I remember the first time I saw an Andalusian horse up close.
I was visiting a breeder’s farm in Jerez de la Frontera, Spain during my backpacking trip across Europe last summer.
The moment this gorgeous gray horse trotted up to the fence, mane and tail flowing, I was stunned by its beauty and grandeur.
With their thick manes and tails, strongly built bodies, and smooth cadenced movements, Andalusians capture your attention.
But they can be confused with another similar Spanish breed called the Pura Raza Española (PRE). So what exactly sets these two magical horse breeds apart? Let’s break it down in this blog post.
Table of Contents
The History
Andalusians have a very long and storied history in the Iberian peninsula dating back thousands of years.
In fact, their ancestors were present on the Iberian peninsula as far back as 20,000 BC. Over centuries of selective breeding, they were prized as war horses and later used in bullfighting spectacles.
The Andalusian breed as it’s known today was officially established in the 15th century when Spanish explorers brought them over to the Americas.
Further refinements continued over the next few hundred years to accentuate their athleticism, beauty and working ability.
PRE horses, in contrast, were only recognized as a distinct pure breed in the 1960s.
The “Pura Raza Española” translates to “Pure Spanish Breed” and refers to the fact that PREs are bred exclusively on the Iberian peninsula with strict studbook requirements.
Unlike the centuries of evolution that shaped the Andalusian, the PRE descends from the finest Spanish horses throughout history, refined in the past few decades into its own unique breed.
The Lipizzaner, Alter Real and Carthusian Spanish horse have all contributed genetics to what is now known as the PRE of today.
Additionally, during the 20th century, Andalusian numbers dropped dangerously low due to agricultural mechanization and breed population numbers have still not fully recovered.
PRE numbers, however, have grown steadily due to their recognition as a distinct breed very recently in 1971.
Today, estimates put the global Andalusian breed population at around 185,000 horses while registered PRE numbers are nearing 300,000 and continuing to rise.
The Size
On average, Andalusians stand around 15.2 to 16 hands high (60 to 64 inches; 152 to 163 cm) at the withers while PREs are typically at least 16 hands (64 inches; 163 cm) with an average of 16.1 hands.
So PREs do tend to be a bit taller or “larger” than their Andalusian cousins. But what Andalusians occasionally lack in sheer height they more than make up for in their strength, substance and overall athleticism.
Andalusians weigh on average between 950 to 1,100 pounds in fit condition while PREs are heavier, tipping the scales at 1,100 to 1,320 pounds typically.
Despite the PRE’s larger size, it tends to maintain a refined and well-proportioned build unlike many tall draft breeds that become rangy. In the confirmation ring, both Andalusians and PREs are judged on their balance, structural correctness and athletic potential.
Now within both breeds there is quite a lot of variety when it comes to size too.
For example, quality Andalusians can tend towards two “sub-types” – the Carthusian strain which is more compact and baroque, versus the Cartujana which has a taller, more modern sports-horse type build.
Among PREs, certain bloodlines are known for producing especially tall horses exceeding 17 hands, while others retain the classical baroque characteristics with shorter backs and more substantial bone.
The Temperament
Both Andalusians and PREs are known for having willing and cooperative temperaments.
However, Andalusians do tend to be more high-strung while PREs have earned a bit of a reputation for being “gentle giants” or at least on average, the calmer of the two breeds. There are definitely exceptions in both breeds though.
Andalusians are very sensitive with a quickness of response to cues which served them well on the battlefield and indeed, still serves them beautifully in the dressage arena.
But they are also alert, reactive and high energy. Without proper training, some Andalusians may become nervous or flighty.
They do best with very consistent, firm yet gentle handling to keep their energy focused constructively. Those crossed with the Lipizzaner to produce the Spanish Riding School horses are known to be especially hot-blooded.
PREs were bred not for war per say but more for nobility, status and farm work. So they were selectively bred for cooperative temperaments.
While they can still be spirited, especially when young or under-excercised, overall PREs tend to have a steadier disposition.
They seem to have a greater tolerance for stressful situations and can remain more patient under pressure compared to their Andalusian cousins.
That said, within both breeds there is a huge amount of individual variation in terms of energy level and trainability.
The Colors
The iconic gray and white coat color is certainly prevalent in both Andalusians and PREs. However Andalusians come in a rainbow palette of both solid colors and color combinations.
Bay, black, chestnut, buckskin, palomino, cremello, perlino, piebald, rabicano, and pinto patterns are all commonly seen.
This is due to the influence of many different genetic lineages combining over the course of history to produce the Andalusian.
