Horses have always been a part of Spanish culture. Spain has produced some of the most beautiful horse breeds in the world. These horses have a special place in history as they helped to bring the Spanish to the Americas and their influence is still seen today. In fact, many American Mustangs have Spanish blood in them.
Throughout the centuries Spanish people have cherished their horses and this is why they are considered to be very noble animals. They have long slender legs built for speed and eyes that provide them with a 360-degree view of the world around them. They also communicate with humans through body language, such as the position of their ears and the sound of their hooves stomping.
A devoted horse lover may find the art of riding to be very spiritual and they will want to understand the horse’s natural language. The way that a horse is groomed or ridden can speak volumes about its mood and state of mind. There are various tools and equipment that must be used to ride a horse such as saddles, bridles and girths. Learning how to talk about these items in Spanish is essential for any equestrian.
In Spanish culture the horse is not only a symbol of beauty and power, but it is also an important workhorse. Horses are the backbone of Spanish agriculture and they help with plowing, pulling heavy loads and herding. There are even breeds of horse that specialize in these jobs such as ponis, who are a jack of all trades for the equestrian world.
The Spanish adore their horses and the country holds an annual fair for the animal called Seville Feria, which still takes place two weeks after Easter. At the fair, ladies dressed in their finest gowns will parade their horses to show off their beauty. There are caballeros, who are horsemen, that will then make deals with the aristocracy to sell them their horses. These steeds become kind of royal trade ambassadors. They are so prized that monarchs have sent them to other European countries as well as to the famous equestrian school in Vienna, Austria known as the Spanish Riding School.
New research has found that the modern wild horse roamed North America before European contact during the Pleistocene era. Researchers have also found that these horses have strong genetic ties to the domesticated Spanish horses of centuries ago.
The Losino is a rare breed of horse that is native to Spain. These small, sturdy ponies have a balanced build and a sleek black coat. These hardy animals can be used as cavalry mounts, herding and farming horses, as well as for stud work and breeding mules. Although the breed is very rare, efforts are being made to preserve the Losino.