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Andalusians

The modern Andalusian is most likely the purest and oldest breed. Along with it's blood-brothers, the Lustino, the Carthusian, the Altèr Real, the Castilian, the Extremeño and the Zapatero, the Andalusian represents almost exactly the type of horses depicted in Iberian prehistoric cave art. 

Over the years, many people and their horses invade and traded with the currently present in Iberia. Out crossing the breed began thousands of years before the Moores invaded in 711 A.D., with mainly Oriental breeds. Due to boundary changes with in the peninsula cause the same breed to be called several names. At one time, before the Middle Ages, the whole peninsula was called Andalusia and their horses Andalusians.

During his Iberian campaigns, Napoleon and his officers took the most of the best remaining strains. The Carthusian monks of Castello, Jerez, and Seville restored the near dieing breed. Most of today's best horses can be traced back to the Carthusian monks' lines.

Today's Andalusian is a major world breed, and has influenced many other breeds. The Andalusian is highly prized in Spain, especially in the heart of Old Spain, Andalucia, Jerez de la Frontera, Serville and Cordoba. Taken to the Americas by the conquistadores, the Andalusians influenced the American breeds.

An Andalusian is a combination of pride, courage, spirit, and affection toward people. Small children often ride them in Spain, yet they possess all the fire and presents demanded by an expert horseman.

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All Information was obtained by The Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Horse Breeds Author: Susan McBane. For more information check this book out of your local library, or purchase it at your local book store.

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