Horses and Ponies of the Celtic Regions: The Andalusian

***Note: Not a Celtic breed, but an Influencer***

Known as one of the oldest breeds in the world, the Andalusian has influenced many breeds including those of the British Isles. Historically, they were used primarily for battle and general riding horses, these horses hail from Andalusia, Spain. Modern uses include performance, showing, and general riding. It is thought that their convex (Roman) nose was inherited by the introduction of the Barb, but researchers have found that the Andalusian portrayed such a feature many years before. Their popularity declined in the early 20th century due to a change in breeding methods; until 1962, when some individuals were exported to America and Austrailia.

The height ranges from 15.1hh-15.3hh. Common colors are Bay, Black, Chestnut, and Grey. However, they also exibit the Cream Gene (1 allele: Buckskin, Smokey, and Palomino. 2 alleles: Perlino, Smokey Cream, and Cremelo), the Dun gene, and the Pearl Gene (a glossy, metallic coat which gene is present on the Cream Gene).

Breyerfest 2020 Three-day Ticket Raffle Prize, Dyflin, is done on the Esprit mold - an Andalusian body type. The ancient Andalusian has influenced the following breeds of the Celtic regions: Noriker, Shire, Clydesdale, Highland Pony, Dales Pony, Fell Pony, New Forest Pony, Connemara Pony, Galician, Irish Draught, Welsh Cob, and the Breton.

Resources:

"International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds" by Bonnie Hendricks

"Eyewitness Handbook: Horses" by Elwyn Hartley Edwards
http://www.theequinest.com/breeds/andalusian-horse/