8 purebred and native Spanish horses

In Spain, where history and passion for horses are inextricably intertwined, an equine treasure emerges that has captivated the world for centuries.

Spanish horses are known for their elegance and versatility, and are a fundamental part of this nation's rich cultural heritage.

From the majestic Purebred Spanish Horses (PRE) to the charming regional native breeds, these animals are protagonists in high-level equestrian disciplines and beloved companions of riders of all ages.

Purebred Spanish Horse

The Purebred Spanish Horse is the most widespread breed in Spain, distributed throughout all of its Autonomous Communities and is also present in more than 65 countries, both in the European Union and in Third Countries.

The history of the PSH horse goes back centuries. Its roots go back to the Middle Ages, when the Spanish nobility began to breed and perfect the breed. This Spanish horse breed was originally bred for warfare, excelling in agility, endurance and battlefield skills.

At that time, it was in Cordoba where the best stallions and mares were grouped together, coming from the provinces bordering the Guadalquivir, which at that time were the most prolific in horse breeding. In addition, nowadays, it is one of the few horses that are kept intact, that is to say, without gelding.

The beauty of the PSH is unmistakable. Their appearance is characterized by their powerful musculature, arched neck and dense, radiant mane. But their true magic lies in their versatility. Their gentle temperament and friendly disposition make them ideal companions for riders of all ages and levels of experience.

Purebred Galician Horse

This is the only equine breed native to the Galician territory, in northwestern Spain. They are medium-sized Spanish horses known for their resistance and adaptability to mountainous terrain.

This is a horse with a docile temperament when bred in semi-freedom conditions or in stables. Physically, it stands out for being a strong, robust and small equine, with expressive eyes, deep chest, fine limbs and a brown or black coat.

Today, although their role in agriculture has diminished due to mechanization, Galician horses still play an important role in festivals and cultural events in Galicia.

In addition, their adaptability has turned them into leisure and sport horses, where they participate in recreational riding and various equestrian activities.

Asturcon horses

The Asturcones horses are a breed of horse native to the region of Asturias, in the north of Spain. It is also known as Asturian pony and stands out for being a rustic and small-sized equine.

These Spanish horses are known for their endurance, adaptability to mountainous terrain and their historical role in the agricultural and livestock work of the region. They are an important part of the cultural identity and heritage of Asturias.

We are talking about a small-sized Spanish horse that belongs to the pony family. Its body is small in size, with an average height of 1.25 meters. Their coat is varied, although it is usually black.

They have thick manes and tails and usually have a strip of darker hair on the upper part of the tail, which stands out for its abundant coat.

Burguete Horse

The Burguete Horse is a breed originating from the region of Navarra, in northern Spain. Its origin comes from the crossbreeding of the indigenous "Jaca Navarra" type mare with French horses.

This breed was perfected over time to adapt to the demands of agriculture and transportation in the mountainous area of Navarra.

Burguete Horses are medium sized and compact, with a height that generally ranges between 1.50m. They have muscular and robust bodies, which gives them the necessary strength to work in difficult terrain. Their coat is generally of dark tones and they have thick manes and tails and an overall robust appearance.

This Spanish horse breed is currently in danger of extinction according to its official classification. As its name indicates, this horse usually lives in the Burguete area.

Mallorcan Horse

The Mallorcan Horse, also known as "Cavall Mallorquí" in Catalan, is a breed of horse native to the island of Mallorca, in the Balearic Islands, Spain; and one of the best known breeds in the country. The classic studs are exceptionally preserved.

It is believed that its origin comes from crosses of native horses with genetic influences from horses of the Iberian Peninsula and other European breeds. This breed was developed to adapt to the agricultural and transportation needs of the island, which influenced its appearance and characteristics.

Regarding its morphological and physical particularities, it is a very elegant horse of approximately 1.40m.

Its solid and shiny black color together with the fact that it is a horse with a docile and calm temperament, make it a horse breed with origin in Spain, very appreciated nowadays by lovers of the equestrian activity with a high market value.

Their coat is varied and they have dense manes and tails and a generally robust and attractive appearance.

Menorcan Horse

Another breed of horse from the Balearic Islands, this one from Menorca, as its name indicates. Its origin is related to the arrival of horses to the island in Roman times.

Over the years, they have been selectively bred to develop the characteristics that make them unique.

Their genetics have remained mainly pure over time, and this has contributed to the preservation of the breed. It is a Spanish horse breed valued both for the countryside and for riding, focusing also on the disciplines of Dressage and Doma Menorquina.

Menorquina horses are noted for their black coat, a low tail with long, strong hair, an elongated trunk and medium-sized, divergent and mobile ears.

Their versatility and docile temperament have made them ideal companions for riders of all ages and levels of experience.

Purebred Hispano-Arabian Breed

The Pura Raza Hispano-Arabian horses, also known as "Hispano-Árabes" or "Pura Raza Hispano-Árabe" in Spanish, are an equine breed that combines the characteristics of the Purebred Spanish Horse (PRE) with those of the Arabian horse.

This breed of Spanish horses was founded hundreds of years ago with a clear functional polyvalent vocation, extracting from the Arabian horse its balance, resistance and athletic qualities, and from the Spanish horse its sobriety, intelligence and learning capacity. Due to their great versatility in a wide range of equestrian disciplines, they are ideal for dressage, jumping, high school riding and recreational riding.

The Andalusian Community is the one with the largest census of purebred Hispano-Arabian cattle, with almost 55%. It is followed by the Community of Castilla y León with 13% and with 6% the communities of Cataluña, Extremadura and Castilla la Mancha. The remaining census is widely spread throughout Spain.

These equines usually have an elegant and harmonious appearance. They have a refined and expressive head, often with a convex profile characteristic of Arabian horses.

Their body is muscular and compact, with solid limbs that give them agility. Their height varies, but generally ranges from 1.50 to 1.60 meters.

Pottoka Horse

The Pottoka Horse is an equine breed native to the Basque Country region of northern Spain and southwestern France.

Pottokas have been in the Basque Country since the Paleolithic era, being part of the traditions and life of the inhabitants of this community, being used as draught and work animals.

It has been kept in its purity until recent times, although in some places of our geography it has suffered a process of hybridization by crossing with foreign breeds, circumstances that have endangered its existence.

Due to their small height, they look more like ponies than real horses. They have compact and muscular bodies, short and strong legs, and a small head with a wide forehead. This Spanish breed has an abundant black or very dark brown coat.

Pottoka horses play an important role in cultural events and festivals in the region. These Spanish horses are also used in equestrian trails and equestrian tourism activities for visitors to enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery of the Basque Country from the back of these sturdy and friendly equines.

In conclusion, Spanish horses, whether they are the majestic Purebred Spanish Horses (PRE), the hardy Asturcon horses, the versatile Galician horses, or any of Spain's other native breeds, are a living treasure that reflects the rich cultural and historical heritage of this country.

Their beauty, temperament and versatility have made them protagonists in a variety of equestrian disciplines, from dressage to endurance competitions and traditional festivities.