Equine history on the Iberian Peninsula dates back as early as 20,000 BC. Primitive cave paintings located thoughout the peninsula depict ponies that closely resemble the Portuguese Garrano and horses that closely resemble the modern Iberian horse breeds. Archeological evidence indicates these horses were domesticated over 2,300 years. These strong and fast horses were used primarily as cavalry horses, defending inhabitants of the Iberian peninsula from invading armies including Greeks, Romans and Celts.
Iberian Influence
The Iberian horses' athleticism made them natural war horses, and invaders sought these horses to breed with their own native horses. This cross-breeding eventually resulted in the modern breeds of Percheron, Thoroughbred, Frieisian, Lippizan and more. Conquistadors traveling to the Americans brought Iberian horses along. Some escaped their owners once on the new continent while others were turned lose to fend for themselves. These horses resulted in the first American mustangs, and latter lent their blood to the creation of Quarter Horses and most other modern American breeds.
Modern Iberian Horses
Today Iberian blood runs through many breeds around the world, but Iberian horses are also popular in their own right. The Portuguese Lusitano and Spanish Andalusian (also called Pura Raza Espanola) are gaining popularity in the United States as dressage, jumping, driving and pleasure horses. Portugal gives home to two pony breeds: the Sorraia and Garrano. Spain boasts thirteen Iberian breeds in addition to the Andalusian: Asturcon, Burguete, Caballo de Monte del Pais Vasco, Pura Raza Gallega, Cavall Mallorqui, Hispano-Arabe, Hispano-Breton, Jaca Navarra, Losina, Mallorquina, Menorquina, Monchina and Pottoka. While some breeds such as the Hispano-Arabe can be found in small numbers in the US, many of these Iberian breeds are found only in the Iberian Peninsula and only in small populations.
Iberian Crosses
Iberian horses of today are beautiful horses with long, flowing manes, strong, athletic bodies and easily trainable dispositions. Because of this, they are gaining popularity around the world. And breeders are using Iberian horse blood to create new breeds of horses to perform specific jobs. The Spanish Norman horse is a very new creation that combines the blood of Andalusians and Percherons in hopes of recreating a horse resembling the medieval war horses who carried knights into battle. Spanish Normans can be found jumping, performing dressage and serving as pleasure riding horses.
Aztecas used the blood of Andalusians, Quarter Horses and Mexican horses to create a smaller horse that performs well on ranches, working with cattle, in reining and other western disciplines.
Iberian Warmbloods are at least 25% either Lusitano or Andalusian. They combine the Iberian blood with other breeds to create horses suited for the sport horse disciplines of jumping, eventing, hunters and dressage.
Although not yet very well-known world-wide, the Iberian horse contributed to the horse-human relationship. They fought with their riders in ancient battles and later contributed their blood to many modern breeds. Without the influence of the Iberian horse, the horse world as we know it today would be vastly different. All modern horse enthusiasts owe a great deal to the Iberian horse.
 |
 |
