The Big Horse from Mexico!

Spanish horses can be seen depicted in cave paintings that go back more than 2,500 years ago. They are compact (usually between 15 and 16 hands in height) but strong, graceful and substantial at the same time. Spanish horses are distinguished by their thick manes and tails. The most common color is grey, although they can be many other colors as well. Andalusians Andalusian horses have been around since the 15th century when Carthusian monks bred them in Andalusia. They are pure Spanish horses, or Pura Raza Espanola (PRE). They are bred primarily for dressage and show jumping as well as for pleasure riding, and can be ridden either Eastern or Western style. Plaiting the manes and tails is traditional. They are noted for their elegance, ranging from the classic pure white beauty to the sturdy carriage horse. The Spanish government strictly regulates the breeding of Spanish horses. A purebred Andalusian or PRE is registered in the Spanish Stud Book, called the Carta Genealogica, at birth. This shows that his parents are both PREs. Every purebred is entered into the Stud Book, and it is called an Inscription. It contains the parents' names, the breeder, the microchip number and his genealogy for three generations. At the age of three every PRE (both mares and stallions) is examined and assessed for conforming to the standards of the breed. This is called Revision. After a horse has been inscribed and passed Revision he is classified as "aptitud basica reproductora," or suitable for basic breeding, or "apto." At that time, a Passport is issued by the FESCCR, the Spanish governing body that keeps the Stud Book. It contains the Inscription, the Revision, a health certificate and the breeder's brand. Other Pure Breeds recognized by the FESCCR are Pure Arab, Pure English Blood, English Arab, Spanish Arab and Spanish Trotter. Tres Sangres, or Three Bloods, are Pure Spanish, Arab and English bred together. If only one parent was a PRE, the horse is classified as a Media Carta, or "half paper." The New World When Spanish explorers reached the Caribbean, Mexico and South America in the 1500s they brought with them horses from Spain to transport men and goods. These horses intermingled with feral herds of horses that roamed across North America, and gradually, over many generations, certain blood lines evolved and have been recognized as breeds in their own right in the United States in addition to PRE Andalusians. The horses are called the Colonial Spanish horse, and they are noted for their endurance, and their ability to carry heavy loads for long distances. These horses have a comfortable gait and range in many colors including black, chestnut, roan and palomino. The Paso Fino (fine step) horse has a smooth, unique 4 beat gait, and is popular for trail riding. The Peruvian horse is a medium-sized horse. It also has a 4 beat gait and is known for its ability to cover long distances in a short period of time without tiring.