Old Stonehouse Farm LLC
The Andalusian Horse
He is as graceful as he is beautiful, he is noble, strong and brave. He is the horse of kings.
The Andalusian is one of the oldest breeds of horse. The Andalusian is the foundation sire of many of today's modern horses, including the Lipizzaner, Thoroughbred, American Quarter Horse, and even the Warmbloods. He is named for where he originated: Andalusia on the Iberian Peninsula. Engravings and wall paintings found in parts of the Iberian Peninsula date between 17,000 and 13,000 BC and are the oldest known reference to the Spanish horse. The Andalusian horse we are familiar with today dates back to the Moorish invasion of Spain. The Moors were fine horsemen and brought their Berber horses into the conquered territory where they crossed them with the native horses of the Iberian Peninsula. The Berbers were noble horses, esteemed for their stamina and courage. The resulting cross was an unparalleled war horse. The horse they developed was sturdy, with a long sloping shoulder, short back, rounded strong hind-quarters, wide chest, deep girth, with a well-crested, naturally arched neck and very sturdy legs. This horse was all presence and action and coveted by royalty from all over the world.
Read more about the Andalusian Horse
Download a Printable Version of The Andalusian Horse
The Iberian Warmblood
"The Ultimate Dressage Horse"
It is well known that the Byerly's Turk, Darley's Arabian, and Godolphin Barb were crossed with the King's English mares to produce the modern Thoroughbred. What few realize is that at the time the King's English mares were mostly of Spanish descent: Andalusians. Similarly, Warmbloods started out as draft horses, which were put to Iberian blood to refine them into more elegant coach horses. Since, they have been further refined by additions of Arabian and Thoroughbred blood. Isn't it something that today's dressage competitors were pulling heavy wagons, coaches, and the army's artillery while the Andalusian was the High School Dressage Horse bar none!
Read more about the Iberian Warmblood
Download a printable version of Crossbreeding the Andalusian Horse
The Spanish Norman
The Fairy Tale mount of the Medieval Knights
Have you been to the Renaissance Fair or to Medieval Nights to see the games, the jousting, and the beautiful horses? Many of the horses that carry the knights into the games are Spanish-Normans, Andalusians x Percherons. During Medieval times the now extinct Norman horses of France were influenced by Iberian blood to create the agile yet sturdy mounts that carried knights to victory after victory. The Spanish-Norman combines the beauty and boldness of the Andalusian with the size and strength of the Percheron to reflect the power and presence of its ancestor, the Norman.
The Spanish-Norman stands between 15.3 and 17 hands and is predominantly grey with the occasional black or bay. They are a strong, sturdy horse with short backs, sloping shoulders, broad heart-girths and strong, powerful hindquarters. They have the thick, luxurious mane and tail of the Andalusian, as well as its fluid movement, cadence and elevation.
The Spanish-Normans are bred to be very versatile sporthorses with the potential for jumping and dressage, driving, and western events. Linda and Allan Hamid of Hamid Hill farm, Ltd., Woodbury, Connecticut established the Spanish-Norman Horse Registry, Inc. in 1991. Their Spanish-Norman stallion Romantico H.H.F. is competing in reining and in June 2000 won 6th place in the Invitational Freestyle Reining at the United States Equestrian Team Festival of Champions.
Learn more about the Spanish Norman at the
Download a printable version of Crossbreeding the Andalusian Horse
The Azteca
"The epitome of versatility"
The American Quarter Horse has long been used as the “cow horse” famous for chasing down strays and driving herds on long treks. The Andalusian is used to herd the cows in Spain as well as face the fierce Iberian bulls. It seems like a natural combination. This cross has been bred for a long time in Mexico, and so loved by the charros that they have made the Azteca their national horse.
The Azteca is a natural at ranch work and built to be an athlete with heart and style. To meet the demands of high performance riding the Azteca must have strong forward and lateral movement with the ability for acceleration and a quick response time. Courage, agility, presence, and an intelligent, stable mind are essential. The Azteca is a beautiful creature with character, confidence and a curiosity that adds a playful, friendly demeanor.
Today one of the most sought after horses is the perfect trail companion. It is hard to imagine one better than the Azteca. Combining the toughness, and capability for hard work of the Quarter Horse with the smooth uphill gait and sure-footed confidence of the Andalusian creates an animal that can comfortably travel all day over rough terrain. Whether you are looking for bursts of speed, the natural ability to jump obstacles or maneuver quickly, or just a pleasure horse and partner, look no further. It is hard to imagine improving on this already exceptional breed.
Learn more about the Azteca at
The Azteca Horse Registry of America
or The American Azteca Horse International Association
Download a printable version of Crossbreeding the Andalusian Horse
Over the years I have written numerous articles on the breeding, raising, handling, training and general interest of Iberian Horses! Below I have attached links to the articles that can be downloaded and read! For anyone interested in republishing any of these articles, we ask for notice and full credit of the literature. Thank you and enjoy!
CROSSBREEDING THE ANDALUSIAN HORSE
CROSSBREEDING THE ANDALUSIAN HORSE IN SHORT
HAIR CARE FOR THE FAIRY TALE HORSE
THE CONQUISTADORS AND THE IBERIAN HORSE
RIDING STYLES OF THE IBERIAN PENINSULA
THE SPANISH ANDALUSIAN DEMYSTIFIED
DRESSAGE AND THE IBERIAN HORSE: PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE
DRESSAGE AND THE IBERIAN HORSE VERSION FOR THE USLR
THE IBERIAN HORSE AND THE HISTORY OF DRESSAGE
IBERIAN HORSES IN COMPETITION DRESSAGE
IBERIAN HORSES IN COMPETITION DRESSAGE VERSION 2
IBERIAN HORSES IN COMPETITION DRESSAGE VERSION FOR THE USLR
PLEASE CONTACT US FOR ANY ADDITIONAL INFO OR WITH QUESTIONS!