Horses are one of the most common animals in Spain, and there are dozens of different breeds to choose from, each with its unique characteristics and personality traits.
If you’re looking to add a horse to your family or maybe get back into riding, it can be hard to figure out which breed will be best for you and your family based on your budget and goals.
From very large Spanish horse breeds like the Lusitano to smaller breeds like the Spanish Barb and the Sorraia, here are some more popular Spanish horse breeds you might want to consider adopting or breeding.
1. Andalusian
The Andalusian, also known as the Pure Spanish Horse Breeds or PRE, is a horse from the Iberian Peninsula.
Andalusians are elegant and beautiful creatures with a long history dating back to the 15th century.
These horses are versatile and can be used for dressage, show jumping, and even driving.
Andalusians are intelligent and have a strong work ethic, which makes them a popular choice for many equestrians.
There are several different types of Andalusian horses, each with unique characteristics.
The most common colors are gray and bay, but they can also be black, chestnut, or roan.
Andalusians range in height from 14 to 16 hands and usually weigh between 950-1,200 pounds.
2. Asturcón
The Asturcón is a breed of horse that is native to the region of Asturias in northwestern Spain.
The breed is known for its hardiness and sure-footedness, making it an excellent choice for mountainous terrain.
The Asturcón is also known for its loyalty and intelligent nature, making it a popular choice as a working horse.
His breeds range in color from bay to black and stand between 14 and 16 hands high.
The Spanish Riding School in Vienna is home to some of the most well-known Asturcóns.
In 2017, an Asturcón named Quijote became famous after becoming one of the few horses rescued from Brazil’s slaughterhouses.
These Spanish horse breeds have been used as riding horses by children and adults alike for centuries, owing to their calm temperament and graceful stride.
3. Galician
Galician horses are an Iberian native to the Galicia region of northwestern Spain.
These horses are known for their docile, calm disposition, sure-footedness, and stamina.
The Galician horse is also considered one of the oldest breeds in the world, with records dating back to the Roman Empire.
Today, there are two main types of Galician horses: the Pura Raza Gallega (or Purebred Galician) and the Cabrera.
4. Burguete
The Burguete are Spanish horse breeds known for their strength and stamina.
This breed is often used in bullfighting, as it can withstand the bull’s charges. Burguetes are also used in dressage and show jumping.
They are intelligent and versatile horses that are a pleasure to work with.
The Burguete stands 15 hands high and weighs 600-1000 pounds.
As an old breed, no colors besides black or brown are available for this particular type of horse.
5. Jaca Navarra
The Jaca Navarra is a draft horse developed in the Basque Country of Spain.
The breed is known for its strength and stamina, and it was once used as a war horse by the Spanish military.
Today, the Jaca Navarra is used for agricultural work and sometimes for sport.
These Spanish horse breeds are relatively rare, but it is considered one of the best draft horses in the world.
The Jaca Navarra is a great choice if you’re looking for a strong and sturdy horse.
Not only can this horse carry heavy loads with ease, but it also has an outstanding temperament.
Furthermore, the Jaca Navarra does not need much grooming or special care because of its natural coat color, which ranges from light chestnut to dark brown.
6. Hispano-Arabe
Also known as the Pura Raza Española, the Hispano-Arabe is a horse breed that originated in Spain.
These horses are incredibly versatile and can be used for various purposes, including dressage, jumping, and even racing.
One of the most notable features of the Hispano-Arabe is their high intelligence level, making them easy to train.
If you’re looking for a beautiful and smart horse, the Hispano-Arabe is the breed for you! These Spanish horse breeds have been bred over centuries to be strong, hardy animals with an excellent temperament.
7. Hispano-Breton
The Hispano-Breton are Spanish horse breeds developed in the Pyrenees Mountains.
The breed is known for its ability to work hard and gentle temperament.
Hispano-Bretons are used for various purposes, including riding, racing, and dressage; the breed is also popular in Spain for bullfighting.
Historians believe this is where the tradition originated from. It’s interesting to note that it’s not only one of the oldest breeds in Europe but also one of the most decorated when it comes to fighting bulls.
8. Losino
Losino is a type of Spanish horse breed that is known for its beauty and grace.
These horses are often used in dressage and show jumping competitions. Losino horses are bred in Andalusia, Spain.
They are typically bay or black. Losino horses have strong, muscular bodies and long, thick manes and tails.
These horses are intelligent and have a good temperament. A downside to these horses is their lack of physical stamina.
As a result, they can only be ridden for short periods at one time before they need to rest.
Losino horses should not be ridden on hot days as they are sensitive to heat exhaustion.
9. Mallorquin
Mallorquin horses are a Spanish horse breed bred on the Mallorca island.
These horses are known for their bravery and athleticism, and the Spanish military once used them in battle.
Today, Mallorquin horses are often used in dressage and show-jumping competitions.
A Mallorquin might be the right breed if you’re looking for a brave and beautiful horse.
In addition to these qualities, these horses are also very intelligent. Many people think of them as being one of the smartest breeds around!
10. Marismeno
If you’re looking for Spanish horse breeds that are both beautiful and versatile, the Marismeno is a great option.
The breed originated from the wetlands of Spain’s Marisma region and was once used by the Spanish military.
Marismenos are still used for various activities, including dressage, show jumping, and eventing.
They are also popular as pleasure horses and family ponies. Marismenos are known for their intelligence, kindness, and athleticism.
If you’re looking for a smart and athletic horse with a pleasant personality, the Marismeno may be the perfect breed.
11. Menorquin
Menorquin horses are a type of Spanish horse that originates from the island of Menorca.
These horses are known for their sure-footedness and hardiness, perfect for jumping and dressage.
Menorquin horses come in various colors but are most commonly found in shades of bay and chestnut.
They have small heads with high withers and sloping shoulders. They also have round chests, short backs, and a deep girth.
The height range for this breed is 13-14 hands high (130 cm).
12. Merens
Merens horses are a versatile Spanish horse breed and can be used for various purposes, from ranch work to dressage.
They are known for their calm dispositions and trainability, making them popular for beginners and experienced riders.
There are several types of Merens horses, each with a unique history and appearance.
13. Monchino
The Monchino is a horse breed that originated in Spain. These horses are known for their strength and athleticism, and they were once used in battle by the Spanish military.
Today, Monchinos are often used in equestrian sports such as dressage and show jumping.
They are also popular among riders who enjoy trail riding and hacking.
Their temperament varies from being very laid back to being more spirited.
As with many other breeds on this list, the Monchino can be found in many colors, including chestnut brown, bay, grey, and palomino.
14. Retuerta
Retuerta are Spanish horse breeds known for their strength and endurance.
This breed was originally used for agricultural work but is now popular for riding and dressage.
The Retuerta is a large horse with a muscular and compact body.
They have strong necks and shoulders, and their legs are powerful and muscular.
They are sure-footed and have a calm temperament, which makes them great for beginners.
15. Pottok
Pottoks are small, hardy ponies originating in the Basque regions of France and Spain.
They are known for their sure-footedness and ability to thrive in harsh conditions. Pottoks come in various colors, but most often, they are gray or black.
These ponies stand between 13 and 14 hands high and weigh between 700 and 900 pounds.
Pottoks are gentle and intelligent, making them excellent ponies for children.
