Rare Rocks Andalusian Information

You will find these articles below:

Andalusians As Cutting Horses

The Expectant Mare

Elevated Movements of the Andalusian

The long, thick silky mane and tail of the Andalusian was developed to keep the insects off them in the wet flood plains.

Andalusian horses can cover more ground with the higher lift in its forelegs with each stride, because of his strong hind quarters and hocks. This creates impulsion from the hind quarters giving more suspension time in the air on each stride, which gives him more ground cover. Because of the terrain the Andalusian develop extreme agility and athletic ability unequaled by other breeds.

The Andalusian horses movement is so smooth and forward with great lightness. Their canter is like none other. Their willingness and lightness is like nothing you have experienced if you have not ridden an Andalusian. The Andalusian is a breed, which through centuries of history has survived in the natural terrain and environment of the marismas of Andalucia. As well as the rugged mountain terrain of the Iberian Peninsula. They have developed unequaled agility and elevated movement with lightness and natural collection. It has attained the natural physical traits of great suspension in movements. It has lived for centuries in the marismas with the Iberian cattle and has natural cow sense. It is believed that the Quarter Horses developed their cow sense from the Andalusian.

I will touch on the history of the Haca horses of Spain that came to the Americas with the Spanish Conquistadors because it explains where it is believed that the Paint color horses of today came from. The Haca horses resemble in body type the Registered Andalusian of today, the PRE (Pure Raza Espanol) of Spain, as well as the Lusitano of current Portugal. Spain and Portugal were all one country at one time in history. The soldiers and people not of Royalty were not allowed to own a PRE Andalusian. Only Royalty was allowed to own them in the beginning of the breed registry in Spain. Also Royalty did not except the Paint coloring in PRE horses. The Haca was the "common" Andalusian horse. Haca horses were left behind when the Conquistadors returned to Spain from the Americas & Mexico. Recent research on the history of the Andalusian horses, in the 15th century shows that the common horses of Spain were the Haca not the PRE as previously thought. The horses that came to the Americas with the Conquistadors that were left behind, must have been the common Haca horse of that time because they had the Paint coloring. These horses were also again brought to the Southwestern Americas as the Spanish settled the area. After the chain of Spanish missions came the early Spanish settlers, who also brought these horses with them. As these paintings show the colors are the most common of the American Quarter Horse. Which leads to the credibility that the Haca horses are the horses that founded the original AQHA and APHA horses of America. It is therefore believed that the reason that AQHA horses of solid color bred to each other crops out on a regular basis with the Paint coloring, is due to the Haca that was left here long ago. There are also cave paintings of Paint type colored horses in Spain that resemble the Andalusian horse. It is only in more recent history that the Andalusian was bred to be predominantly Grey by farms. Because the Paint coloring was all but bred out of the PRE Andalusians by Royalty it is all put never seen today in the PRE Andalusians to be Paint colored. The color lineage may show in the breed again one day as more breeders produce these animals, possibly tapping into that lineage once again. There is an article in one of the Andalusian Magazines of a foal being born to a breeder just recently that has Paint coloring on the sides and long white socks.

Once farms were allowed to purchase the Royal PRE Andalusians, the crossing of these horses with the locally owned Haca made it so that they all looked "Andalusian" was a distinct possibility. You will hear Andalusian owners use the words Iberian horses in reference to the Andalusian horse, because they were bred on farms in the area of Andalusia Spain and on the Iberian Peninsula of Spain (and still are today). Therefore, you will hear the reference to Andalusians as being Iberian blood horses.

Pictured here on this page and on my History page are paintings of horses and riders of Ancient times in Spain that are Dun, and Paint colored.

Having a stallion means making a commitment to dealing with all his needs. Many inexperience horse persons do not realize the complications involved in keeping a stallion. There are several issues to consider before you decide to take on this challenge. If you are serious about owning one I suggest you look to a professional for guidance and training for you and the stallion. Do some research. One must never forget that breeding horses can be a dangerous procedure for the amateur handler, and if handled without experience, both horses and people can get seriously injured.

If you plan on owning a stallion, in some states there are legal guidelines that must be followed to contain the stallion. Fencing needs to be strong enough and tall enough in containing him on your property. I use electric fence on the top rail also. To be practical, in keeping a stallion an owner needs to realize that the stallion (stud) requires his own space apart from the rest of the horses, be they mares, geldings, or other stallions. He can be in a pen next to the mares with an appropriate fence separating them and is usually happier next to the mares. This should be researched to build the right fences before bringing the stallion to your home. The exception is if you are going to pasture breed the stallion, in which case the stallion is turned out in a herd of Mares Only, usually in a pasture that is very large and well-fenced to contain him. Most people do not choose this method due to the expense of the stallion and mares. There is great risk and danger of serious injury that could result in death to one or both. This method is not recommended to owners that have neighbors with horses adjacent to your property. Therefore, controlled housing with a turn out is necessary to keep a stallion healthy and happy.

