Andalusians- your experiences

[sz90168]

I am seriously considering buying my first Andalusian after owning Warmbloods and a Connemara. I have ridden a few Andalusians in my time and dealt with them just fell in love with the breed. I was wondering what people experiences are with the breed in terms of temperament, soundness and anything else I need to watch out for. I have found two potentials that I am hoping to view in the next couple of weeks. If anyone would like to look over the pictures of them, I be happy to send them.

Any information would be much appreciated.

 

[Caol Ila]

My first Andalusian was unexpectedly pregnant.

 

[Casey76]

Sensitive, sharp, highly trainable, good work ethic, brave, stamina to burn, thrifty/good doer.

Prone to EMS, especially if imported; similarly feet may need attention if imported (often trimmed with very upright/contracted heels in Spain)

 

[Lipglosspukka]

Have only ridden one. He was entire and a complete gentleman. A lovely athletic ride.

 

[tallyho!]

Super horses. Where are you buying from? UK bred or import?
Like most things in life I think their reputation precedes them but all are different.

 

[Aperchristmas]

I owned one for a couple of years. He was super sharp and sensitive, but also very playful and great fun to have around. Never had any problems with soundness. However no doubt that he wasn't easy, and I've heard similar from others with the breed. I'd recommend them to some, but not all if that makes sense.

 

[tallyho!]

It’s sad that they have such a reputation for being sharp and “some, but not others horses”… you could say that about any horse breed almost. I’ve been around them for almost 18years and only 2 out of all the ones I’ve worked with I would say were not suitable for novices.

 

[shortstuff99]

Number one tip for buying, ask if the horse is ANCCE registered, if not then do not pay the mark up price for one!

Make sure to check feet, some of them can have some sketchy shooeing.

Mine are prone to be fat but don't have EMS so it is something to watch out for but not always present.

Some imports can have sweet itch issues so check for that.

Also check how they were trained/handled in Spain as it can be a culture shock for them to switch to the UK way ?.

They don't necessarily enjoy being trained to go like a warmblood but each horse is individual.

They like seat/weight aids and little hand, they have a tendency to curl in the neck.

They can take the mick if they think they are smarter then you .

Don't feel like you have to be awesome to ride one, mine put up with me great and I'm a lemon!

 

[shortstuff99]

It’s sad that they have such a reputation for being sharp and “some, but not others horses”… you could say that about any horse breed almost. I’ve been around them for almost 18years and only 2 out of all the ones I’ve worked with I would say were not suitable for novices.

I think that comes from people buying dodgy imports (which were flogged for a reason) and then not really knowing what to do with them. Instead the breed gets blamed for being difficult. Mine are the easiest ones I've had!

 

[Aperchristmas]

It’s sad that they have such a reputation for being sharp and “some, but not others horses”… you could say that about any horse breed almost. I’ve been around them for almost 18years and only 2 out of all the ones I’ve worked with I would say were not suitable for novices.

I can only comment on my own experience and that of others that I know. I agree that you could say that of many breeds, but it would still be weird not to say it when asked for an opinion.

 

[Cortez]

Fabulous, Fabulous horses, I'll never own anything else again. BUT I have a job for them, know the breed very well and can adapt my riding and training. Not for every rider.

 

[Abi90]

I used to work on a PRE stud and rode the stallions from the age of 14. I was not a very good rider. Some where sharper than others but my regular stallion was rather lazy. I loved them

 

[ycbm]

I have one for sale, have PMd you.
.

 

[littleshetland]

I made the switch from WBs to baroque horses a few years ago now, and I love them. They're clever, athletic, brave and love to work. Lovely horses.

 

[Cortez]

I have one for sale, have PMd you.
.

Ah, so you've decided then?

 

[ycbm]

Ah, so you've decided then?

Yes we're a mismatch, I've let her down, it's through no fault of hers. I've just had her assessed by a PRE pro, and bearing in mind that they want to keep her on sales livery at my expense and train her up, they say they've never seen a PRE move so well and that she's definite GP potential.
.

 

[Caol Ila]

Yes we're a mismatch, I've let her down, it's through no fault of hers. I've just had her assessed by a PRE pro, and bearing in mind that they want to keep her on sales livery at my expense and train her up, they say they've never seen a PRE move so well and that she's definite GP potential.
.

I always liked the look of her. I'm hoping mine will be as nice as she is. So far, I know she can jump 4ft from almost a standstill and she has a great uterus.

 

[Mule]

I always liked the look of her. I'm hoping mine will be as nice as she is. So far, I know she can jump 4ft from almost a standstill and she has a great uterus.

?

 

[teapot]

Think like all breeds they have their pros and cons, but in my limited experienced they're certainly smart brain wise

 

[Cortez]

Yes we're a mismatch, I've let her down, it's through no fault of hers. I've just had her assessed by a PRE pro, and bearing in mind that they want to keep her on sales livery at my expense and train her up, they say they've never seen a PRE move so well and that she's definite GP potential.
.

Sensible.

 

[ycbm]

To answer the title, they are wonderful horses who feel quite different to ride than other horses. Other horses push off the floor and lift their whole bodies, so their centre of gravity moves up and down as well as forwards. PRE's lift their legs but they don't push off the floor to lift their bodies in the same way, so their centre of gravity stays much more level.

It's a movement that a lot of people find really comfortable, and it's incredibly easy to sit to, but I've discovered that I actually prefer the body movement of a sports horse.

Mine is sensitive and reactive and will tell me I'm in a bad mood before I know it myself ?. She's a great hack alone and in company. I wouldn't put a novice on her but then I wouldn't put a novice on most horses that have only been ridden a year. I think she is fairly typical in that she rounds up without even asking, it's just the way she moves.

