The name Andalusian, comes from the word Andalus which, for centuries, was the name given to the Iberian Peninsula where the Andalusian horse was developed. The breed probably developed from the crossing of African Barb horses with indigenous stock. The Andalusian is essentially the same horse as the Lusitano, which is the Portugese version. The Andalusian is still bred in the province of Andalusia, which these days covers the area of southern Spain, around Seville, Cordoba and Granada. A major center of Andalusian breeding is still located at Jerez de la Frontera, where a Carthusian monastary, founded in 1476, preserved the purest strains of the Andalusian, in spite of a royal edict to introduce heavy Neopolitan crosses.

Physical Appearance
The Andalusian has a distinguished appearance, usually appearing in the colors white and light gray, and occasionally bay. It is a compact horse with excellent proportions, and usually stands at 15.2 hands. The mane and tail are abundant. It has a flat or slightly convex nose, small ears, and its head is set on a substantial neck. The chest is quite massive and the quarters are lean. The legs are clean and the action is quite energetic. The Andalusian is renowned for its ability to learn and its superb temperament.

   International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association