Stallions by nature have a strong libido. They have more of a difficult time concentrating on what they are asked to do, more so than a mare or gelding would. Some stallions, regardless of the proper training and handling, take much longer in giving up their stallion antics. Screaming, rearing or dancing, when put in situations around other horses. Tension will send them back to their original stallion behavior.

Stallions have one thing on their minds and that is to reproduce. That thought is on their minds no matter what other task they are performing 24/7. If taught proper manners from a professional trainer they can be easier to handle. For those of you that are new to owning a horse I think it is important to know about the nature and natural behavior of the stallion before you decide to own one. If you are knew to owning a horse and inexperienced with stallions needs and behavior, then you should choose a filly, mare or gelding.

Also, those of you who are really new to the horse world, stallions are a male horses that have not been castrated, meaning that their testicles have not been removed. A male horse that has been castrated is called a Gelding (he has been gelded). Geldings therefore have no desire to reproduce and are much more calm natured and can be kept with mares, fillies and other geldings in the same pasture/pen. They make a more suitable all round companion. Of coarse, stallions can be ridden also, but shall only experienced horseman ride him in company of other horses. If you are not experienced this could be very dangerous for you and your riding companions as well a filly or a mare they are riding if he tries to mount and breed the mare with a rider on her. Not a pretty thing to picture with hooves coming at the riders head. A filly is referred to as a female horse that has not had a foal yet. A mare is one that has had a foal. A colt is referred to as a baby male horse that has not been gelded. A foal is referred to as a baby horse of either sex.

A stallion (colt) that is intended for a breeding program needs to learn from the beginning of his life to look to his handler for guidance and direction as is true for any horse really, but crucial for your safety that he learn. The young colt can not be allowed to disrespect his handler from that day on and especially when he is coming toward 2 years old. This is when he will start displaying alot of stallion behavior for real. You must teach him manners just as a child would learn his manners, teach with respect to him also in the correct manner.

Often times an inexperienced horse person becomes intimidated by a young colt who will start to rear and strike while being led. Sometimes the colt is allowed to continue this dangerous behavior. Often times it continues because the handler is inexperienced and doesn't realize the danger or even the reason the colt started this behavior in the first place. Colts are more prone to bite also, and must learn at a very young age that this is not excepted behavior. When displaying signs of misconduct, if they are not corrected immediately and "in the right way", then the gap broadens for them and the handler.

Make sure you get a professional to advise you in what is meant by "in the right way" when I mention correcting misconduct. If the horse does not understand why he is being corrected he may learn to resent you and this will create a more dangerous situation. Your response to his misbehavior has to be immediate. It is all in the timing and the method of correction you use for training to be successful. Be sure to seek advice from a professional on these methods. There are alot of really informative books on the market on training horses. I suggest anyone wanting to improve his/her horsemanship and knowledge of the horse should read more training books. A good horse person never stops learning. A few good books are listed after this article.

If you plan to geld the colt one should do this before he starts to "act" like a stallion that is, interested in breeding, which is usually around their 2nd year. Some may need to be gelded earlier than the age of 2 depending on their behavior. If the colt is starting to show interest in breeding your fillies or mares you may have in your pasture with him, it is time to geld him. Some colts go so far as to try and get back to the mares and fillies with great determination during weaning (when taken away from his Mother/Mare. Even by crashing threw fences or jumping them. All foals go threw a difficult time when weaned, however I am referring to the colt that is older and may have been kept with the mares too long. It is time to geld him at this point for sure if he is not to be kept as a breeding stallion. For that matter, he may not be stallion potential if he does not respect fences or people in order to be back with the mares to that extreme. It also must be considered if his breeding/Pedigree and conformation is worth him remaining a breeding stallion. Only the best colt should be considered for breeding and passing on their lineage.

Andalusian stallion's, although it is mentioned often that they are handled by woman and children, don't forget are still stallions 1st. Andalusian stallions are known to be more docile than some breeds and easily trained when treated with respect. Andalusian stallions are very emotional and often become very dependent on their handler for attention and approval. Andalusians want attention from people and are happier when they get it. The history of the Andalusian compared to other breeds has been selectively bred for centuries to work with people. They are very intelligent and feel emotion more than other breeds. And I don’t mean ANY disrespect to other breeds by stating this. It is just known amongst Andalusian owners who have worked with other breeds too. Andalusians generally have a reasoning ability which some believe exceeds other breeds. Most of them reason before they react when handled and trained properly. As a result it is easier to harness their energy in a positive way. You would not believe this if you have not experience being with an Andalusian horse. Some people believe that horses react but do not reason. For Andalusian owners we have experienced that this is not true with the Andalusian breed, they really do show reason. However, the Andalusian stallion still can be dangerous, as with any other stallion of any breed. After all he is still a stallion 1st, remember?

