The Andalusian is a famous type of horse that just recently became a global breed. They are almost always a sort of grey color, and were used as war horses because of their strength and power. They were often used as gifts from elites. Even though they are strong, they are considered to be a light breed, meaning that they are only about 1,500 lbs, compared to larger breeds like the Clydesdale, who weighs around 2,200 lbs.

Surprisingly, the Andalusian may have helped the Romans build the Roman Empire. They were also used for bullfighting, classical dressage, driving, and being stock horses. The Andalusian was once dubbed the name the Pure Spanish Horse, for the dressage and “dancing”steps  they did in Spain, similar to the Lipizzaner stallions in The Spanish Riding School in Vienna.

Gray or silver Andalusian coat colors  make up 80% of the entire breed. Among the rest, about 15% are bay, and 5% are black, dun, palomino or chestnut.

They’re about 15 1⁄2 hands (60.5 inches) at the withers and 14.3 hands (59 inches) in height. The Andalusian is known to be quite shy, intelligent, and sensitive. Their mane and tail are most often wavy and/or curly. They are also not gaited, meaning they don’t have a tolt like the Fjord, or raise their hooves in the air when they trot like the Hackney Pony.

The Spanish Government had banned the use of the export of the Andalusian, until the 1960’s. The history of the breed could possibly date back to 20,000 b.c. making this breed one of the oldest in the world. They are also considered to be a “low- maintenance” horse, as well as being great dressage partners, jumpers, ropers, stock horse, driving, and bullfighting.

Andalusians are easy to find, and are quite common now, but are very expensive and hard to buy, because the horse must be certified as a true Andalusian, and not a mixed breed. They also must meet all the requirements, like broad shoulders, and within the color range of coats that the association deems pure, to the owner or breeder. As it turns out, the Andalusian originated from the Iberian Peninsula. And was brought over to Spain by boat, and later transferred to the United States from Spain by boat as well. In the past, disease what widely spread, and many of the herds were wiped out in the 19th century. But they were brought back in the 20th century. This breed is so popular, that they have been the most commonly used breed of horse in movies such as Albion the Enchanted Stallion, and the live action film, Cinderella.

Back hundreds of years, Kings and Queens in Europe were gifted Andalusians to secure good relations with other countries, and kingdoms.