How to Tell a Poor Andalusian from a Good One

Introduction

Unfortunately, there is no easy way to guide you as to the “goodness” of an Andalusian horse. This article, however, will try to point out some red flags.

If you are looking for a good quality breeding animal that will produce a valuable foal and can also be ridden … here a few signs you are on the right path.

Good Signs - Horse is eligible for Spanish inscription/revision. And even better, already has these papers.

• Horse’s owner has been breeding/riding/training horses for a long time or else got real lucky and has stumbled upon some high quality animals.
• Horse’s parents have some type of show record or have actually been ridden.
• Horse’s parents are not sister and brother, uncles and aunts, or cousins.
• Horse’s parents come from Spain or first-generation imports and horse is actually located in the U.S. (if you are a U.S. buyer).
• Horse is not black (because it is nearly impossible to find a good quality black for sale for what you can afford).

Which Horse Will You Choose?

Here are a few signs you might be on the wrong path.

Bad Signs (opinion of the original author) - Horse’s papers are missing, can’t be inscribed because one parent hasn’t been revised, papers are pending, etc.

• Horse’s parents have been busy in the pasture for many years, but not too busy anywhere else.
• Horse is “linebred” several times to his/her own aunts and uncles.
• Horse is American-bred for many generations.
• Horse is shown to you as the “one out there” and his mom is “over there” and you try to approach but he runs over you on his way “out there”.

So let’s say you’ve avoided the major pitfalls and seem to be on the right path. You may be ready to buy from a small known breeder, or a large known breeder, or from your friend down the street who has been to Spain a billion times. But no matter who you purchase from, no one can guarantee that you are picking the right horse. You still need to know conformation. Without it you are lost - just a person with a few extra bucks taking a blind chance.

Here are a few tips to help improve your chances.

Signs of a Really Bad Andalusian - Neck is flopped over to one side – but it only does that when he’s relaxed, under saddle looks just fine - Feet are scrunched up and small – it’s called contracted heels but you’re told that it’s normal for an Andalusian - Sides are thin, hips show, and horse’s neck looks like a rail – he’ll grow into himself, you’re told.

• Eyes are bulging, ears tip in, tail set is high – no, he’s not nervous, he just LOOKS like an Arabian.