Andalusian equestrian tradition

Andalusian Horse Tradition

Spain’s Andalusian region has been home to exceptional horses for over five centuries. The Pure Spanish Horse, or Pura Raza Española, developed here and became highly sought after by European nobility for its intelligence, athleticism, and gentle temperament.

The story of Andalusian horses is ultimately one of survival and adaptation. From prehistoric cave paintings to modern Olympic competitions, these horses have maintained their essential character while adapting to changing times. Their numbers may be small, with fewer than 60,000 worldwide, but their influence on global equestrian culture remains profound.

From performing classical dressage in the Royal Andalusian School’s renowned show ‘How the Andalusian Horses Dance’ to galloping along beaches or grazing peacefully in pastures, these horses embody different meanings for everyone—a cultural connection, family heritage, cherished way of life, or beloved film memory.

 The heritage of Spanish horses

The Andalusian horse breed originated in the Iberian Peninsula, where its ancestors have lived for thousands of years. Cave paintings from 20,000-30,000 BC show horses likely related to modern Iberian breeds, and Homer even mentions Iberian horses in the Iliad for their legendary quality.

The formal name P.R.E. (Pura Raza Española) originated in 1567 with King Philip II’s breeding program. By the 16th century, Spanish horses were considered the finest in the world and became known as the “Royal horse of Europe,” with William Cavendish, the Duke of Newcastle, referring to them as the “princes” of the horse world.

Carthusian Monks played a crucial role, keeping some of Europe’s earliest written pedigrees from the 13th century and establishing breeding farms in Jerez, Seville and Cazalla in the late 15th century. These monks maintained bloodlines with remarkable purity that continues today.

The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art

The Royal Andalusian Riding School: Modern Spain continues to preserve its equestrian heritage through prestigious institutions like traditional riding schools, where the ancient art of classical dressage remains vibrantly alive. These schools operate as “universities of dressage,” with resident students studying for four years alongside international visitors who come for intensive courses lasting days or weeks.

With over 117 horses, dozens of students, and master craftsmen who create all harnesses, saddles, and bridles on-site using techniques unchanged since the 18th century, these institutions represent living museums of Spanish equestrian culture. Their performances showcase everything from traditional one-handed Spanish cowboy riding to classical dressage and spectacular carriage driving, culminating in the carousel, a choreographed ballet, where horses and riders move in perfect harmony.

As one rider explains, “The Spanish horse has nearly 500 years of history behind it… when someone sits on these horses, they fall in love forever.” These schools not only preserve centuries-old traditions locally but also tour internationally, sharing Spain’s equestrian artistry with the world.

The magic of Spanish horses

 The Andalusians’ appeal extends far beyond traditional riding schools into modern entertainment and global equestrian culture. These “dancing horses” have become stars of the big screen, with talented trainers like Oliver Phillips in England using PRE stallions for film work—one performed the spectacular capriole in the Lord of the Rings TV series.

Now found in over 65 countries worldwide, these horses, averaging 15-17 hands* with their characteristic grey and bay colouring, continue to captivate riders and audiences alike.

*”Hands” is a traditional unit of measurement for horse height. One hand equals 4 inches (10.16 cm), so:

• 15 hands = 60 inches = 152 cm
• 17 hands = 68 inches = 173 cm

 The Royal Purebred Spanish Horse Breeders Association captures their essence perfectly: “Such advantages go unnoticed at first sight—they appear when you enter into contact with the horse, when rider and horse become one.” Modern riders describe them as “that iconic dream horse” with flowing manes and an almost magical quality—horses that “don’t let you alone” and can be trusted completely because “they are really with you.”

Experiencing Andalusian equestrian heritage at Marbella Club Hills

 For those seeking to connect with this rich equestrian tradition, Marbella Club Equestrian Centre within Marbella Club Golf Resort offers an authentic window into Spanish horse culture. The facility features professionally maintained arenas suitable for both recreational riding and serious training, with carefully selected horses that include both gentle mounts for beginners and spirited animals for experienced riders.

Professional instruction combines traditional Spanish riding techniques with modern international methods, allowing riders of all levels to experience this centuries-old partnership between horse and human. The mountain trails provide the perfect setting to understand why Spanish horses developed their legendary sure-footedness and calm temperament.