She's a mega good doer with no off switch for food, and I've had to change my 'together in a barn' management of my horses on its head, another reason I have decided not to keep her as I want my barn to stay in one big area next winter to ride in.

My summary would be that they are different, and if you enjoy the differences they are wonderful horses to own.
.

 

[sunnyone]

Some of the reputation for sharpness is probably down to them being fed too sweet a diet in the UK. Andalusia is not known for its lush grassy fields, so they have adapted to need fewer calories on which to thrive.

 

[Cortez]

Some of the reputation for sharpness is probably down to them being fed too sweet a diet in the UK. Andalusia is not known for its lush grassy fields, so they have adapted to need fewer calories on which to thrive.

Spanish horses also tend to be more tense when they are cold and relax in the warmer weather (I have found this to be so even with PRE's bred here).

 

[Michen]

I only have experience with Lusitanos, but I found them sharp, intelligent, trainable. However I also found them reactive in a way that I didn't really like, so they aren't for me as a breed.

Beautiful though.

This chap was a Lusitano stallion, an old boy, he used to out of no where just dump me in the school, launching me into orbit for no reason that I could identify other than he felt like it

He was the most wonderful hack though.

Edited to say, I'm not basing my experience on one horse btw, I spent summers on a Lustiano stud farm/dressage yard in Portugal.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

Ah, well, I'll try not to make a long winded post ?

I never cared much for them, I wasn't into the look, the hair (which, you can cut and style as you like, so, stupid reason), and was really a dedicated TB person, and my last horse was a big KWPN. I got the opportunity to ride and care for a teenage PRE stallion while his owner was busy with university, and I was in the process of retiring my WB. My life changed the minute I sat on that horse. I didn't know that this was what I was looking for all along.

I rode a few more, and tried a few for sale, but ended up buying one sight unseen from Spain and having him transported to Germany. He had just been started under saddle and was a decent "middle of the road" horse. No world beater, but not a total slouch. So I figured this would be a good place to start. He's been stuck with me for 4 years now.

They are very intelligent, sensitive, responsive, and so, so, willing to please. Which is my guy's downfall at times. He tries a bit too hard or thinks 8 steps ahead, but we've mostly got it sorted out.

Movement can vary a bit across the breed IME. You do get some more sewing machine type and some with a good swing to their gaits. The rider can certainly influence the gaits as well. It's easy to let them lock up their back and move their legs. It's getting them to loosen and work over their back that's the game changer. Due to their build, they can certainly "fake it." I can't say there is 100% a certain PRE movement because I've seen a lot of variation, especially as more are being aimed at the dressage market. A bit of knee action is ok for me, but not so much.

For me this is the ultimate dressage horse. A tiny shift in weight and the horse responds. The smallest aid and they respond. I know other horses can be trained like this, but it is just more natural with these guys. They are so intune to your body. I can move mine around on the ground with just hand and body gestures, not actually touching him. He always keeps one eye on his person, ready to respond (not in a tense way). Because of his sensitivity and intelligence I have been able to teach him a lot of neat little tricks.

Since they want to please and are sensitive, you really have to rise to the occasion as a rider, IMO. PRE's have taught me so much, especially about mindful riding. You ride with your brain, not brawn.

Once you have them on your side though, they will walk through fire for you. Mine is a bit spooky and an oddball at times, but so easy in many ways too. He's both a bit hot and a total cool cucumber. There are many things I do with him that I could never trust another horse with. A friend says it's because he's like a dog ? in that he will follow and take physical and verbal commands so well.

I think if you're a mindful rider and ride with an instructor that has experience with Iberians, you'll get along quite well. They can sense your emotions/feelings at times, but it teaches me to be level headed and leave my baggage at the door, so to speak.

I love them and I'm itching to start another. I wish you luck with your shopping and hope you find a nice partner...don't forget to post pictures ?

Yep, long winded ?

Edit: spelling

 

[Cortez]

All of this ^^^^ Beautifully put.

 

[milliepops]

Movement can vary a bit across the breed IME. You do get some more sewing machine type and some with a good swing to their gaits.

i was just thinking that. the one I rode had fairly "normal horse" paces. there are others that have no natural suspension to their working paces. in that way they remind me of Welsh Ds, who have a reputation for that knees up flashy trot but there are others with completely normal paces.

 

[Caol Ila]

Obviously don't know how my mare will go under saddle, but at liberty, she moves straight (no winging or paddling, like you see in a lot of them) and she has a lot of freedom in her shoulder. Really hope she's useful in the dressage ring.

I remember seeing videos of Milliepops riding the one she's talking about, and videos of him from before, ridden by a different trainer. That horse could be quite stuffy when ridden too tight (like any horse) but he looked really nice when Milliepops got him to soften and stretch.

 

[marmalade76]

I have one, I started looking after her for a friend about five years ago and now she's on permanent loan to me since her owner lost her yard. She's not the soundest ( that's the reason she was gifted to my friend) but her feet are good (I understand she needed remedial work after being imported but fine now), she's a good doer and a greedy sod. She's sensitive, sometimes grumpy, sometimes affectionate, never spooky but can be hot - she likes to get on, no hanging about for her. She takes her work very seriously and is keen to please, loves lateral work, is so smooth & comfortable. My novice and not particularly keen daughter rides her occasionally because although she's forward, she's totally safe and trustworthy, she wouldn't dream of putting a foot wrong.

 

[CanteringCarrot]

i was just thinking that. the one I rode had fairly "normal horse" paces. there are others that have no natural suspension to their working paces. in that way they remind me of Welsh Ds, who have a reputation for that knees up flashy trot but there are others with completely normal paces.

I was reading recent Welsh thread on here and some characteristics sounded familiar