If he has not been trained properly to respect his handler it can be very dangerous. He may think you are in his way of reproducing (getting to the mare) at any moment. He may rear and strike you or bite and kick and even stomp/run over you to get you out of the way of his intention. This is what can happen with a stallion not trained to respect you as his dominant leader and look to you for what is acceptable behavior. He is unpredictable and one should always remember above all that he is a stallion first, by nature. A stallion owner should never turn their back on the stallion without being aware of his behavior and what he is doing so you are ready to correct any misbehavior. Some stallions are just naturally more gentle than others, this is true, but just to be safe keep this in mind.

With all this said, I hope it helps you determine if you want a stallion in your back yard. Whether you are willing to learn and build the right facility for him. Whether you are ready with all the information and learning you need to make a relationship that is safe and enjoyable with one. I didn't even cover half of the responsibility or information that is needed or available but just wanted to touch on a few issues.

A fine stallion is sure to be the pride of any barn. A stallion owner is bound to get a little or allot misty as those new babies arrive and start displaying their father's good looks and talents. With a bit of preparation and consistent handling techniques, your stallion will be a happy, healthy, and comfortable boy. He'll be ready to run free in a field, turning and spooking and spinning, creating the incomparable sound of thundering hooves and flying mane.
Most of all Stay safe.

Name of Book

Author

Imprint training of the newborn foal

Natural Horse-Man-Ship

First Horse

The Stallion

Robert Miller, D.V.M

Pat Parelli

Fran Devereux Smith

James P. McCall, Ph.D.

Any of John Lyons Books-

There are many more that can be found in your local Western store. A lot of horse magazines have excellent learning articles in them also. You may want to look into a subscription of “Andalusian – Dedicated to the Spanish & Lusitano Horse”. See link to the International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA) on my Links page to enter their web site and join to receive this wonderful Andalusian magazine.

Be sure to watch the Tournament of Roses and the show right before the parade each year. The Andalusian horses are featured in a wonderful exhibition each year. Dax Duro, Faraon De La Montana's grandsire lead the 1999 Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena California with Art Gaytan riding him banging away with both arms on two enormous drums. No Reins! Bo Derek, who raises Andalusians, rode her Andalusian in the Parade this year, 2002 as well as Rand Brooks from the movie "Gone With The Wind". (Photo credit: Tournament of Roses Archives)

Punk Carter is a former President of the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) and recently took on the experiment of training two young I Andalusian/Lusitano horses for the Cutting Horse Arena. He was impressed with what he found.

"They just took to it. I was worried that they were supposed to be aggressive toward the cow… because of the bullfighting and all. If their natural instinct was to be pretty aggressive towards the cow, I was worried that, if a cow got too close to them would they use that aggression again? But they don't seem to do it with their cutting. No matter what kind of training you give them, they take it. They accept it and that's what I love about them. They're really good-minded horses.

"In a cutting horse, I breed for cow - those horses have got it. I breed for stop - they've got to have plenty of that. And I breed for balance and those horses have got that. Everything is there in what I breed for."

Excerpted from the American Association of Equine Practitioners Brochure, available at your local veterinary office.

The earliest days of an embryo's existence are perhaps the most precarious. During the first 30 days, there is a 10-15% chance that the embryo will be reabsorbed. Stress, illness, uterine infection, hormonal abnormalities, the presence of twins, and other factors have been implicated in early embryonic loss. Often, the cause remains undetermined.

By day 12-13, the embryonic vesicle is usually large enough to be detected by ultrasonic examinations. Some breeding farms simply tease the mare 14-20 days after her last breeding to see if she comes back into estrus. If she does not, the pregnancy can be re-confirmed by ultra-sound of trans-rectal palpation at approximately 30-35 days post-breeding.

Neither teasing, palpation, nor ultrasound has been shown to harm the developing embryo or endanger the pregnancy. However, because of the embryo's uncertain beginnings, it may be wise to have the pregnancy reconfirmed at 45, 60, or 90 days.

Some reproductive specialists recommend an ultrasound at 14-16 days post-ovulation to detect twins. Early detection of twins provides an opportunity to eliminate one embryo, this allowing the other to develop normally. This is commonly done because twins pose a number of risks:

In 95% of mares with twin embryos, one or both embryos are reabsorbed or aborted during the first 60 days. However, waiting to see if this occurs naturally could delay or interfere with a subsequent successful pregnancy.

Of the small percentage of twins that survive in utero past 50 days, it is highly

unlikely that two healthy foals will be born. If either survives, it may be small and weak.

