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The Equestrian Art in Andalusia
On Friday, June 8, 2012 by Merel Loomans
Equestrian also called Equestrian is a well-known phenomenon in Andalusia, southern Spain. The art of horseback riding with real Andalusian Spanish horses. These Spanish horses are also called the Andalusian and Pura Raza Española (PRE). This Andalusian is often used in shows and other spectacles because of its appearance.
The history of the Pura Raza Española is often debated. In fact, many misunderstandings have been brought into the world. First of all, the biggest misunderstanding is that this Spanish horse would have blood from the Arabian horse. There is no Arabian blood in the PRE at all. The second major misunderstanding is that the breed would have been purified and bred in a Carthusian (monastery for hermits) in the 15th century.
The Andalusian is recognized by its long, silver-white and especially silky mane and low tail. This pure and noble breed is only surpassed, in terms of pure bloodline, by the Arabian. These Spanish horses are usually in the gray color and become whiter as they age.
The character of the elegant Andalusian horses can be described as courageous, spirited and above all very docile. Because of this, the stallions are also usually not castrated for their gentle nature. These Spanish horses trust their rider, an excellent partner in wartime. The Andalusian proves itself even today at bullfights. They are proud, honest and, above all, intelligent partners of man. An animal that learns quickly and almost never shows misbehavior.
Because the Spanish horse is so easy to handle, these horses are used all over the world for shows as well as for circus, liberty dressage and also for regular riding schools. At Spanish riding schools, the elegance of the Andalusian comes out well because of their courage and agility.
Three more different riding arts are practiced in Spain. These three are: "Doma Clásica," "Alta Escuela" and "Doma Vaquera." This art and culture come together in all these riding arts through the Pura Raza Española. In Andalusia there are many of these shows where all these riding styles are reflected.
Doma Clásica
Doma Clásica is a classical riding style from the Renaissance. This style of riding with the Pura Raza Española was practiced mainly by the nobility. The Doma Clásica is an ancient art widely used at dressage competitions around the world.
Alta Escuela
Alta Escuela, also called the Old School. The style of horseback riding was especially widely used in the military. The purpose of the Alta Escuela is to impress and create space for other men. This Spanish pass is also often seen at shows. At shows, you also see mostly old and classical exercises.
Doma Vaquera
The Doma Vaquera riding style may be called the national riding style of Spain. Doma Vaquera literally means the "training of the herdsman." The herdsman (the vaquero) still rides his horse over the land to watch his cattle. The herdsman usually only rides with one hand so he can do other actions with his other hand. Along with the Alta Escuela, Doma Vaquera is the oldest riding style in Europe.
Equestrianism is an important part of daily life in Andalusia, which is why horse shows have also become art and culture for tourists. The Andalusian horses are known all over the world, this will only increase in the future due to the character of these beautiful Spanish horses. Definitely worth attending a show when you are in Andalusia.
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