Week 15 - The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse

Week 15 is one of the few organizations I don't consider a "charity." The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse is a 501c non profit group with a mission of preserving, protecting, and promoting the Pura Raza Española  (P.R.E.) horse, also known as the Andalusian here in the United States. This breed of horse is near and dear to my heart and I have been a regular donor to this organization for a number of years.

The P.R.E. horse has a long and rich history and is integral to the culture of Spain. The breed originated as a cross between the native Iberian horse and the Barb which came during the invasion of the Moors into Spain. During the 16th century, the Spanish King Felipe II unified the standards for the breed that we know today. He sought to create the idealized horse in conformation, temperament and athletic ability. The original pure Spanish horses were used for farm work and bull fighting as well beautiful parade mounts for royalty.

The breed is still relatively rare in the United States with only around 6000 registered horses. The registration process is very strict in order to maintain the purity of the breed. However, the United States has a few registry organizations that allow out crossing with other breeds.

One of the beautiful sweet mares I bred

The Andalusian is known for his noble temperament, extreme athletic ability and long flowing mane and tail. He is a creature of amazing beauty and one that captured my heart when I was about 16 years old. And I have not turned back! I got my first Andalusian mare in 2004 and have had them ever since. I spent countless hours reading pedigrees and studying conformation. Now that my eye is tuned to the qualities of the Andalusian breed, I can't help but to use them as the standard for which I judge all other breeds. None can compare. :-)


Artwork by FREDERIQUE LAVERGNE

These horses give me pure unadulterated joy and my passion for them continues to grow. So even though this organization isn't a charity in the true sense of the word, they help to fuel a passion that brings so much joy to so many people like myself.

For more information about the Pure Spanish horse or the Foundation, please visit their website.

As some of you may have noticed, I am woefully behind in my blog, mainly due to activities involving these horses that have captured my heart and most of my free time!