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Breed · Horse breed

Andalusian

Equus caballus

Also known as: Pura Raza Española, PRE, Spanish horse

The Andalusian, known in Spain as the Pura Raza Española (PRE), is a Spanish baroque light horse breed of Iberian origin, elegant and strongly built, historically influential and prized today for classical dressage and haute école work.

Dated referenceLast reviewed: 2026-07-12Updated: 2026-07-12
Illustrative diagram · AgricultureID (original)

Record

Livestock breed
Breed of
Horses
Species
Horse (Equus caballus)
Type
Light
Origin
Andalusia (Iberian Peninsula), Spain
Recognition
Registered
Conservation status
Not establishedReported per source and date (e.g. FAO DAD-IS); not a fixed property of the breed.
Registries
  • FAO DAD-IS · Global · as of 2026-07-12Horse breed recorded in the global domestic animal diversity inventory.
  • Pura Raza Española studbook (ANCCE) · SpainStudbook defining the pure-bred Spanish horse population.
Adaptation
Adapted to the warm, dry Mediterranean climate of its origin and kept successfully across a range of climates with appropriate care.
Primary uses
Classical and competitive dressage; haute école, Driving, working equitation, and mounted display, General riding and breeding

Registry listing or variety protection is jurisdiction- and date-specific and does not by itself indicate current commercial availability, universal cultivation approval, patent status, or a recommendation.

The Andalusian is a light horse breed from the Iberian Peninsula, known in Spain as the Pura Raza Española ("Pure Spanish Horse", or PRE). Long associated with the region of Andalusia, it is a strongly built yet elegant "baroque" type with an arched neck, abundant mane and tail, and naturally collected, elevated movement.

Historically one of the most influential horse breeds in Europe and the Americas — shaping many light and warmblood breeds — the Andalusian remains highly valued for classical and competitive dressage, haute école, driving, and display. Grey is the most familiar colour, though bay and other colours occur.

Origin and history

The Andalusian descends from ancient Iberian horses and was refined over centuries, becoming a prized war, riding, and court horse across Renaissance and Baroque Europe. It contributed to the foundation of numerous breeds worldwide. The Pura Raza Española studbook, historically associated with Spanish breeding institutions and administered under the national breeders’ association (ANCCE), defines the pure-bred population today.

Appearance and characteristics

  • A compact, strongly muscled body of medium height with a well-arched, crested neck.
  • A convex or straight facial profile, expressive eyes, and long, thick mane and tail.
  • Grey is most common, but bay, black, and other solid colours occur.
  • Naturally elevated, collected movement and a docile, intelligent, willing temperament.

Uses and management

The Andalusian excels in classical and competitive dressage and haute école, and is also used for driving, working equitation, mounted display, and general riding. Its trainability and presence make it a favourite for exhibition and film. It is managed as a riding horse on forage-based diets, with the abundant mane and tail benefiting from routine grooming.

Relationships

Evidence-backed connections in the knowledge graph.

Adapted to climate

Farming systems

Related topics

Scope & limitations

Geographic scope: Global breed overview; the PRE studbook is Spain-based while the breed is kept internationally.

Climate context: Suited to warm Mediterranean climates by origin and adaptable to temperate conditions with standard care.

  • This is a general breed profile, not veterinary or detailed husbandry guidance.
  • The relationship between the broad term "Andalusian" and the studbook-defined Pura Raza Española is nuanced and described only in general terms.
  • Conservation risk status is not asserted here because it varies by population and registry.

Sources

This article draws on the following authoritative sources. See our sources & methodology for how they are selected.

  1. [1]DAD-IS — Domestic Animal Diversity Information System (opens in a new tab)

    FAO Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture

    Authoritative

    Cited for: Breed recording and global diversity status

    Type:
    Official registry
    Jurisdiction:
    Global
    Accessed:
    2026-07-12
  2. [2]Encyclopaedia Britannica (opens in a new tab)

    Encyclopaedia Britannica

    Moderate

    Cited for: Breed origin, history, and general characteristics

    Type:
    Reference database
    Jurisdiction:
    Global
    Accessed:
    2026-07-12

Related topics

Livestock