Draft:Purebred Spanish horse (PRE)
Saddle horse breed from Andalusia, Spain. / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Purebred Spanish Horse or PRE (Pura Raza Española, in Spanish) or Pure Spanish Breed, also known as the Andalusian horse, belongs to an ancient saddle horse breed originating from Andalusia. Its structured breeding began in the 16th century under the impetus of Philip II of Spain and the Carthusian monks. It experienced a period of great renown in the European courts during the 17th and 18th centuries when it influenced numerous breeding programs and represented the ideal horse for classical dressage. The breed lost some significance in the 19th century with the new enthusiasm for Thoroughbreds. Once relatively unknown until the 1960s to maintain sufficient numbers, the Purebred Spanish Horse has experienced a renewed interest. Although most of these horses are bred in Andalusia, they are also raised in many other countries such as France.
This horse is easily identifiable by its often grey coat, has a compact body, a massive neck, and a very elegant appearance, particularly thanks to its long, wavy mane. Its gaits are characteristic, often elevated, with a natural aptitude for piaffe and passage.
Longtemps utilisé pour tout le travail de haute école, dont l’héritage est assuré par l'école royale andalouse d'art équestre, le Pure race espagnole est recherché pour le dressage de compétition jusqu'au plus haut niveau. Également employé en équitation traditionnelle, où sa présence dans les arènes est remarquable, ainsi qu’en attelage, il a la faveur des écuyers de cirque et de spectacle. Il sert souvent de monture au cinéma, où son allure et son bon tempérament sont appréciés.