Andalusian
The Andalusian, one of Spain's most famous horses, has a past somewhat veiled in mystery. There are three explanations of the origin of the Andalusian Horse, but whichever you believe, there is no denying that the breed is ancient. Firstly, and most likely, it is thought that during the Moorish invasions of the eighth century A.D., the Barbs and the Arab horses belonging to the Moors crossed with the native Spanish stock to produce the Andalusian Horse. There is also the theory that the Andalusian is a descendant of the 2,000 Numidian mares that were shipped to Spain by the Carthaginian general, Hasdrubal. Lastly, there is debate over whether or not the Andalusian is descended from Equus ibericus, which was also influential in the development of the Barb.Whichever you choose to believe, there is no doubt about the influence the Andalusian has had on a tremendous number of breeds. In Europe their influence is seen in the Holstein, the Oldenburg, the Frederiksborg, the Kladruber, the Lipizzan, the Hackney, the Friesian, the Old Norman Horse, and the Orlov, and in America, in the Quarter Horse and the Criollo.
In appearance, the Andalusian has an attractive head with a broad forehead, a straight or convex profile, and large, kind eyes. The neck is often quite thick, nicely arched, and set well onto good, sloping shoulders. The chest should be broad and deep, the barrel rounded, the back short, and compact and the quarters muscular, with a tail that is low set and thick. Typically, they have tremendous presence and a spectacular action, which includes the gait paso de andatura - a high-stepping movement that was used in parades. They have excellent temperaments, being docile and quiet but also energetic and brave; qualities that have led to their use in the bullring. They are mostly gray, bay, black, chestnut, or roan in color, and stand between 15 hh and 16 hh.
The breed commonly referred to as Andalusian is in fact now called by the Spanish Breeders Association Pura Raza Espanola, which means 'the pure Spanish breed.' A range of breeds, including the Alter-real, Luistano, Peninsular, Zapatero, and the Andalusian, can all be referred to under the common heading of Iberian Horse, since all are closely related, and bear similar characteristics.