Domestication Of Horses In Spain

Horses of Spain: The first horses arrived to Spain around 30,000 years ago crossing the Bering Straight (source). After their immigration from the Americas, it was still many years until the Spaniards domesticated and began riding horses. It is likely that horses were solely used as a food source during this time period. About 6,000 years ago, horses began to be an integral part of society. The domestication of horses was influenced by many powerful groups, such as the Celts, Carthaginians, and the Romans (source). The Moorish conquest of Andalusia and most of the Iberian Peninsula in 711 AD had the biggest impact on modern-day Spanish horse bloodlines (source). The cavalry that invaded Andalusia were mounted on Arab and Barb horses. During
During the 19th century, there were a lot of intermittent wars. During the Spanish Civil War, the country of Spain took a huge hit. However, the Spanish horses were able to make a comeback.

Horses of North America: As time progressed, Spanish horses became an essential part of life for many tribes of Native Americans and transformed many parts of life. The domestication of horses became a crucial aid in the hunting of buffalo, their main food source. These horses were also used for transport and trade, enabling the Native Americans to travel far and create connections with other tribes. Meanwhile, the wild Spanish horses were thriving and multiplying. This lead to the well-known “Wild Mustangs.” The Mustangs are descended from the purest Spanish horse bloodlines.

Bullfighting: Bullfighting is one of the most iconic and well-known traditions of the Spanish throughout history. A bullfight beholds much about Spanish culture, representing the power, strength, and intelligence man has over beast. There is a lot of controversy over the animal abuse of the bull. However, many are unaware of the role the Spanish horse plays in bullfighting. These horses endure a similar amount of cruelty in the fights. Horses are flight animals and are naturally not fit to “fight” with bulls. Before the fight, the horses ears are stuffed with newspaper and are blindfolded so they are not
Classical dressage actually evolved from cavalry movements and training in the battlefield and since then has developed into a competitive style of horseback riding. Dressage is known as the art of riding in harmony with, rather than against, the horse. The horse must maintain balance and agility and dressage is basically like horse dancing, so there are very subtle and specific movements. The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art Foundation is one of the most known Andalusian/Dressage institutes. It is located in Jerez de La Frontera, which is in the south of Spain. It exhibits horsemanship and dance, specifically in Andalusians. There is also the Spanish Riding Academy in Vienna, Austria. This is a very well-known place and popular for tourists and horse-lovers. It is one of the most esteemed centers for classical dressage, where Andalusians and other Spanish bloodline horses are used. As far as international competition, Spain competes in the Olympics in Equestrian events. Rafael Soto is one of Spain’s most famous dressage riders and is well-known around the world. He is a Spanish Olympic Team Silver Medallist and competed in the 2004 Summer Olympics in