History

The Iberian Horse is the most ancient riding horse known to man. The Spanish and Portuguese horse originates from the Iberian Peninsula. The Andalusians (Spanish) and the Lusitanos (Portuguese) are different branches of the same breed. The University of Kentucky blood testing proves that there is no difference in genetic markers or variability.

What is considered as the "breed standard" for the purebred Andalusian/Lusitano, may not be suitable for some competitors wishing to strive in open competition. Each warmblood breed is a result of environmental factors; including regional economics and culture. The influence of Iberian blood remains in all modern warmblood breeds today. The development of warmblood breeds was largely through a process of selective breeding of the Iberian horse, rather than from outside influence.

The first dressage horses were powerful horses; at the best time of classical dressage riding " la fran aise", the horses used were almost always Iberian horses.

Most native breeds in the United States can trace its heritage to Andalusins that came with the Conquistadors which include Quarter Horses, Paints, Mustangs, Appaloosas and the gaited breeds.

Eighty percent of all modern breeds can be traced back to the Iberian horse.

DNA testing has confirmed the fact that the Andalusian is an ancestor of the Percheron, Hackney, Friesian, Cleveland Bay, Thoroughbred, Welsh, Connemara and Lippizan.