|
Spanish Andalusian
Horse Articles > Buying and Selling Andalusian Horses
Factors that Limit your Selection of an Andalusian Horse
to Buy
By reading this article, I'm going to assume that you
have already decided upon the purchase of some type of Andalusian horse. Now you
must decide which type of Andalusian horse (Pure Spanish, Pure
Spanish/Portuguese, Pure Portuguese, a crossbred, a Revised/Inscribed Pure
Spanish Horse, bred domestically or imported from abroad). (Read "What
is an Andalusian ..."
There are many different qualities and types of horse
within each major breed. The two major breeds are Pure Spanish
and Pure Lusitano. Most people decide on a breed by doing research, visiting
some farms, and talking to people who own the horses. There are more Pure
Spanish Andalusians available in the U.S. than there are Lusitanos. And there is
always room for more quality purebreds to be imported from Spain or Portugal.
As far as which type of Andalusian or Lusitano (Portuguese) horse
is the best for you - you will
have to go with your guts and desire. There are as many theories as to which one
is the best, why the crosses are good, as there are horses.
Some people prefer what the Spaniards have done with
creating their breed and like the Spanish culture and ease of finding stallion
services within the U.S. Others like the athleticism and charm of the Lusitano
horse. While still others are looking for good value in a horse having both
bloodlines. Just be sure that if you are looking for a PARTICULAR type of horse
with a SPECIFIC registry requirement, that you ask all the right questions and
go with a reputable breeder.
If you need help understanding the different breeds or
registries, feel free to send us an email at
skyhorseranch@msn.com or give us a
call at 214-282-9131 (evenings and weekends preferred).
Finances Needed to Purchase an Andalusian Horse
Since we are dealing with a rare breed of horse, your
access to cash is going to determine the type of horse, age, and quality you
will be able to afford. Read "How
Much Does an Andalusian Cost?" It doesn't make sense to go shopping
for a PRE horse if you only have $3,000. Some breeders will allow you to make
payments, but $8,000 to $12,000 is still alot of money to budget and most will
not let you make payments out over a long period of time.
The imported horses and their lines tend to be more expensive,
while some of the Spanish/Portuguese horses tend to cost less. Of course, the
crossbreds are an economic trade-off. You get some of the benefits of the
Andalusian blood without the expense - but rarely do you get the same look.
So before you start looking at actual horses or
contacting sellers, browse some of the advertisements and get a feel for how
much different kinds of Andalusians are selling for.
Limiting Factors When Purchasing an Andalusian Horse
Let's look at some of the limiting factors in your
Andalusian horse purchase:
Andalusian Horse Numbers
The number of Andalusians in the USA is in the
thousands; the Lusitanos are in the 100's. In Spain there are tens of thousands.
Lusitanos are quite numerous in Brazil. Obviously because of the "rarity" of the
horse, it is a seller's market and prices are high. Because of the low numbers
of horses available, don't expect to find one in your back yard. Most
Andalusians are located in California, Texas, and Florida. You may be able to
combine a trip and visit several breeders in one trip. However, most breeders
are competing with each other for your business so don't expect alot of
cooperation. Because of the low numbers of foals born each year, many breeders
cater to repeat clients or those that they want to place the horses with (for
example, show homes or homes that will market their horses). Often breeders are
selling their best stock in-utero or to select clients. However, most should be
willing to work with the newcomer in helping you select the right horse for you.
Don't get discouraged, the right horse may be waiting for you inside the belly
of a beautiful mare. Speaking of which, Andalusian horses are often sold young
because of a particular characteristic - they are so noble and generous and
valuable. The longer an owner has an Andalusian, the less likely they are to
part with it.
Andalusian Horse Prices
The price is likely to be a very strong limiting factor unless
you are willing to purchase a weanling, and even then, you are looking at $8,000
to start.
Travel to See Andalusian Horses
Because of the low numbers of horses, its quite likely you will
need to travel to see your potential candidate(s) in person. This will involve
airfare, hotel, rental car, etc. It's great that more and more sellers are
putting their horses on Youtube and the internet for the public to screen. This
can, however, work to your disadvantage. Don't totally discount a horse because
of a bad photo or shaky video image. When you travel, some breeders will
let you stay at their location and others should be helpful in finding you
accommodations and giving directions.
Vet checks for Andalusian Horses
A vet check on a weanling or yearling is pretty basic. However,
as you get into the older horses you could need full x-rays, multiple exams, and
you could experience a number of horses that "fail" the vet check at the
standards you have set. This breed as a whole is rather healthy and
doesn't have a lot of problems. Some of the horses imported from Spain will show
contracted heels from standing in stalls and not getting proper hoof care. Some
stallions that are heavy and fat may have a wobbly crest (check to be sure it's
not falling or the horse may fail an inspection). But in general, you should not
see too many problems.
