Hispano

Introduction:  This is a breed of national importance in Spain.  I hesitate to include a picture until I am sure of the difference (if any) between the Hispano described here and the "Hispano Arabe" that I have seen pictures of.  If you have any comments or suggestions, especially concerning the relationship of these breeds, please click here.

Names:  Hispano, Spanish Anglo-Arab.  This may be the same as the Hispano Arab (or Hispano Arabe).  I have chosen to use the Spanish name, partly because it's shorter.

Origin: 

Breeding:  This horse is the result of crosses between Arab-Spanish mares and English Thoroughbred stallions which explains why the animal has all the features of an Anglo-Arab.  (I am still a little confused as to where to draw the line here!  There is a cross between the Andalusian and the Arabian, which seems to be different from the breed described here.  This may be the difference between the Hispano described here and the "Hispano Arabe" I have seen elsewhere.)

Description:  A horse with pronounced Arabian features.

Back:  Straight.

Chest:  Full and deep.

Color:  Usually bay, chestnut or gray.

Croup:  Slightly sloping.

Head:  Well-proportioned, with a straight profile.

Hooves:  Tough.

Legs:  Strong with solid joints and prominent tendons.

Neck:  Of a good length.

Shoulder:  Long and sloping.

Size:  14.3 to 16 hands (1.50 to 1.62 meters).

Tail:  Well set-on.

Withers:  High and clearly defined.

Temperament: 

Features:  Quiet but energetic.

Uses:  Riding horse; good jumper.  Because of its great courage it is sometimes used to test the fighting spirit and stamina of young bulls chosen for the bullring, but being an excellent jumper with a good temperament it is more often used in equestrian sports, its versatility making it equally well-suited for various competitive events from show jumping to dressage.

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