Carthusian
Introduction: Less familiar than its close relative the Andalusian, this is one of Spain's oldest and purest breeds, of national importance, with one of the oldest studbooks in the world. If you have any comments or suggestions, please click here.
Names: Carthusian. Sometimes called the Carthusian-Andalusian or the Carthujano. I will use the more familiar name.
Origin: Originated from the studs founded by Carthusian monks in Seville and other parts of Andalusia. These monks, who from 1476 lived in Jerez de la Frontera, devoted themselves to the selective breeding of Andalusian horses, systematically using both the Arab and the Barb in the development of the Carthusian. Today Carthusians are reared in state-owned studs around Cordoba, Jerez de la Frontera and Badajoz. The predominance of the gray coat is attributed to the important influence of two stallions of this color in the first half of the twentieth century. Most of today's Carthusians are descended from the famous stallion Esclavo. Note: Today the Carthusian is rarely categorized into a separate breed and is considered a branch of the Andalusian.
Breeding:
Description: An Oriental type horse of strong, athletic build and good conformation.
Chest: Broad and deep.
Color: Predominately gray, but chestnut and black are also found.
Ears: Small.
Eyes: Large and lively.
Head: Fine, light and well set-on.
Hindquarters: Muscular.
Legs: Sturdy with broad, clearly defined joints.
Neck: Correctly proportioned, arched, muscular and well set-on.
Profile: Slightly convex, with a broad forehead.
Shoulder: Fairly sloping.
Size: Approximately 15.2 hands (1.55 meters). Another source says they usually stand 15 to 16 hands.
Temperament: Docile and quiet.
Features: Elegant action; good conformation.
Uses: Riding horse; light draft.
Accomplishments:
Curiosities: Unique to the Carthusian are the warts found under its tail, and bony growths on the forehead, resembling horns. Both are from the foundation stallion, Esclavo. At one time, any horse that did not have warts under its tail was not considered a descendant of Esclavo.
Profiles: Esclavo: Famous foundation stallion of the Carthusian breed.
Conclusion: