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but its origins are disputed. Some believe this horse
is a pure-bred native horse, while others challenge that
it probably descended from the Barb, when Arabs and Barbs were brought
to the region by the Moors in the 8th century.
From the 12th to the 17th century, the Andalusian was considered
the premier horse for breeding in Spain as well as many other countries.
At one point demand for this horse was so great, that exportation
of breeding stock from Spain was forbidden, under penalty of death.
The Andalusian breed has been used world-wide to found many breeds,
most notably the Lipizzaner in Austria.
Systematic breeding and record keeping for the Andalusian began
in 1571 when Phillip II of Spain created the royal stable at Cordoba.
In the generations to follow, Phillip III and others continued the
enhancement of the breed, by systematic cross-breeding to create
a heavier body type. The Monks in the monasteries at Jerez, Seville,
and Castello also contributed to this horse, with pure breeding
and careful record keeping, and were very devoted to this breeds
survival.
An interesting bit of history shows that Christopher Columbus shipped
Andalusian horses across the Atlantic on his second expedition to
the New World. Additionally, the horse that the Spanish Conquistadors
brought to North and South American was their Andalusian.
Due to their intelligence, docile calm nature, and willingness to
learn, Andalusian's are much sought after as a riding horse and
for advanced levels of dressage and schooling.
The North Light Studio's Andalusian is entitled "Valoroso".
He is painted in the breed's medium dapple grey. This exquisitely
detailed horse is shown in an elegant paso de andatura gait, with
the front leg extended. He measures 9" tall by 12" long,
from his outstretched front leg to his rear hoof and he is permanently
attached to his detailed base. The studio artists have created an
elegant breed-correct figurine, with life-like large eyes, convex
profile, strong arched neck, powerful hindquarters, strong legs
and full mane and tail.
The limited edition figurine is number 273 of a world-wide production
of 1,000. He comes to you complete with his Certificate of Authenticity.
Size: Height 9", Length 12"
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