Andalusian Horse

The Andalusian horse is from the Iberian Peninsula—more specifically, the region of Andalusia in Spain. These horses date to the Middle Ages, when they were bred by Carthusian monks. They were originally used as war horses, and it wasn’t until 1962 that they were exported from Spain to other countries.

Today, Andalusian horses excel in multiple disciplines and are beloved for their beauty, intelligence, and temperament. However, they are rare in the United States.

Andalusian Horse Snapshot

• Height: 15.2–16.2 hands (60.8–64.8 inches)

• Weight: 900–1,100 pounds

• Lifespan: 25 years

• Colors: All colors and patterns; most commonly gray and bay 

Caring for an Andalusian Horse

Andalusian horses are relatively easy to care for and are good companions for equestrians of all experience levels.

Like all other horses, Andalusians require veterinary checkups, dental and hoof care, vaccinations, and other preventive care like deworming medications. 

These Spanish horses can gain weight easily, so pay careful attention to their diet.

Andalusians also have long and thick manes and tails that can require lots of time and effort to detangle and clean during grooming sessions.

Andalusian Horse Health Issues

The Andalusian horse was selectively bred to have specific characteristics, which can make them prone to certain health problems. Some of the issues that affect this breed include:

Equine Metabolic Syndrome and Laminitis

Andalusians can develop metabolic disorders like equine metabolic syndrome (EMS) and laminitis. Keeping your horse at a healthy weight with proper diet and exercise can help prevent these ailments.

EMS is similar to diabetes, as the body is unable to process insulin correctly. Horses with EMS have a high body condition score, and if they keep gaining weight or continue being overweight, the EMS can worsen.

In addition to excess weight and trouble losing weight, a horse may develop a cresty neck (excess fat on the top of the neck).

Laminitis can be acute or chronic. It is characterized by inflammation and damage within the hoof, leading to pain and lameness. Its causes include EMS, but it can also occur when Andalusians are fed improperly. For example, if they consume too much grass that is high in sugar they can develop pasture laminitis.

To treat these conditions, your veterinarian may recommend changes to your horse’s diet and exercise routine. EMS can’t be cured, but it can be managed. On the other hand, rest and medications (e.g., anti-inflammatories) can be used to help a horse recover when they’re diagnosed with laminitis that isn’t severe.

Cushing’s Disease

Cushing’s disease is a progressive endocrine disorder. Also known as pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID), it affects the pituitary gland, leading to an overproduction of cortisol by the adrenal glands. Cortisol is known as the “stress hormone” and controls blood sugar levels, among other bodily functions.

Cushing’s disease can cause symptoms such as:

• Long and/or curly coat

• Patchy shedding

• Hoof abscess

• Weight loss

• Lethargy

• Changes in behavior

• Laminitis

• Loss of muscle

• Excessive sweating

• Recurrent eye ulcers

• Pot-bellied appearance

• Increased drinking and urination

There is no cure for Cushing’s disease, but medications like Prascend can be used to treat the condition. Your veterinarian might also recommend dietary changes to manage this disease. And if there are underlying problems like equine metabolic syndrome, those will need to be addressed as well.

Melanoma

Melanoma is common in gray horses, including Andalusians. In fact, melanoma affects about 80% of gray horses over the age of 15—so older Andalusians are especially susceptible.

Melanomas are benign or cancerous tumors that first appear as firm, black, raised nodules. They can develop on various parts of the body, including:

• Lips

• Eyelids

• Genitals

• Internal organ systems

The location of the nodules will determine how they affect your horse. For example, they can cause:

• Colic

• Ataxia (lack of coordination)

• Difficulty eating

• Difficulty passing feces

• Difficulty urinating 

It’s best to treat melanoma in its early stages, when the nodules are still small; if you notice abnormalities, let your veterinarian know right away. Treatment options include surgical removal of tumors, local chemotherapy, and radiation.

What To Feed an Andalusian Horse

Because the Andalusian horse is an easy keeper, care needs to be taken to feed them properly and prevent unwanted weight gain—this includes making sure they don’t eat too much pasture grass. When horses are overweight, they can be more susceptible to health problems, such as metabolic issues.  

Aim to feed your Andalusian a diet that is low in starch and sugar, such as grass hay.

A general rule is to provide 2% of their body weight in forage daily. For example, for a horse weighing 1,000 pounds, they would receive 20 pounds of forage. Your horse should also have access to clean water and salt throughout the day.

Andalusians who are more active than normal may need to consume more calories and protein to meet their energy requirements. If that’s the case, you can feed them foods like legume hay, hay cubes, and beet pulp. 

Many horses benefit from supplements, such as vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids, that are added to their daily diet. Your veterinarian can recommend the best options for your Andalusian based on their health, age, and activity level.

Andalusian Horse Disciplines

Andalusians are versatile, talented, and athletic. They can be used for competing in equestrian sports and are also used as riding companions. They can even make good workhorses, such as for farm work. 

The Andalusian horse is outstanding in dressage, but can also do well in the following:

• Jumping

• Western and English riding

• Trail 

• Driving

• Halter

The beauty and personality of the Andalusian horse makes them stand out in the arena, and those traits also make this breed a top choice for filmmakers. For example, Andalusians have been used in “The Lord of the Rings” films.

Andalusian Horse Personality and Temperament

Every horse is an individual with unique traits, but the Andalusian breed is known not only for an attractive appearance but for its equally attractive personality. They can be a good match for riders of all levels.

These friendly, quiet, and docile horses like being around people. They are also sensitive, kind, calm, and loyal, making them lovely companions for individuals and families. 

Because Andalusians are intelligent, adaptable, energetic, and willing to learn and work, they’re a pleasure to train and guide, whether you’re using them for competition or general riding. 

Andalusian Horse Training

The Andalusian horse has been bred to be cooperative and easy to work with. They are also smart and ready to learn new things. Therefore, training them shouldn’t be difficult, especially when they are trained from a young age to be comfortable around people. 

As with all horses, Andalusians do best when they are trained patiently and gently. Use positive training techniques so your horse will learn to trust you and will be happy to follow your lead. Their willing temperament makes them likely to follow cues without being challenging, and once you have developed a strong bond, you’ll work together as a team. 

Andalusian Horse Grooming Guide

To keep your Andalusian horse looking and feeling great, groom them several times a week. This will help them maintain a healthy and clean coat as well as healthy skin.

A basic grooming routine should be sufficient, but extra care should be taken to ensure the mane and tail remain tangle-free.

Coat Care

To care for your Andalusian’s coat, carefully remove dirt, debris, and loose hair using tools that will get the job done efficiently and gently. Products include a curry comb, dandy brush, body brush, and face brush. These will allow you to target the hair on every part of the body and thoroughly clean and smooth it out.

The mane and tail on an Andalusian are long and thick. Using a mane and tail comb is a good way to keep those hairs free of tangles, but be gentle to avoid causing breakage. If you find it difficult to comb through the hair or remove tangles with your fingers, try a conditioner or detangler that’s formulated for the mane and tail, as these can help make the job easier.

Some people opt to braid their Andalusian’s mane, tail, or both for easier maintenance.   

Hoof Care

Clean your horse’s hooves every day with a high-quality hoof pick that will remove dirt and debris. While cleaning the hooves, look for signs of injuries, infections, cracks, and other problems that need to be addressed by a veterinarian.

A farrier should also examine your Andalusian’s hooves on a regular basis to ensure they are healthy and balanced, as this will help reduce the risk of injuries.