugal and Brazil. However, numbers are growing thanks to dedicated breeders and increasing popularity.
Like the PRE, the majority of Lusitanos are grey, although any colour is allowed. The body type is similar to the PRE horse as well, but with a shorter back and more powerful rear end. The head is usually more convex than a PRE horse and with a slightly sloping forehead, giving the head a curved outline. Due to being bred for bullfighting for centuries, “they tend to be very quick on their feet, with a slightly hotter temperament,” said Eger. Lusitanos are able to go from excitable to calm, or peacefu