The Andalusian Horse World
Sorry, but there IS a learning curve when coming to
this breed from other breeds. There is nothing else like it. All breeds seem to
have the "traditionalists" and the "show types" that can be at odds with each
other. In the Andalusian world you have those that want to preserve the horse as
it is in Spain or Portugal and you also have the Arabian and Saddlebred type
trainers/handlers that want to make the horse into a high-stepping,
neck-inverted, wild-eyed park horse. There is also a large contingent of amateur
owners and backyard breeders who lack riding experience or the ability to judge
conformation and stick to the ideal. You'll find all types.
There is SO much to learn I can't even put it all down
here. Just know that there are "American" type Andalusians and imported type,
and some in-betweens. Our horse shows are small with limited competition so you
cannot give much credence to the title of "CHAMPION" because it's possible
the horse was the only one in the class or perhaps the only mediocre one
competing against two really inferior horses. And again, was that class judged
by an American or by a Spaniard? You may want to know.
American vs. Spanish
American type show horses look and move alot like
Arabians or Saddlebreds or Morgans. You may not be able to tell what breed they
are just by looking at them. Their necks may be sweated (with heavy sweat bands)
to make their throatlatches look smaller and their hooves may be grown out to
longer lengths. Typically they have more elliptical eyes set on the front of
their head. While the true Spanish type has triangular eyes. The Americanized
horse moves with alot of front end action and not much behind. Their heads will
be straight or dished and end in a "point". Their ears may be small and pricked
toward each other. The necks are usually long, thin, and arched. The back may be
flat towards the croup. Bone is usually thinner and chests are narrower.
(See article Croup High,
Imperfect or Not)
In comparison, a true "typey" Spanish horse will look
like a "Spanish" horse with a slightly heavier and shorter crestier neck flowing
into a strong and smooth back. Their eyes are triangular and their heads
are straight or convex with medium sized ears. Their bone and overall appearance
may be more coarse. They may have flatter movements but should extend and
collect easily. Their chests are broad and the horse appears to have
"substance". They will be presented with a natural appearance and full lush mane
and tail (for stallions) and a clipped mane and shaved tail (for mares).
Andalusian Horse Language
Since the Andalusian comes from Spain (and the Lusitano from
Portugal) there is a lot of information available if you speak Spanish. If not,
then some of it will remain a mystery to you unless you can find a translator.
Andalusian Horse Color
Most of the best lines have always been grey. It was
the preferred color. Military and Escalera lines had some bays and the very rare
black from time to time. Historically, chestnuts and
blacks were culled. Today,
however, they are making a comeback. However, it is easier to find a quality
grey than it is a bay, black, or chestnut. They are also less expensive as greys
are more available. If you are seeking palomino or buckskin, a few are available
in Spain. Testing for color (genetic tests) has not really been used in Spain up
until now. The genetics for creme and pearl can be confusing. Don't expect to
find a quality buckskin or palomino Pure Spanish horse for under 6 figures.
Lusitano horses, in contrast, have always allowed the
other colors and may be found in just about any color with the exception of
appaloosa or pinto.
On the subject of pinto, it is a Spanish tradition to
prefer horses with no white. Therefore, the overo gene which creates sabino
(large splashes of white on legs or head) is almost bred out.
Andalusian Horse Age
You can buy an Andalusian of any age - some even before they are
born. There are occasionally stallions retired from performances and mares that
have had babies all their lives. However, a horse in its prime will cost you
more $$.
Andalusian Horse Bloodlines
With the increase in the number of imports in the last few
years, you can now get representatives of many of the major Spanish breeders.
You can also attempt to purchase your horse overseas. However, the best
bloodlines will cost you more $$.
Andalusian Horse Temperament
They come in all kinds. From the hot, show horse type to the
mellow trail horse type. Fortunately, most Andalusians are kind and noble - so
good temperament should be a part of the overall package. This will
generally not limit your search. However, if you want a super easy horse
to train and be around, be sure to let the seller know. Some Andalusians can be
hotter than others.
Andalusian Horse Ability
Ability within the breed is varied. From the extreme paddler to
the straight moving dressage horse - they are all out there. The better
dressage - moving horses will cost you more $$. As will the better horses
overall!!! (duh)
Set your Goals for Buying an Andalusian Horse
So, lets get started in selecting your horse. First, as with any
purchase of any horse breed, you will follow some basic guidelines. Establish
what is the priority in your mind (it helps to also write it down) for your
horse.
Are you wanting to breed? for how long? for how much profit? how
many? Do you want to stand your own stallion? Use AI? Live cover? Do you want a
trained horse? Do you have a trainer available to help? Can you raise a
weanling? (most people can, its not as hard as it sounds). Do you have children?
will they be riding? Do you want to show? in what disciplines?
How big do you want your horse? Color? Sex preference?
The better you know what you want, the more successful you will
be at your purchase.
Note: Many of our articles are now available in "blog"
format. The blog allows you to leave comments and share articles. To visit our
blog (a work in progress), go to
Skyhorse Ranch
Blog - Your Source for the Spanish Horse.
Looking for Andalusian horses for sale?
Contact us for more info
| 