Unlike Andalusians though, PREs have stricter color requirements to be approved for registry.
Nearly all PREs are some variation of gray, from the light silvery white “cartujano” sheen to the darker steel dapple gray “ranchero” shade.
True black PREs do exist but are rare, while bay and chestnut coats disqualify PRE horses from being bred or shown in certain cases. So color genetics among purebred PREs are quite tightly controlled, one reason for this being to preserve that distinctive gray patina.
As for markings, Andalusians display high white leg markings, blazes, stars and interesting face markings much more commonly compared to the rather minimal markings seen within the PRE breed.
Again, the strict morphological requirements account for this along with color genetics. Among PREs, unbroken heads are strongly preferred although a small white star is occasionally seen.
Conformation & Movement
Both Andalusians and PREs are known for their elegance of form and movement.
They share the typical conformation traits of being a light riding horse or “caballo de silla” – a broad chest with pronounced withers transitioning to a strong, short back then flowing into rounded, muscular hindquarters with a low-set, thick tail.
Their shoulder is usually long and sloping with sturdy, substantial limbs and moderate, well-proportioned hooves.
In movement, the true beauty of these breeds shines through. At the walk they are elevated, marching proudly from the shoulder and hindquarters.
Their trot boasts impressive impulsion, power and suspension while still being light and cadenced.
Smooth as silk, their canter seems to float as they drive powerfully from behind, forelimbs reaching further to cover ground gracefully.
And in traditional training we see the elevation of their movements increase to a controlled, balletic degree such as in the “la garrocha” displays of dressage.
Riding & Training Style
Both Andalusians and PREs are extremely intelligent, sensitive horses. They thrive best under a cooperative training approach that utilizes rhythm, relaxation and gentle persistence.
Harsh or demanding methods generally fail with these breeds. That said, they do extremely well under classical dressage training.
Their elite rideability transformed weapons of war into princely parade mounts over the ages.
Today they dominate the upper echelons of classical dressage and make prized riding horses at the haute école level. Their kind temperament also makes them suitable as children’s and ladies’ mounts given proper conditioning and training.
Show Ring Talents
Andalusians and PREs are both fierce competitors in horse show arenas, excelling across several disciplines.
In dressage they may meet one another across the centerline vying for top honors. Some FEI-level champions happen to be none other than PREs and Andalusians. Their slow, elevated movement earns top marks for trot extensions, passage and piaffe precision.
But we also see these Spanish breeds cleaning up in hunter under saddle, Western pleasure and equitation on the flats.
At halter they frequently take Supreme Championships due to their beauty and powerful, balanced conformation. Versatility is truly the name of the game for both the Andalusian and PRE breeds, making them top contenders across the spectrum of rail and pattern classes.
Popularity & Use
Andalusians continue rising in popularity within North America as dressage mounts but they also work well for ranch work.
Given their substantial bone density and surefootedness, some still work cattle successfully just as their ancestors did centuries ago on the ranches of Spain prior to import across the ocean. Andalusians may be better recognized but registered PRE populations are quickly catching up.
Both breeds are still frequently seen in classical exhibitions at festivals across Europe and into Mexico plus South America.
Inheriting centuries of training in haute école riding maneuvers, stallions and mares alike dance artfully at liberty or under saddle in time to Spanish guitar, flamenco song and bright baubles waving from their bridles. But they still prove versatile across many disciplines.
Price & Availability
Availability in North America follows popularity. Andalusians are marginally higher in numbers but PRE breeding and import rates grow annually.
Expect to pay a premium price for quality bloodlines especially show champions or imported breeding prospects. For well-started geldings in their late teens, high four-figures would be reasonable for either breed.
Both Andalusians and PRE foals often sell via auction and private sales with prices ranging tremendously based on pedigree, confirmation quality and buyer competition.
Elite PRE and Andalusian breeding stallions may demand into the six figures on rare occasions. But realistically budget $15,000 to $50,000 for quality young prospects and breeding stock when sourcing directly from Spain.
Breed Associations
The U.S. Andalusian & Lusitano Association registers purebred Andalusians and oversees judging guidelines plus bloodline preservation in North America.
Enthusiasts can learn more about the breed and connect with reputable breeders through their network. AIQLA serves the same purpose for developing and promoting the PRE horse specifically via shows, seminars and breeding oversight in the U.S.
Both registries hold annual championships showcasing top halter and performance contenders as outstanding examples of their breed.
Qualification involves meeting strict conformation and movement criteria. These culmination events attract leading breed professionals and aim to identify ideal specimens leading the way genetically.