The Purebred Spanish Horse (PRE)
Home The purebred Spanish horse
The Pure Spanish Pace Horse
History, breeding,
behavior and place
in Andalusian society
Le Purebred Spanish horse, Also known under the name of Pura Raza Española (PRE), is a horse breed originating from the Iberian Peninsula, closely linked to the history, landscapes and rural customs of Andalusia.
The result of a long selection process, it is distinguished by its morphological balance, cooperative temperament and versatilitywhich made it one of the most influential horses in European equestrian history.
Inseparable from large agricultural estatestraditional livestock farming and Andalusian countrysideThe PRE horse is first and foremost the product of a breeders' expertise, passed down over several centuries.
History & Geography of the Purebred Spanish Horse
Historical origins
The presence of the horse in the Iberian Peninsula has been attested since the prehistoryHowever, the equine type that would give rise to the Purebred Spanish Horse began to become established during theAntiquity and the Middle Ages, thanks to exchanges between the Iberian, Roman, Arab and Berber worlds.
From fifteenth centuryThe Spanish monarchy plays a central role in the structuring of livestock farmingThe royal stud farms, and in particular those of Cartagena, then Cordoba and Jerez, participate in the determination of a horse sought after for the war, the representation and the expert horsemanship.
Le XVIᵉ and the XVIIᵉ century mark the peak of the Spanish horse's influence in Europe. It became a benchmark for classical dressage and contributed directly to the development of many European breeds.
Geographical anchoring
The historical birthplace of the PRE horse is located in Andalusiaparticularly in the provinces of Seville, Cadiz et Cordoba.
It is in these territories of plains, open pastures and large estates that extensive or semi-extensive livestock farming develops, favoring a horse balanced, rustic and functional.
Today, the Purebred Spanish Horse is bred throughout Spain, but also in many other countries, while retaining a strong Andalusian identity.
Breeding methods and selection
of the PRE horse
Livestock farming organization
Traditionally, the PRE horse is bred in equine ranchers, often integrated into large agricultural operations.
The herds consist of breeding mares, selected intact malesand young horses divided into age groups.
Livestock farming favors a slow growthrespectful of the animal's physical and mental development. Contact with humans is gradual, aiming to preserve both the confidence and the voluntary nature of the horse.
Morphological and functional selection
The selection of the PRE is based on a balance between:
- morphology (harmony, proportions, gaits),
- temperament (docility, intelligence, sensitivity)
- functional abilities.
The breed standard enhances a horse's value. compact, endowed with a high head carriage, a powerful neck and elevated gaits, without seeking excess.
Unlike some specialized breeds, the PRE is not selected for a single discipline, but for its versatility.
Modern studbooks have made it possible to structure and harmonize this selection, while maintaining a genetic diversity significant.
The specific behavior of the Purebred Spanish Horse
The behavior of the PRE horse is one of its most distinctive traits.
It is characterized by a great learning ability, a high sensitivity and total strong aptitude for cooperation with humans.
Raised in open environments and accustomed to a regular but non-restrictive human presence, the PRE develops:
- another emotional stability,
- another measured reactivity,
- another availability for work.
These qualities explain his historical predilection for thetraditional horsemanship, the tame cowgirl, the high schoolbut also for various contemporary uses.
Its behavior makes it particularly suited to educational contexts, to equestrian discovery and observation in natural environments.
The PRE horse in society,
culture and the economy
Cultural dimension
The Purebred Spanish horse occupies a central place in Andalusian culture.
It is present in popular festivals, equestrian traditions, religious and secular iconography, as well as in agricultural practices related to cattle work.
Associated with the working horse, the parade horse and the traditional horse, it embodies an ancient relationship between man, animal and territory.
Economic and territorial dimension
Breeding PRE contributes to the maintenance of extensive agricultural systems, to the enhancement of large rural areas and the transmission of equestrian know-how.
It generates a local economy based on livestock farming, training, crafts, cultural tourism and equestrian events.
As with the fighting bull, the PRE horse participates in the preservation of landscapes and to a form of agriculture that respects natural rhythms.
Discover the PRE horse today
It is possible to Discover the Purebred Spanish Horse outside of any sporting or competitive context, by visiting farms and observing horses in their daily environment.
This approach helps to understand the role of the horse in the Andalusian rural culture, its uses, its behavior and its link with the fighting bull in the landscapes of the Campo.
It is in this spirit that the discovery proposed by Campo Bravo Tourswhere the PRE horse appears as a key player in the territory, just like the fighting bull.
The Purebred Spanish horse is not just a horse of tradition or representation.
It is the result of a long story, An reasoned selection and specific territory, in the heart of rural Andalusia.
FAQ
What is a Purebred Spanish Horse (PRE)?
Le Purebred Spanish horse, or Pura Raza Española (PRE)The Iberian horse is a breed of horse originating from the Iberian Peninsula. It is distinguished by its morphological balance, cooperative temperament and versatility, and constitutes one of the founding breeds of European horsemanship.
Is the PRE the same as the Andalusian horse?
Yes. The term Andalusian horse is commonly used to refer to the PRE. The official name Pura Raza Española corresponds to the name of the modern studbook.
Where did the PRE horse originate?
The historical birthplace of the PRE is located in Andalusiaparticularly in the provinces of Seville, Cadiz and CordobaThese territories have favoured extensive or semi-extensive livestock farming on large agricultural estates.
What was the historical role of the PRE horse?
From the XVIᵉ century, the Spanish horse became a European referenceUsed for war, high school and performance. It directly influences many European breeds and the traditions of classical horsemanship.
How is the Purebred Spanish Horse bred?
The PRE is traditionally raised in herdsin horse farms integrated into large rural areas. Growth is slow and progressive, in order to respect the physical and mental development of the horse.
How is the PRE selection made?
The selection is based on a balance between morphology, temperament et functional abilitiesThe PRE is not selected for a single discipline, but for its versatility and its ability to cooperate with man.
What is the specific behavior of the PRE horse?
The PRE is renowned for its intelligence, her sensitivity and availability for workIt exhibits great emotional stability and measured reactivity, making it suitable for a variety of uses, including educational ones.
Is the PRE a sport horse?
It can be used in various disciplines, but it is not exclusively a sport horse. Historically, it is a working horse, traditional and representative, before being a competition horse.
What is the place of the PRE in Andalusian culture?
The PRE is deeply rooted in the Andalusian culture : cattle work, traditional horsemanship, local festivals, iconography and rural practices. It is an integral part of the landscape and identity of the Andalusian countryside.
What is the link between the PRE horse and the fighting bull?
In the Campo BravoThe PRE horse plays a central role in the herd managementHorse riding and breeding practices. Bull and horse are inseparable from a territorial and cultural point of view.
Is it possible to discover the PRE horse without equestrian experience?
Yes. It is possible to discover the PRE under observationwithin the farms, without riding a horse. This approach allows us to understand its behavior, its role and its connection to the territory.
Why discover the PRE horse near Seville?
The Seville region offers direct access to traditional livestock farming, to rural landscapes and historical practices associated with the PRE, particularly within the framework of Visits to Campo Bravo.