Andalucia and the horse
Horses have played an integral part in rural life in Andalucia for centuries. In fact, the horse is possibly one of the best-loved exports of this region.
Its history goes back long before the birth of Christ - to 200 BC, at the time of the Roman Conquests in and around Spain. Roman writers praised the native Spanish horses' qualities, which were recognised by Spain's Moorish conquerors, who naturally cross-bred them with their own Arab and Berber breeds.
After the Moors were driven from Spain in the 15th Century, these noble Spanish creatures enjoyed a period of great popularity, influencing almost all other American and European horse breeds.
Not only were they taken by the Spanish conquistadors to the New World in the Americas, but they laid the foundation of the Frederiksborg, the royal horse of Denmark; the Neapolitan horse, when Naples was under Spanish rule from 1504 to 1713; the Austrian Kladruber, and some of the British breeds, notably the Cleveland Bay, the Hackney, the Connemara pony of Ireland and possibly the Welsh Cob.
Direct descendants of the Andalusian horse are the Lippizaners of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, established in 1572 as an adjunct to the Court in order to educate their nobility in the equitational arts. It was called the Spanish Riding School because right from its formation only Spanish stallions were used there.
The Lippizaners take their name from the stud at Lippiza, near Trieste, then part of the Austrian empire. It was founded by Archduke Charles 11, in 1580, who had 9 stallions and 24 mares brought there from Spain.
This is the horse that became "The very cornerstone of classical riding." The features that made this caballo de pura raza española - horse of pure Spanish breed - so highly sought after, are its balletic elegance, high head carriage, short arched neck, silky flowing mane, compact body and wonderful proportions.
The manes of mares are usually clipped in Spain; only the stallions are allowed to display the full splendour of theirs. About 50 per cent of Andalusians are usually grey or white, the rest being bay or black. Chestnuts or piebalds are excluded from the stud book.
These attributes are combined with a fiery intelligence, strangely at odds with it's affectionate and docile temperament. It is considered to be the ideal haute école parade and carriage horse. It is perhaps somewhat surprising, therefore, that its presence outside Spain is not more widespread today.
Andalucia facts :
With over 320 days of sun a year, it’s no surprise that Andalucia has been a favourite destination for sun-seeking travelers for decades. The region is composed of eight provinces, stretching from the south-east to the south-west of the country, each one named for its capital city: Cadiz, Cordoba, Jaen, Huelva, Almeria, Malaga, Granada and Seville.
Lusitano Horses
The Lusitano is a pure bred horse from Portugal, usually used as a saddle horse though he is also prized as a light driving horse.
The Lusitano horse originated in the hilly and rough areas of the Iberian Peninsula. The mountainous terrain moulded him into an agile horse. The Lusitano is compact, highly manoeuvrable, intelligent and brave enabling it to be selected for countless generations for functionality in battle and, later, in the bullring. The Lusitano fell somewhat from favour in this country when cross-country pursuits became popular in the nineteenth century.
The Lusitano mares are usually 1,55 m (15.1 hands) and stallions are 1,60 m (15.3 hands).They can be any solid colour but grey is the most common. The Lusitano’s are high stepping and have a forward thrusting gait but are smooth to ride and have a great facility to carry the rider in comfort.
Its athleticism lends him to be a talented jumper - John Whitaker's horse Novilheiro was a Lusitano. Novilheiro in particular demonstrates the versatility of the breed - he wasn't a "special strain" of Lusitano bred specifically for jumping - his full brother Opus II was one of the most famous bullfighting horses of his day.
Irish Horses
Over the generations horses and Ireland have been synonymous. The country has a deep tradition in equestrian matters that is anchored in its reputation for excellence in horsemanship, breeding and training, as well as in its countryside and in the affinity of The Irish people for their horses. This tradition has given rise to the development of equestrian tourism and many would argue that there is no better place to spend some time enjoying this wonderful sport.
The Irish Sport Horse or Irish Hunter, is mainly the result of a cross between the Irish Draught and the Thoroughbred. They are traditionally used for all purposes, from transportation, to riding, and working the land. However, they are becoming increasingly popular as a competition and riding horse. Their natural athletic ability and fantastic jumping talents means that ithey excel as show jumpers, as well as competing at the highest levels of eventing. These horses are globally renowned for being one of the best hunting mounts in the world, crossing all types of terrain with effortless ease.
Italy
In Italy you will be riding some of theses breeds of horse –
Dutch Warmblood - The Dutch Warmblood is a modern sport horse derived from the selective breeding of German, French and English horses crossed with the native Dutch stock. Dutch Warmblood horses are famous for their character, soundness and athletic ability and on average tend to be 16.2hh.
Pinto Hunter - The Pinto horse is a colour breed in contrast to most other breeds which are defined by their genetic ancestry. Pintos have a dark background colouring and upon this colour random patches of white. It is believed that the Pinto patterns may have arrived in Europe via the Arabian strains, as Pinto markings appear in ancient art throughout the Middle East.
Anglo Arab - The Anglo Arab horse is a Thoroughbred crossed with an Arabian horse. The Anglo Arab horse has been used in the military and is now used as a general riding and sport horse. Anglo Arabs tend to have a delicate head, straight profile, long slender legs and are sweet natured.
Thoroughbred - The Thoroughbred horse was developed in England where it was bred for racing due to its characteristics of being strong and fast with lots of stamina and strength. All modern Thoroughbreds can trace their pedigrees to three stallions originally imported into England in the 1600s and 1700s.