Purebred Spanish Horses, also called Andalusian Horses, are one of the world's oldest breeds of horses. They've been around for thousands of years! Because of their natural elegance, these Spanish horses were historically the preferred horses of kings and queens. In fact, they were even widely known as the "Royal Horses of Europe".
Nowadays, Purebred Spanish horses are used for all types of recreational, work-related and competitive horseback riding, lending their abilities to bullfighting, show jumping, cattle work, etc. They have gained particular notoriety in dressage, which is considered the very highest expression of horse training.
Purebred Spanish Horses are very intelligent, cooperative animals that learn quickly as long as you treat them with respect.
Physically, they are known for their elegance and their strength. Their graceful movements are complemented by a strong, compact and muscular physique. They're natural athletes with stellar balance, power and agility. They have a lean, medium-length head, large eyes, an attractive slightly convex profile, a well-arched neck, strong legs and a thick flowing mane and tail. Altogether a beautiful animal!
The best place to see and learn to ride Spanish horses is, not surprisingly, in Spain! Often called Andalusian horses, these fascinating animals are closely tied with this southern region of Spain. There's even an elite school in Jerez de la Frontera (Andalusia, Spain) that is dedicated to maintaining the classical traditions and ancestral abilities of these Spanish horses. It's also known for its "dancing stallions" shows that it puts on for visitors.
*Want to learn how to ride horses? Our summer camps in Marbella offer this unique opportunity to children and teenagers from around the world who want to learn Spanish and learn to ride horses. Learn more here: Horseback Riding Lessons
