What is a Spanish Arabian horse?

Classical Spanish Arabians, also called Straight Spanish Arabians, are purebred Arabians that have descended entirely from horses registered with the Spanish Stud Book (SSB) prior to 1970.  These horses are the product of over 100 years of careful selection, breeding, and culling by the Yequada Militar - a government agency under the Ministry of War that directs all horse breeding in Spain.  Their breeding stock was selected from some of the finest Arabian horses in the desert, Poland, and France.  Since their mission was to create cavalry mounts,  they chose horses with amazing athletic ability, stamina,  and a trainable mind.  The horses had to work well together and with their riders.  

Spanish Arabians tend to be more robust with more substantial bone than other bloodline groups.  They excel at the "sport horse" disciplines.  In fact, we own the growing popularity of the AHA sport horse classes and Sport Horse Nationals to the promotional efforts of the Stanley Ranch and their Spanish Arabians. 

I "fell" for the Spanish Arabians because of their temperament and solid, smooth bodies.  All my Arabians have been calm, friendly, trusting, and affectionate but I had to be very careful with my breeding program to achieve that goal.  I found the Spanish Arabians already had a preponderance of excellent personalities due to the rigid culling standards imposed by the Yequada Militar over the last 150 or so years.  While there are exceptions, I find the Spanish Arabians to be as follows:

The other wonderful thing about Spanish Arabians is the experienced and friendly group of Spanish Arabian breeders who dedicate themselves to preserving the bloodlines.  They are helpful, informative, and friendly.  Even the most famous of them won't hesitate a second to help out a beginner.  They are a model to the horse community as a whole regardless of breed.  If you want to learn about good Arabian horses - a great place to start is with the Spanish Arabians.

"The man who does not love a horse cannot love a woman."
Spanish Proverb

Organizations

Spanish Arabian Horse Society

Research Links

Lookup Spanish Horse Pictures

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