A lot of the horse breeds that come from Spain are now found all over the world. Most of these horses are known for their strength and endurance, and some are also sought after because of their easy-to-move gaits, like this one. Many people enjoy riding horses. People who are just starting out can use some, and people who are more skilled can use others.
Here are 10 horse breeds that come from Spain.
If you want to buy a horse, you should choose one based on its temperament and training, not its lineage, The best way to know if a horse is right for you is to spend time with it.
1. Andalusian
The Andalusian horse comes from horses that lived on the Iberian Peninsula of Spain. It was born in the province of Andalusia. Explorers brought more horses to the peninsula, which changed the breed of horse that became the Andalusian in the 1400s. The horse was very agile and fast, which made it a favorite of European royalty. Today's Andalusians are small, but they still have the same strength as the original horses. That means the breed is good at things like dressage, driving, jumping, and more because it has both power and agility.
The Breed Overview
Hight: 15 to 16.2 hands.
Weight ranges from 900 to 1,100 pounds.
It has a heavy build, a convex or straight profile, a thick mane and tail, and is usually gray or white.
2. Paso Fino
Paso Fino horse |
People who live in the Dominican Republic today have a dog called the Paso Fino because Christopher Columbus brought a lot of different breeds with him when he came. A horse breed called Paso Fino was born from the offspring of horses that conquistadors rode through Latin America. A lot of landowners liked the horses because they were easy to ride for long periods of time across their farms. People in the U.S. also started to like the breed of dog after World War II came to an end.
The Breed Overview
13.2 to 15.2 hands
700 to 1,100 pounds
All of the colors and markings of horses can be found in this breed. It has a small head, wide-set eyes, lean legs, small hooves, a long mane, and a tail that grows out.
3. Peruvian Paso
As a result of horse migration to South America in the 1500s, the Peruvian Paso, sometimes known as the Peruvian horse, has evolved through the centuries. Plantation owners and employees used the Jennet, Barb, and Andalusian, which were imported from Spain and Panama. Natural ambling gaits of the Peruvian Paso breed made it possible for plantation owners to ride for lengthy periods of time without discomfort.
What You Need to Know About This Breed
Between 14 and 15 hands tall
WEIGHT: 900 to 1,100 lb.
Muscular build; broad shoulders and chest; medium-sized head with a convex or straight profile; short, stubby tail; several shades of brown and black roan and gray bay
4. Galician Horse
Galicia, in northwest Spain, is home to the horse known as the Galician mountain horse. This breed is said to have sprung from horses introduced to the area by Celtic colonists about 500 BCE. As a result of Galicia's harsh terrain, the Galician evolved tough and confident. Stallions from other breeds were brought to the region in the 1980s, but the breed has remained in the area. Because these stallions posed a potential danger to the breed's purity, a conservation strategy was devised in the 1990s to aid in its preservation.
What You Need to Know About This Breed
AVERAGE HEIGHT: 12 to 14 feet
From 400 to 660 pounds in weight
FEATURES: A compact, short body with powerful legs; bay and black are among the available hues.
5. Colonial Spanish Horse
The Colonial Spanish horse, sometimes known as the Spanish mustang, is descended from horses imported to the Caribbean and Mexico from Spain. The Barb and the Iberian horse are among their ancestors. The Spanish blood of some of these herds was diluted due to the introduction of foreign breeding stock by ranchers such as the thoroughbred, while other, more isolated herds were left untainted. Indigenous Americans domesticated wild herds of these horses. Hardy, steady-footed horses with exceptional stamina were painstakingly developed and honed by the indigenous people.
Characteristics of a Breed
13.2 to 14 hands in height
WEIGHT: 700 to 800 lbs.
There are many different colors and shapes to choose from when it comes to the creature's physical characteristics.
6. Spanish Trotter
In Spain, the Balearic Islands are home to the Spanish trotter. Trotting races were staged on several islands throughout the 1800s. To participate in these races, breeders bred local horses with foreign stock, such as the French trotter and the Orlov trotter. As a result, the horses are well-behaved and suitable for leisure riding. Today, the majority of recognized horses of this breed are still found in Mallorca.
What You Need to Know About This Breed
HEIGHT: 15.7 to 16.7 inches tall
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: 900-1,200 lbs.
Chestnut is the most common color, although there are other different horse shades to choose from.
7. Mérens Horse
The precise origin of the Mérens horse breed is uncertain, however it is endemic to southern France and northern Spain. It has been documented as far back as the Middle Ages, although it is likely to have been present far earlier. There are two kinds of mountain horses: a smaller, more nimble variety and a taller, more powerful one.. It was often used for field labor, as well as for riding and carriage driving, among other purposes..
What You Need to Know About This Breed
14.1 to 15.1 inches in height
880 to 1,100 pounds in weight
Small stature, straight or slightly concave profile, beard-like hair below the cheeks, and black coat color are physical characteristics.
8. Hispano-Árabe
In the 1800s, Andalusia was the birthplace of the Hispano-Arabe. An Arabian and an Andalusian crossbreed resulted in the bred. It wasn't until 2002 that the breed standard was issued. In addition, since this is a hybrid, the horse's look might vary greatly. As equestrians, Hispano-Arabes succeed because of their athletic frame and their preference for riding.
What You Need to Know About This Breed
Between 15 and 16 hands tall
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: 880-1,000 lbs.
The body is well-proportioned and slim; it is often gray or another dark shade, although its appearance may vary.
9. Mallorquín
The Mallorqun is native to the island of Mallorca, but where it came from is unknown. People in other parts of the world don't see it very often. It's a very rare horse breed. Mallorquns were more commonly used for riding than for farming on the island. Some of these horses are hardy and easygoing, with a lot of stamina, but they also like to have fun.
The Breed Overview
15 to 16 hands
From 880 to 1,000 pounds.
It has a convex shape to its face, short, thick neck, and black coat. White markings are only allowed on the face.
10. Pottok
It's fairly uncommon to see Pottok ponies in the Basque Country, which includes parts of France and Spain. The origin of the old breed is unknown, however it is thought to have been in the area for thousands of years. However, because to habitat degradation and crossbreeding, the breed is now extinct in the wild. For mines and circuses, these horses have shown their ability to traverse mountainous terrain.
An Overview of the Breed
To a maximum of 14.2 feet tall
Weight ranges from 660 to 770 lbs.
CHARACTERISTICS: Large head, short neck, small ears, long back, short legs, tiny hooves; usually black coat, although various colors are possible.