all write-ups by Christine Othitis

SPANISH BREEDS

ANDALUSIAN

The Andalusian is the beautiful result of the mixture of hot and cold blooded horses that passed through the Iberian Peninsula. Spain has produced a number of horses, bu none quite like the Andalusian.

Originally used for war, the Andalusian, which had some Arab influence, became the foundation for the Lipizzaner breed. The Azteca is a combination of a TB or QH with an Andalusian parent.

A long mane and tail only adds to the Andalusian's beauty even though it is a heavier set horse. Andalusians appear most commonly in grey or dapple grey; sometimes black and bay. Chestnuts are rare but they do occur and some breeders consider them undesirable.

LIPIZZANER

Lipizzan lineage is as royal as the animal itself. IN 1562, Spanish horses were presented to the monarchy and a breeding program began in Lipizza was once a part of Itally but now it is part of Yugoslavia (or whatever it's called these days).

Born dark, the horses lighten up to grey and then snowy white with maturity. Someone must have thought that they could sprout wings, because in the mid-1700s the Spanish Riding School was formed. Many of the moves that we consider so beautiful were meant to be used in war.

The school was threatened by Nazism in WWII and the George Patton, an American general, gave protection to the school and the horses until the end of the war. This feat was captured in a patriotic Disney movie. Today the Lipizzan World Tour brings these living legends around the world for others to enjoy and appreciate the intelligence of this breed.

OTHER WB

WARMBLOODS

DUTCH WB

When it comes to Warmbloods, many people think of Germany. However, the big, bold Dutch WB is a fine export from Holland. Developed from Friesian, Groningen and Gelderlanders, TB and Hanoverian blood has been used to refine the large boned and muscled horse.

This is a more recent breed, starting around 1958. The Warmblood Paardenstamboek In Nederland enforces breeding policies. A co-operative horse, there are slight differences in each horses depending on what it was bred for. The Dutch WB excels at jumping and can be found in dressage. They are usually chestnut, bay, grey and black.

HANOVERIAN

The Hanoverian is one of the largest Warmbloods, standing from 16 - 17.2 hands high. The breed came about in 1735 when King George II, Elector of Hanover, established a stud in Celle, Germany (remember, most of Britain's royal family is German). The purpose of the stud was to improve local farm stock and develop a cavalry horse by providing fine English stallions. These horses were mostly Thoroughbreds.

Today's Hanoverian is much more refined than the heavier coach horse of yore. In the mid 1900s, a tradition began of inspecting stallions at the stud. By maintaining quality, the Hanoverian was able to influence the Oldenburg and Westphalian.

Hanoverians are primarily chestnut, bay, brown, black or grey. It has a flatter croup than most horses and its powerful legs make it the ideal mount for Olympic events and serious riding.