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 Breed Profile A rare and exclusive breed, the Spanish-Norman blends the genes of the Andalusian of Spain and the Percheron of France to re-create the phenotype of the courageous horse that thundered across the battlefields of Europe. These were the noble horses, bred for courage, strength and stamina that left an indelible imprint on the history of the western world. The Spanish-Norman, "the warhorse of the ages as the sporthorse of today," is capturing an international audience of equine aficionados. |
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Research shows that early Spanish horses influenced the development of the now lost Norman horses of medieval France. Norman horses infused with Barb blood contributed to the equine type that would eventually come to be known as Percheron, after the Les Perches region of France. Both the horses of Andalusia and Normandy possessed an infusion of Barb blood from the Moorish invasions. Blood typing studies by Dr. E. Gus Cothran of the University of Kentucky, have located similar genetic markers in both breeds. With their common oriental ancestry, breeding Andalusians to Percherons produces offspring approximating the type of the old Norman horse, prized for carrying the knights to victory centuries ago. Allan and Linda Osterman Hamid of Hamid Hill Farm, Ltd., Woodbury, Connecticut founded the Spanish-Norman Horse Registry, Incorporated in 1991 to record the pedigrees of this unique breed. A versatile sporthorse, the Spanish-Norman physically embodies the heritage of its noble ancestors. From the regal Andalusian comes its elegant beauty, boldness and natural collection. From the Percheron comes its strength, size and bone density. Endowed with the unique combination of presence and docility, the modern Spanish-Norman is 15.3 to 17 hands and is predominately gray with some bays and blacks. Physical characteristics of this athletic breed are large expressive eyes; long graceful necks; laid back shoulders that blend smoothly into short backs; strong hindquarters; and sturdy feet and legs. They are bred to move freely from the shoulder with elastic, fluid movement, featuring engagement and elevation with extension. Spanish-Normans have the potential to excel in a variety of equine disciplines including jumping, eventing, dressage and driving. They perform in medieval games and historical re-enactments, are also excellent pleasure, parade and exhibition horses. Since Spanish-Normans carry at least 50% Andalusian blood, they can be dual registered as Half-Andalusians with the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association and are eligible to compete as such in shows sponsored by I.A.L.H.A.
At present, there are over a hundred Andalusian stallions as foundation sires of the Spanish-Norman Horse Registry, Inc., located in the United States, Canada and Germany. Percheron mares selected for this breed must be registered with the Percheron Association of America or the Canadian Percheron Association. The Spanish-Norman Horse Registry sponsors an annual high point award. This trophy is awarded to the Spanish-Norman earning the most points by competing in Half-Andalusian classes at I.A.L.H.A. events, dressage, and/or any discipline at All-Breed shows. A magnificent trophy was presented to the following Spanish-Norman horses:
The Spanish-Norman breed is small but growing constantly and attracting the attention and admiration of equestrians worldwide. Spain's premier, all breed, horse publication Ecuestre featured a two-page article with five, color photos entitled "Spanish-Norman, El Retorno del Caballo Medieval" in the November 1998 issue. The exportation of a Spanish-Norman to Europe was an impressive tribute to the Spanish-Norman breed. The gelding Agincourt H.H.F. is being trained and will be competed by the distinguished three-day event rider Guillaume Chesneau of France. For those interested, a line of specialty items featuring the official Spanish-Norman logo is available exclusively through Equestrienne. For additional information on the Spanish-Norman breed, upcoming exhibition dates and registration forms, please contact: Spanish-Norman Horse Registry, Inc. Voice: (203) 266-4048 |
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Hamid Hill Farm's Embajador XI, the 1996
and 1997 Breyer model horse, representing the Andalusian breed, is trained and exhibited
in classical dressage by the gifted haute-ecole rider, Bettina Drummond. Following the
precepts of her mentor, the renowned Master Nuno Oliveira of Portugal, Ms. Drummond is the
sole individual in the United States licensed to represent the Oliveira School. Performing
together, Bettina Drummond and Embajador XI, project an image of beauty, grace and
harmony; the perfect combination of artistry, elegance and style, reflecting the
principles of lightness and collection, important attributes of classical art.