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The name Andalusian refers to the pure Spanish horse and the Portuguese Lusitano. It got this name from the region of Spain Andalusia. The Andalusian is one of the oldest pure breeds of horse in the world. It was the first horse brought to the Americas by the Conquistadors. DNA testing has proven the Andalusian was very instrumental in creating many of the breeds that we all know and love, such as the Quarter Horse, Paints, Mustangs, Appaloosas, Percheron, Hackney, Friesian, Cleveland Bay, Thoroughbred, Welsh, Connemara, Lippizan and gaited breeds to name a few. The Azteca, the national horse of Mexico, is successful cross between the Andalusian and Quarter Horse. There have also been many beautiful crosses with Arabians, Thoroughbred, Percheron (Iberian Sport Horse) and other breeds.
About 80% of Andalusians are gray or white, 15% are bay and 5% are black. Some characteristics of the Andalusian are, a strong build with an elegant presence, and they usually stand 15.2 to 16.2 hands. Their head is of medium length, rectangular and lean. Their eyes are alive and oval. Their neck is reasonably long, broad, yet elegant and well crested in stallions. Their mane is thick and abundant, and they have well-defined withers which precede a short back. Their quarters are broad and strong, and their croup is rounded and of medium length. Their tail is abundant, set low and lies close to the body. A powerful and yet elegant horse!
The Andalusian horse displays an amazing versatility. Since Roman times this distinguished animal has been used as an effective war mount. This horse has been the favorite of European riding academies because of its impulsion, collection, forward motion and agility. You will see the Andalusian horse in dressage competitions, jumping, driving, English pleasure, even trail and Western pleasure. You may even have seen this fearless steed in the bull-fighting arena facing the fierce Iberian bull!
So you may think that Andalusian is only for the affluent since they are known as the "horse of kings". Not so! Most Andalusian owners are down to earth people and treat their animals as familial members, just like most other horse owners.
We are very fortunate to have the Northwest Andalusian Horse Association (NWAHA). They are extremely active in the promotion of the Andalusian in Montana, Oregon, Idaho, Washington and western Canada.
Some of NWAHA's exciting activities for 2000:
CLINICS: Characteristics & Conformation of the Spanish Horse with Barbara Currie on May 13th in Portland, OR - Vancouver WA metro district: Contact Bette-Lyn (604) 886-9600 or email mystique_andalusians@aunshine.net , or Laurie Burgess (360) 574-5440
Natural Horsemanship with Emphasis on the Iberian Horse with Pete Spates on June 3rd & 4th in Carnation, WA: Contact Kathleen Gabica (208) 384-1369 or email Nvrenfjwls@aol.com.
Judging Clinic with Cheryl Anne Weatherell (National Champion Judge) and Performance, Classical Dressage & In-Hand Seminar with emphasis on the Iberian horse with Leigh Shambo (pending) on July 1st &2nd in Langley (just east of Vancouver, BC): Contact Bette-Lyn (604) 886-9600 or email mystique_andalusians@aunshine.net, or Arlaine (250) 397-2217 or email arlaine@istar.ca
STALLION AUCTION: Win a free breeding to one of two NW's magnificent Andalusian stallions: Mareo (bay PRE) owned by Olympic Andalusians and Arrow Navarre (bay PRE) owned by Deer Valley Andalusians. Raffle tickets are only $10.00 each. The raffle drawing will be held on August 12th and you do not need to be present to win. Contact Bett-lyn (604) 886-9600 or email mystique_andalusians@aunshine.net. Or go to NAWAHA web-sit at http://www.Al-andalus.com/NWAHA/Raffle_web.htm .
SHOW: The " Festival of the Andalusian Horse" will be held at the Western Washington State Fairgrounds in Puyallyp, WA on August 12th & 13th, 2000. Two seminars are scheduled over the show weekend: Preparing for the Show Ring with Warren Mather and Natural Horsemanship with Pete Spates. An exhibition Extravaganza will be presented on the 12th at 7:00 p.m. This NW Festival is one of the largest regional sanctioned Andalusian shows with well over 80 horses expected to attend. A warm welcome is extended to exhibitors for a casual evening barn gathering on August 11th.
For information on any of the above events or to receive a NWAHA Handbook, current Newsletter, membership application or Stallion/Sale Horse video ($5 refundable deposit) contact may be made with: Bett-Lyn Eger, President (604) 886-9600 or email mystique_andalusians@aunshine.net .
