Pura Raza Española (PRE) Horse
A Living Gem Of The Spanish Golden Age: The PRE Horse

Born Dancers
Known for its prowess as a war horse, and was prized by the nobility
The Pura Raza Española (PRE) horse was first bred in the 16th century, in the midst of the Spanish Golden Age, and is characterized by its beauty and temperance, a testament to the care and respect for maintaining bloodline purity, without crossbreeding, and with a genetic quality that is passed on from generation to generation.
They are among the oldest horse breeds in Europe. With a history deeply rooted in the Iberian Peninsula, a land where equestrian traditions have thrived for millennia. The genesis of this noble breed dates back to ancient times when the Iberian tribes bred horses celebrated for their resilience, agility, and distinctive beauty. These early horses were influenced by the diverse cultures and peoples who settled or invaded the region, including the Celts, Carthaginians, and Romans.
Throughout the Middle Ages, the PRE horse gained a reputation for its martial prowess and noble stature. The horses’ unique intelligence allowed them to even learn how to pick up objects with their mouth, as their riders were wearing armour and unable to dismount easily. These horses became the mounts of choice for Spanish knights and nobility, valued for their bravery, strength, and versatility in battle. The PRE horses’ exceptional qualities soon caught the attention of European royalty and aristocracy, who sought these horses for their own stables.
Recognized in Europe for equine excellence, Spanish horses were the best suited for the equestrian arts: classical dressage and airs above the ground. The Renaissance era heralded a golden age for the Pura Raza Española horse. As this period saw the rise of the haute ecole tradition, the PRE’s natural elegance and aptitude for complex, precise movements made it the perfect choice for the highest form of classical dressage.
For this reason, during the 15th century Spanish horses were imported all over Europe. Maximilian II of Austria chose Spanish horses as the foundation for his royal stud at Kladrub and his brother, Achduke Charles, also established a royal stud in Lipica, Italy where the Lippizaner breed later developed from the genetic foundations of PRE’s. The significance of Spain’s historic influence over European equestrianism can be noted with the naming of the Royal Academy of Riding in Vienna, as the Spanish Riding School, which it is still called today.
In 1912, Spanish horses were separated as a breeding line of their own that is still strictly regulated today. The first “official registrar” for the PRE was created and the responsibility of managing the breed fell to the Ministry of Agriculture and part of the Cria Caballar. In 2007 the Spanish government passed the responsibility of the Studbook to the Royal Purebred Spanish Horse Breeders’ Association, also known as the Real Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española (ANCCE), which translates to the National PRE Breeders Association of Spain.
Stallions and mares can only be referred to as Pura Raza Española if the fact that they descend from recognised Spanish breeding lines can be proved. A Spanish horse can only truly be called a Pura Raza Española if both its sire and dam are registered with ANCCE as stallion/broodmare and parentage DNA blood test is positive in ANCCE’s lab.



