Horse breeding is a centuries-old tradition in Spain. Nowadays, this is a booming industry, with a growing number of registered horses and an increase in the quality of the offspring produced. In other words, more and more horses are being bred with better and better results, thus achieving an important international representation.
In this respect, there are currently many breeds of native horses, but two of them stand out above the rest: the Purebred Spanish Horse (PSH), and the Spanish Sport Horse (SSH).
THE PSH
The PSH, or Purebred Spanish Horse, is, as its name indicates, a breed of Spanish origin. It’s renowned for its beauty, nobility and versatility. It’s one of the oldest breeds in the world, and has been used for centuries in many different situations. Nowadays, it’s a breed that excels in different disciplines; Dressage, Rejoneo (mounted bullfighting), Working Equitation, and Doma Vaquera (Western Dressage).
A medium-sized breed, with an average height at withers of 150-160 cm, it has a muscular, broad, well-proportioned body with a fine, expressive head. Its coat is usually chestnut, black, dun or bay, with dappled or speckled coats, although nowadays there are various diluted coats that are attracting the attention of breeders and enthusiasts.
The PSH is a very intelligent and sensitive breed, with a calm, balanced temperament. It’s a very versatile horse, capable of excelling in a wide variety of sporting and recreational disciplines.
THE SSH
The SSH, or Spanish Sport Horse, is a breed of Spanish origin characterised by its elegance, endurance and sporting ability. It’s a relatively new breed that was created in the 1970’s from the selection of different horses of other breeds with good sporting abilities.
This medium-sized breed, with an average height at withers of 160-170cm, has the perfect physique to be called a Sport Horse.
The SSH is a very intelligent breed, with an energetic temperament and a great aptitude for all sports. It’s a very suitable horse for Dressage, Show-jumping, Eventing and Trials.
The current situation of national breeding
In recent years, horse breeding in Spain has undergone remarkable growth, due to various factors, including:
- The increasing popularity of horse-riding in Spain.
- The improvement of horse-breeding techniques.
- The commitment of breeders to producing quality horses.
As a result of this boom, the number of registered horses in Spain has increased considerably. There are currently more than 250,000 registered horses in Spain and the number is on the rise. More than half of them are PSHs.
This growth has had a positive impact on the Spanish economy. The equestrian sector generates thousands of jobs and contributes to the wealth of the country.
Ovohorse and national horse breeding
Ovohorse is an equine reproduction laboratory and clinic that offers its services to breeders and stud farms who want the best animals to promote national breeding. We have extensive experience in the use of assisted reproduction techniques, such as artificial insemination and embryo transfer, which allow us to improve the quality of the horses produced.
At Ovohorse, we’re committed to national breeding, and we offer our clients a comprehensive service that includes genetic counselling, selection of breeding stock and monitoring of births.
We’ve contributed to improving the quality of Spanish horses in various disciplines, such as Dressage, Show-jumping and Trials, obtaining horses with great sporting ability in different Olympic disciplines, including horses that have competed in these disciplines and achieved great results.
