BAROQUE HORSES of NORTHERN CALIFORNIA

Andalusians , Friesians , Lipizzans , Lusitanos and partbreds

ABOUT BAROQUE HORSES

What are Baroque Horses ?

What is a Baroque Horse? The Baroque horses are traditionally, Andalusians, Friesians, Lipizzans, and Lusitanos. These breeds are called "Baroque" after the baroque style of art and architecture characterized by extravagance of form and extensive ornamentation. Throughout history these horses have been sought after because of their beauty, presence, and performance capabilities. Today, we are most familiar with them in paintings and in movies, but what place do they have in the show ring today? For several decades, the sport horse show ring has been dominated by European warmbloods. However, baroque horses are quickly gaining in popularity as riders are discovering that their natural talent and sweet temperament make them competitive and versatile saddle horses. Many baroque horses have experienced great success in Dressage receiving high placing USDF awards in the Horse of the Year Program. In 2003 a Friesian cross gelding placed first at training level out of 653 competitors. A Lusitano stallion placed first at third level out of 29 competitors and a Friesian gelding placed first at fourth level out of 147 competitors. It is now very common to see a sprinkling of Friesians, Andalusians, Lusitanos, and Lipizzans throughout the top ten dressage horses at almost every level of competition. The number of Andalusians as a percentage in the dressage ring has grown faster than any other breed. Due to their tractability, temperament, and trainability they are also being discovered as competitive mounts in hunting, jumping, western pleasure and eventing. Although these horses are new faces in today's show ring, the Iberian horse, Andalusians and Lusitanos, is in fact the original dressage horse with a long and illustrious history. They are now experiencing a boom in popularity and are on the threshold of reclaiming their historic place as the most sought after horse in the world. With strength and athleticism surpassed only by their beauty and temperament they are irresistible. They are loyal and loving companions that are multi-talented and can excel in almost any discipline. Like many older breeds they are rustic and hardy - many are comfortable working barefoot and thrive on a simple diet. They are long lived and generally healthy and often continue as riding horses well into their twenties.

But who are these horses and where do they come from? What history makes them the incredible horses we see today? Let us take you for a walk through the ages to see....... The origins extend far back in history to the original Iberian ancestors. Many of the baroque breeds were originally highly acclaimed war horses, known for their agility, courage, and bravery. Their relative lightness in form and maneuverability gave them the advantage over the heavier war horses of the time. For many years they were primarily owned, bred and controlled by the reigning sovereigns in pursuit of military advantage. They later became the horse of choice for European royalty. The Andalusian breed originated on the Iberian peninsula, which today we know as Spain and Portugal. Today they are a source of great pride to Spain, and the culture and traditions that have come down over the centuries with the Andalusian are celebrated by the thousands of andalusian owners in the country today. Their superior agility and bravery have made them masters of the bullfights, a tradition that gave the Iberian horse another role to conquer. Spanish horses of the Iberian peninsula are among the most ancient breeds of the world and are founders of many other recognized breeds today. The Portuguese Lusitano has a similar Iberian history as the Andalusian. In fact, until somewhat recent history they were considered the same breed. The Lusitano tends to be a larger boned animal with a heavier more convex face. In temperament and history the two breeds are virtually indistinguishable. Despite the fact that Spain and Portugal have separate registries and breed requirements, in the United States the I.A.L.H.A. registry recognizes both breeds as well as crosses between the two. Crosses between the Anadalusian and the Arab are common in Portugal, especially for long distance riding. This cross, called a hispono-arabe, is not a new breed; it is the combination of two of the world's oldest breeds. This cross has long been recognized in Europe as an excellent one, resulting in an animal whose conformation and presence are a captivating blend of the characteristics of two very strong and distinct gene pools. The Andalusian began arriving to the America's on Columbus's second trip, and the royalty of Spain continued to send horses to the colonies for centuries. These horses became the basis for many breeds throughout the Americas - including, the paso fino, the mangalargas, and their influence is apparent in many mustangs. Many cultures developed their own traditions and appreciation for the Andalusians. The national horse of Mexico is the Azteca, developed in the 1970's from crossing andalusians with quarter horses. This combination created a versatile horse with a strong cattle working and reining basis. The horses have also inherited the calm and tractable temperament of their parent breeds and have a special "flash" or "pizzaz" of their own. Even when not crossed with the quarter horse for an azteca, the Iberian horses have a long tradition as cow horses. The andalusian, lusitano and their crosses are virtually the only horses you will see face a bull in a bullfight. They are also the horses that are used to work the aggressive cattle from which those bulls come, traditionally with a long stick instead of a lasso. Their ability to turn and maneuver on a dime make them top quality cutting horses. Their willingness to engage whole heartedly in their job probably comes from their history as war horses, but today makes them practical and enthusiastic cow horses. The influence of the baroque breeds spreads far beyond the battlefield and bullring - they have inspired artists and myth throughout history as a fantasy horse of unsurpassed beauty. Museums have walls covered in paintings of nobles and generals on their baroque mounts. The andalusian seems the incarnation of the myth of the unicorn - a mystically beautiful thing with a gentle soul and the fire and courage of a warrior. More often than not, it is the andalusian that is chosen as the artistic inspiration for paintings and drawings of unicorns, and are chosen to play them in movies and photographs. Hollywood uses the baroque breeds far beyond their equivalent percentage of the horse population. They carry swash buckle action heros, they look magical under fairies or as unicorns, and they majestically transport royalty, They are used over and over as symbols of prowess, wealth or power. They are used to increase the appeal of heros and the aggression of the villains. They are the mount of stature - be it ability, wealth, beauty, power, or mysticism.