The Modern Horse: Born Dancers
In modern times, the Pura Raza Española continues to embody the pinnacle of equine excellence.
In modern times, the Pura Raza Española continues to embody the pinnacle of equine excellence. The breed is meticulously regulated by the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture and the Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española (ANCCE), which uphold rigorous standards for breeding and registration to maintain the breed’s distinguished lineage. Today, PRE horses excel not only in dressage but also in disciplines such as working equitation, traditional driving and historical Spanish equestrian sports like Doma Vaquera. Their enduring legacy is a testament to centuries of dedicated breeding and a rich cultural heritage that remains deeply embedded in the heart of Spain and admired worldwide. The Pura Raza Española stands as a living emblem of historical prestige, elegance, and versatility, continuing to captivate horse enthusiasts and setting the standard for equine excellence globally.
Famous PRE'S
FUEGO XII
Fuego de Cárdenas, also known as Fuego XII, born in 1998 owned by Miguel Ángel de Cárdenas, and ridden by the Spanish rider Juan Manuel Muñoz Díaz.
Fuego’s notable performances include the 2008 Beijing Olympics, where he narrowly missed qualifying for the individual finals with a score of 68.160. In the 2010 World Equestrian Games in Kentucky, he earned the nickname “King of Hearts” after scoring 81.450%, securing fifth place and the highest score for the Spanish team.
Fuego’s strengths include passage transitions and a good gallop, making his flying changes appear natural and expansive.
His international victories include:
- 2008 Spanish National Champion: Grand Prix GP 70.958, GPS 66.640; KGP 70.800
- 2008 Olympic Games: 6th place
- 2010 World Equestrian Games: Grand Prix 74,95%, Grand Prix Special 76,042%, 5th place, GP Freestyle 81.45% 5th place
- 2012 Olympic Games: Grand Prix of 79.3% 10th place
Famous PRE'S
Malagueño
Malagueño is a 2010 bay Pure Spanish Breed (PRE) stallion, bred by Francisco Santiago Ruiz. He is the son of the elite stallion Joyero XXIV and Malagueña XXXIV, sired by the top-rated Dominante XVI. Malagueño is admired for his excellent work ethic and superb movement.
Malagueño has achieved significant success nationally and internationally under the rider José Daniel Martín Dockx. His accolades include being a two-time PRE World Champion in Classical Dressage (2022 and 2023) and winning the absolute Spanish Championship in 2023, both at the Grand Prix level, with scores above 80% in international dressage competitions. He was preselected to compete for Spain in the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, but unfortunately had to withdraw due an allergic reaction.
His international victories include:
- 2021 CDI 3* Abrantes: Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special
- 2022 CDI3* Las Cadenas: Grand Prix and Grand Prix Special
- 2023 CDIW Madrid Horse Week: Kür Freestyle
- 2024 CDI5* Doha: Kür Freestyle
Famous PRE'S
Quincallo de Indalo
Quincallo de Indalo is a 2011 grey, Pure Spanish Breed (PRE) stallion bred and owned by Yeguada Indalo. He is the son of Esbelto VII, who has sired numerous champion offspring. Quincallo de Indalo has had numerous international victories representing Spain in the CDI’s. He has been ranked as the leading horse for the Spanish team, and a top-ranked horse in various international shows over consecutive years ridden by Alejandro Sánchez Del Barco.
Quincallo de Indalo is admired for his abilities in both collection and extension, while having three good gaits and an excellent work ethic. He is currently the only classified PRE horse among the 15 best horses for Classical Dressage in 2022.
His international victories include:
- 2023: European Championships Riesenbeck Grand Prix 71.584%, Grand Prix Special 71.109%
- 2023: CDI3* Deauville: Grand Prix Special 72.25%
- 2023: CDI3* Deauville: Grand Prix 72.26%
- 2022: World Championships Herning Grand Prix 72.842, Grand Prix Special 74.073%
- 2022: Spanish Championship Bronze
Famous PRE'S
Rociero FS
Rociero FS, owned by Yeguada Arroyomonte, has represented Spain in the World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses – Longines FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horse, held from August 3 to 6 in Ermelo (Netherlands).
Ridden by Alba Abollo, and trained by Alberto García-Briñón, Rociero FS managed to place in the top 15 worldwide in the 5-year-old category, achieving fifteenth place in the ranking out of 44 pairs participating from different genealogical books with their best specimens worldwide. The pair achieved a spectacular average score of 80.200%, a success for the Spanish team.
His Young Horse victories include:
- 2024 CDIYH Segovia: 6YO Final, 77.20, 2nd place
- 2023 World Breeding Championship for Young Horses- Ermelo: 80.20% average for Spain
- 2023 ANCCE Cup Young Horse Finals at SICAB: 5 YO Champion
- 2022 ANCCE Cup 4YO CDN 2 Madrid: 4YO Champion 82.6%

Why Choose a PRE?
Your Perfect Spanish Dance Partner
PRE horses are esteemed for their remarkable versatility and genuine eagerness to work, rendering them suitable for virtually every riding discipline. The multifaceted Pura Raza Española horses shine in dressage, where they exhibit their advanced training and innate, graceful movements. They have natural abilities in the high collection movements of piaffe and passage, making them true masters of the arena and natural-born dancers.
Moreover, their harmonious physique and keen desire to learn make them particularly well-suited for working equitation, similar to the traditional riding style of Spanish cattle herders, which demands exceptional concentration and skill from both horse and rider.
our videos
Meet the Horses: PRE Stories
The PRE Horse: Cartujano and Kerrigan
The PRE Horse: Ediel and Pia
The PRE Horse: A PRE for Everyone
SICAB 2024: Official Promo
SICAB 2023 Highlights
SICAB 2023 Awards Ceremony
Saturday at SICAB: A Recap
Links of Interest
PRE Resource

Royal Purebred Spanish Horse Breeders’ Association

A non-profit organization devoted to promoting the versatility and unique attributes of the Pure Spanish Horse.

LG Stud Book Services

The world’s largest equestrian event for the Purebred Spanish Horse.

Promoting and encouraging a high standard of accomplishment in dressage throughout the United States.

The governing organization for the sport of Working Equitation in the USA.

National Governing Body of Equestrian Sports in the United States
Schedule of Events
Upcoming Events
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Fiesta Ocala- OCT 17-20
OCALA, FL, USA -
SICAB- NOV 19-24
SEVILLE, SPAIN -
USDF National Convention DEC 4-7
HOUSTON, TX, USA -
USPRE Week- 2025
TBD -
Feria Del Caballo Español 2025- MAY 17-24
JEREZ CITY, SPAIN -
West Coast Andalusian Expo 2025- JUNE 20-22
CORNING, CA, USA

SICAB 2024

Fiesta Ocala 2024
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