Ridden perhaps as early as 4000 years ago, the Iberian horse evolved from the rugged terrains of Southern Spain and was put to very different uses through history, always in intimate companionship with his horseman. Thus, through constant attention and selection developed an exceptional horse well-known for his trusting and kind disposition.
During wartime, he was regarded a cavalry horse without equal. Revolving quickly on his hind legs to help his cavalier stop the hostile blow that aimed to throw him off, flying his 4 legs unexpectedly to escape from surrounding enemies....... and only few days later graciously contributing to the dignity and glory the victorious cavalier was honored with by kings, authorities and people.
These attributes of strength, agility, impulsion and lovely temperament made him the "royal horse of Europe" present in every court. Soon he was used to improve other breeds and even create new ones.
After the war, in times of peace, he took care of the cattle, separating the bull from the stud or leading the herd to fresher pastures while mares were diligently pushing the grain mills from sunrise to sunset, allowing the owner to overcome winter until the following springtime.
Finally, all work done, he was beautifully dressed up and allowed to accompany his master to fiestas, fairs and on pilgrimage where his noble and stately boldness added to the distinction of his master. Taken to the New World by the conquistadores to assist their conquests, he spread over the whole territory standing at the beginning of different breeds in North and South America.
The Pura Raza Español (PRE) today:
Nowadays bred in all of Spain, it is intended to approximate as much as possible the ideal of the baroque horse and this is possible thanks to the firm resolution of the Carthusian friars , who in the 16th Century avoided successfully -though with tremendous difficulties- the trend of interbreeding the Andalusian with other horses. Out of this original Carthusian stock proceeds the PRE of our time.
What does a PRE look like?
Imagine a compact horse of excellent proportions, a short-coupled powerful body, massive chest, his head set on a substantial arched neck. Well defined withers precede a short back, quarters are broad and strong. The croup is rounded and of medium length. An abundant tail is set low and lies tightly against the body. Large oval and expressive eyes, long silky thick mane, face straight or softly convex and moderately narrow. Clean legs and energetic action. Impulsion, agility and natural collection. Usually white or dapple-grey, but may be bay or black.
His disposition is reputedly proud and gentle, strong and kind. He is found in Dressage, Driving, Trail, Western riding, English pleasure, classical dressage and of course parades.
The PRE studbook (purebred registry) dates back almost 100 years and is controlled by a special section of the Army, the CRIA CABALLAR. Eligible horses can be presented for evaluation after they complete 3 years and if approved, are registered in the studbook as "apt for reproduction" Identification can be done by a microchip injected into the upper area of the neck. By scanning, the microchip reveals the id. number which appears on the registration certificate of the horse.
