Andalusian Horse PRE: Character, Purchase Price & History

Who sees the Andalusian for the first time in motion immediately understands why this breed has fascinated kings, generals, and art lovers for centuries. The Pura Raza Española — abbreviated as PRE — is the result of thousands of years of Iberian horse breeding: powerful, elegant, with a natural inclination towards collection, which no other horse displays so effortlessly.

Overview hide

History: From War Horse to Equestrian Idol

Characteristics of the Andalusian

ANCCE — The Studbook of the PRE

Feria del Caballo: Jerez in May

Use of the Andalusian

Purchase prices for Andalusians

Common Questions About the Andalusian

History: From War Horse to Equestrian Idol

The history of the Andalusian begins on the Iberian Peninsula, where Moorish invaders crossed Arab and Berber horses with Iberian native breeds in the 8th century. The result was a horse that was unmatched both in battle and in representation. Spanish kings used PRE stallions as gifts to European courts — the Andalusian became a first-class status symbol.

The Yeguada Militar in Jerez de la Frontera, the state military stud, has existed since the 16th century and is still active today. Jerez is the Mecca of PRE breeding.

Characteristics of the Andalusian

Head: Noble, slightly arched (subconvex), large eyes, wide nostrils
Neck: Long, muscular, high-set — the “swan neck” is typical
Body: Compact, deep in the chest, strong croup
Movement: Natural collection — the shoulder lifts clearly when trotting, suggesting Piaffe ability from birth
Fur: Predominantly gray and brown, less commonly black
Mane: Abundant, often wavy or curly

ANCCE — The Studbook of the PRE

The ANCCE (Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española) maintains the official studbook. Every horse registered as PRE receives a passport number and microchip. Without ANCCE documentation, a horse is not officially considered Pura Raza Española. Germany has its own ANCCE breeding association with a growing community.

Feria del Caballo: Jerez in May

The Feria del Caballo in Jerez de la Frontera is the most important horse show in the world for PRE. Every year in May, breeders, buyers, and enthusiasts from all over the world gather. Andalusians in their finest Iberian attire — ceremonial clothing, silver-plated bridles, the Jineta riding style — shape the image of the city.

Use of the Andalusian

Dressage: Their natural high school conformation makes them excellent dressage horses up to the Intermediaire level
Working Equitation: Traditional Iberian working style with obstacles, PRE dominates this discipline
Baroque Dressage and Rescue High School: Capriole, Levade, Croupade — classical lessons
Film and Theater: Very popular in Spanish and international productions

Purchase prices for Andalusians

Young foal without complete ANCCE papers: from 5,000 Euro
Riding horse with ANCCE passport: 10,000 – 35,000 Euro
Trained competition horse (Intermediaire): 40,000 – 100,000 Euro
Award-winning stallion: 80,000 – 200,000 euro and more

Common Questions About the Andalusian

What is the difference between PRE and Lusitano? The Lusitano is the Portuguese variant of the Iberian horse, slightly different in profile (often more subconvex) and with its own studbook (APSL). Both share common roots.
Is the Andalusian suitable for show jumping? Less so — its build is designed for dressage and collection, not for clearing large obstacles.
How spirited are Andalusians? Lively, but not difficult. They are considered friendly and intelligent — often described as the “easiest difficult breed.”