Mares carrying twins are more likely to give birth prematurely (before 300-320 days).

Premature foals may have serious medical problems and are less likely to survive.

Good broodmare management is the best aid for helping the mare make it through the critical first 30-60 days of pregnancy.

The mare should go into the breeding season fit and perhaps gaining weight. Severely underweight mares will have more trouble conceiving than will mares of appropriate weight.

Avoid stressing the mare as much as possible. Stress can cause a drop in progesterone, a hormone which helps maintain pregnancy. Illness and/or fever can cause the mare's system to secrete prostaglandins, which may cause abortion.

Use caution when exposing your mare to other horses. You should avoid any undue risk of injury or disease transmission.

Provide nutritious forage, but don't overfeed. Supplementing with vitamins and minerals is unnecessary in mares being fed a balanced diet.

Make sure the mare is current on vaccines and deworming. Consult your veterinarian for recommendations regarding specific vaccinations and deworming interval during pregnancy.

Do not administer hormones or other drugs unless specifically prescribed by your equine practitioner.

Carefully evaluate the mare before deciding whether to breed on foal heat. Consult your veterinarian.

Unless there are special circumstances, during the first 7 months of pregnancy, treat your mare as you would a non-pregnant one. She will benefit from moderate riding or exercise. The ration should be composed primarily of high-quality forage in approximately the same as pre-pregnancy amounts.

Extremes in weather can alter her nutritional requirements and should be taken into account when formulating the ration. She should always have plenty of clean, fresh water. The mare will also benefit from routine hoof and dental care, standard vaccinations, and regular deworming.

Vaccinations should be current, since infectious diseases can trigger abortions. A four-way innoculation for Eastern and Western encephalomyelitis, influenza, and tetanus is recommended at the beginning of pregnancy. (Jenn's note: I recommend a 3 way and a 2 way be administered, then a two way every three months throughout the year, as the flu and rhino vaccines are only active for three months. Also make sure that any vaccine you give your pregnant mare is a KILLED vaccine, rather than a modified live, which may cause your mare to abort.) A booster should be given one month prior to foaling to increase the antibody level in the mare's colostrum and help protect the newborn foal from disease. Also, the mare should be vaccinated for equine rhinopneumonitis (rhino) at five, seven, and nine months gestation. Consult with your local veterinarian regarding other vaccines that may be advisable in your area, such as rabies or botulism.

Most deworming agents available today are relatively safe for pregnant mares. ( Note: DO NOT EVER GIVE QUEST to a pregnant mare, young horse, the aged horse, or any horse for that matter that you love and care about. It is a POISON.) Consult your veterinarian to establish an effective and safe deworming schedule for your mare. But don't believe a vet that says Quest is safe. I personally had a horse die within hours of using this wormer. I use Zimectrin or Safe Gaurd.

It is especially important to deworm the mare within several weeks of foaling, because the mare will be the primary source for infecting her foal with parasites. Of course, manure should always be properly disposed of.

During the last four months of pregnancy, the foal will grow rapidly. To accommodate this growth, the mare's energy needs will increase. Feed a good quality supplement...like Horse Supplement 35 which you can purchase through Rare Rock Andalusians. Good-quality hay and forage should remain the bulk of the expectant mare's diet. Concentrated feeds, such as grains, may be added to the ration to bolster energy intake without adding excess bulk.

Use the mare's body condition as your guide to how she's faring. Adjust the ration accordingly. The mare should not become obese. Your veterinarian can advise you regarding a proper nutritional program for your mare.

Exercise during the last four months of the mare's pregnancy should be light to moderate. In fact, a pastured mare will get as much exercise as she needs just grazing. Vigorous exercise is not recommended.

The average length of pregnancy in the mare is 338-343 days. However, normal gestation can range from 320-380 days. You needn't become overly concerned if your mare is past due. Prolonged gestation is not necessarily associated with problems or extra large foals. If your mare's pregnancy extends much past 340 days or if you're concerned, ask your veterinarian to examine her to determine if the mare is still pregnant and confirm that all is well.

Mares do occasionally abort. If you notice vaginal discharge or dripping milk during pregnancy, contact your veterinarian. If you find the remains of a placenta or fetus, save it for your veterinarian to examine. It may be possible to ascertain the cause of the abortion and treat the mare accordingly. Mares can and do abort without ill effects. However, it's always a good idea to have her checked by your veterinarian, because some complications of abortion, such as a retained placenta, can be life-threatening to your horse.

There are obvious as well as subtle signs of impending birth. The time frame during which they occur varies from mare to mare. The most obvious and reliable are:

Your eleven month waiting game will be over before you know it. To prepare, brush up on your foaling knowledge.