written by - Jennifer Trygvasson

Baroque -

1. of or pertaining to a style of architecture and art originating in Italy in the early 17th century and characterized by free and sculptural use of the classical orders and ornament, by forms in elevation and plan suggesting movement, and by dramatic effect in which architecture, painting, sculpture, and the decorative arts often worked to combined effect.

The baroque period produced some of the greatest art ,music , architecture of all time.

Horses depicted in art from the 17th and 18th centuries, are the predecessors of the horses we regard today as "Baroque Horses"

Diego Velázquez, A White Horse. c. 1634/35. Oil on canvas.

Pieter Pauwel Rubens, Perseus and Andromeda, detail of Pegasus, early 1620s, oil on canvas transferred from wood.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Emperor Constantine, 1654-1670, marble

Pieter Pauwel Rubens, St. George Slaying the Dragon, unknown date, Pen with brown ink and brown wash.

 The Return of Baroque Horses

 By Christine DeHerrera

Beauty. Intelligence. Trainability. These are just a few of the qualities that are attracting legions of fans to the baroque horses. Spain is gearing up for the World Equestrian Games, where their native baroque breeds will be on prominent display. But, here in the U.S. these baroque horse are enjoying a resurgence as mounts for the ever increasing adult amateur population.

"I sell my horses with the surgeon general's warning that they are very addictive; once you have experienced their giving nature and their willingness to do what you ask, you are hooked," said Jennifer Thurston, who breeds Andalusians, Lipizzaners, and crossbreds at her Weaselskin Farm.

The baroque horses trace their ancestry to the horses raised on the Iberian Peninsula in what is now Spain and Portugal. These equines were bred for warfare, which emphasized a hearty constitution, good temperaments, and the ability to collect to perform the movements that would become the airs above the ground. The horses were known as Andalusians and were praised throughout the ancient world by such notables as Xenophon.

Eventually the breeding of Iberian horses was influenced by the Moorish occupation of the land and the introduction of the Barb. The resulting horse maintained its good qualities and was considered the ultimate horse even as governments flourished and diminished.

With the emergence of Renaissance ideals during the 1500's, horsemanship and the art of riding were re-introduced to society and became a mainstay of the royal palaces. The Spanish horses were among the most prized possessions of the royal families. The Hapsburg family liked the Spanish horses so much that they developed breeding stations at various outposts of their empire. The Spanish-breds were then crossed with the local breeds resulting in the development of the Lipizzaner. These horses were very selectively bred and used in the military and for the riding schools and thrived throughout the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

With the rise and fall of governments the Spanish-bred horses nearly disappeared. However, the twentieth century saw the reemergence of the popular baroque-era equines in the form of four breeds: the Andalusian, the Lipizzaner and the Lusitano .

