Spanish-Norman Horse
The Spanish-Norman horse is an equine breed of versatile sporthorses created by crossing two older breeds – the French Percheron and the Spanish Andalusian. The Spanish-Normans have a combination of the Andalusian’s elegance and boldness and the Percheron’s bone density, size, and strength. These horses possess outstanding temperament and character, which makes them a majestic performance horse.
Spanish Norman Horse
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- Spanish Norman Horse Foal
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- Spanish Norman Horse Images
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- Spanish Norman Horse Mare
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- Spanish Norman Horse Pictures
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- Spanish Norman Horse Running
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- Spanish Norman Horse Stallion
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- Spanish Norman Horse
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- Spanish Norman Horses
Quick Information
| Temperament/Personality | Calm, docile, lively, willing to work |
| Physical Characteristics | Large and muscular stature, refined and slightly convex head, expressive eyes; neck is of medium-length; sloping shoulders, strong hindquarters, broad chest, strong and sturdy legs, wide hooves; thick, luxuriant mane that is often wavy; low set, large tail |
| Colors | Predominantly gray; black and bay are less common |
| Height (size) | 15.3-17 hands (155.4-172.7 cm) |
| Weight | 408.2-544.3 kg (900-1,200 lbs) |
| Gaited | Yes; elastic, fluid movement displaying balance, harmony, and symmetry |
| Common Uses | Takes part in various equine disciplines including dressage, driving, eventing, jumping; performs in historical re-enactments and medieval games; used as pleasure, exhibition, and parade horses |
| Health | A hale and hearty breed |
| Popular Traits | Strength, agility, enthusiasm for performance, champion jumpers |
| Feeding/Diet | Hay, grass, grains, legumes, millets; crushed oats are easily digested while crushed barley provides energy |
| Country of Origin | France, Spain |
| Ancestors | Andalusian, Percheron, Barb, and Spanish horses |
| Breed Information | Breed Registry with breed standards |
Spanish-Norman Horse Video
History and Development
The Spanish-Norman horse was bred to re-create genetically the extinct European Norman horses that served as the old warhorses of the medieval knights, the conquistadores, as well as the crusaders. Both the ancestors of modern Spanish-Normans – the Percheron and the Andalusian have Barb and Spanish horse bloodlines.
The Andalusian horse, named after the Spanish province of Andalusia, was influenced by the Iberian and Barb horses used during the Moorish invasion. On the other hand, an infusion of Norman and Barb blood resulted in an equine type that came to be known as the Percheron.
In 1990, blood-typing tests done by Dr. Gus Cothran on Percheron and Andalusian horses revealed the same genetic link in both the breeds. Since these two breeds had a common oriental ancestry, it was thought that their cross would approximate the type embodying the extinct Normans. In 1991, Allan and Linda Hamid founded the Spanish-Norman Horse Registry in Connecticut to record this unique breed’s pedigrees.
Interesting Facts
- Since the breed standards require these horses to carry a minimum of 50% Andalusian blood, the Spanish-Normans can be recorded as “half-Andalusians” with the I.A.L.H.A. (International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association). They can also participate in the shows that are sponsored by I.A.L.H.A.
- A stallion named Romantico H.H.F. is the most prominent American-bred Spanish-Norman horse to date. In June 2000, it won a United States Equestrian Team ribbon in the discipline of freestyle reining at the “Festival of Champions”, held in New Jersey.