In contemporary breeding, all Lipizzaners trace their lineage to the horses produced in the Hapsburg Empire. Modern political situations in the Iberian Peninsula have resulted in the emergence of two breeds. What was once a purebred Spanish horse has become the Andalusian. Lusitanos are horses of purebred Andalusian breeding that are born in Portugal.

What has kept the baroque horses from becoming extinct despite the political turmoil it has been subjected too, is their incredible presence and personality. And in recent years, this has been rediscovered by a new group: the adult amateur.

"I think the reason [adults love these horses] is we appreciate the smooth gaits, the ease of training, and the intelligence," says Kris Garrett, amateur rider and breeder of purebred and crossbred Andalusian sport horses at Grand Prix Andalusians.

"The Spanish were ruthless in culling. If there was a horse with a bad temperament, it was gone; [the genes] were not passed on," she said.

Thurston agrees. "These horses naturally want to bond and become a partner with you. That willingness is what makes them so pleasant to be around," she said.

For the rider who wants both a friend and a competitive, athletic partner, the baroque horse is often the right match. They are known for their ability to collect, rock back on their quarters, and stay light in front, making them ideally suited for the movements of dressage. However, some dressage competitors have criticized the conformation that suits collection.

"Many people say the downfall is that [the horses] collect well, but they don't extend well. I think it's a matter of complete and balanced training," said Thurston. "You can get [Andalusians and Lipizzaners] to use their shoulders as long as their shoulders are free. If you collect them too soon in their training, you will lose the extension, just like any horse."

There are several international riders that have discovered how to bring out the best in their Spanish-bred horses. In 2001, at the prestigious Aachen horse show, Rafael Soto and his Andalusian stallion Invasor earned top scores, including 10's for piaffe work, which helped the Spanish team to win the bronze medal. The Spanish team repeated their placing at the European Championships and earned the team silver at the 2002 Aachen show.

Of course these kind-natured horses are capable of more than just dressage. "I can take these horses from the dressage ring right into the grand prix show jumping ring or the hunter ring," said Thurston. She also competes her horses in three-day events, combined driving, and trail rides and finds that this versatility also suits the amateur rider.

The only negative about the baroque-bred horses is their numbers. The Lipizzaners were nearly wiped out during unstable political situations and numerous wars. In Spain, the purebred horses have also diminished in numbers. This has resulted in very few horses for sale.

"People don't usually let them go," said Garrett.

Even breeders who are in the business of making sales often will only have a few horses available for purchase. In addition, because quality mares are difficult to obtain, many breeders will not part with the fillies they produce.

This lack of availability of breeding stock has made crossbreds the horse of choice for many people. Andalusian, Lusitano, and Lipizzaner stallions crossed with Thoroughbred, Quarter Horse, and warmblood mares often results in a sport horse that is suitable for a variety of disciplines.

Whether purebred or crossbred, the baroque horse is back in the limelight as an athletic, trainable partner for world-class riders as well as amateurs and young riders. Garrett speaks for many riders when she says, "As baby boomers, we now want [a horse] we feel safe with, that we can connect with on a real personal level because we are looking for something to fill that place in the heart."

reprinted with permission from Christine DeHerrera

The Friesian

The Friesian breed is centuries old. The Romans were among the first to mention the Friesian as a strong working horse. Because of the breeds' strength, docility and endurance ,the Friesian was pressed into service by German knights as a war horse during the Crusades. The Friesian received an infusion of Andalusian blood when the Spanish occupied The Netherlands during the 16th century. These horses became much valued as saddle and carriage horses by the nobility, and can been seen portrayed in the art of the old Dutch Masters. The industrial revolution nearly wiped out the Friesian breed. Careful and strict breeding practices have brought this Baroque horse back from the brink of extinction. The history, constitution and temperament of theFriesian has closely paralled that of the "Spanish " horses mentioned in Christine deHerrera's article above and modern day Friesian owners are drawn to this breed for the very same reasons as noted above.

*Italics denote additions that include the Friesian breed to Christine's original article -information researched and written by L.Rougeau.