FAQ

NL Stables specialises in the sale of Pura Raza Española (PRE) horses — the officially registered Spanish breed. We select only quality horses with good gaits, a fine character and a demonstrable pedigree from certified Spanish breeders.

Yes, viewings are possible by appointment. Get in touch via the contact form or call us to schedule an appointment. Some horses are still temporarily with the breeder in Spain; in that case we will accompany you on a visit on site or send extensive videos.

Yes. All horses we offer are veterinary-vetted prior to sale. We work with recognised veterinarians and provide transparency about the horse’s health history. Additional X-ray examination can be carried out on request.

Short answer: every PRE is an Andalusian, but not every Andalusian is a PRE.

A PRE (Pura Raza Española) is the officially recognised Spanish horse breed, with a strict studbook managed by ANCCE in Spain. Only a horse with an ANCCE passport is a genuine PRE. "Andalusian", by contrast, is a common name for Spanish horses and not an officially recognised breed. A horse can therefore look exactly like a PRE and still have no papers.

• PRE (Pura Raza Española): officially recognised breed, mandatory ANCCE studbook and passport, verified and guaranteed pure bloodlines.
• Andalusian: a colloquial umbrella term for Spanish horses, no separate official studbook, pure bloodlines not guaranteed.

What is an Andalusian horse?

The name "Andalusian" refers to the region of Andalusia in southern Spain, where this type of horse has been bred for centuries. It is a popular name for the Iberian horse with its characteristic subconvex head, muscular neck with a full mane, compact round build and expressive, collected movement.

The official breed: Pura Raza Española (PRE)

The official name for the Spanish Iberian horse is Pura Raza Española — abbreviated PRE. Only horses registered with the ANCCE (Asociación Nacional de Criadores de Caballos de Pura Raza Española) may officially carry this name. The ANCCE is based in Jerez de la Frontera and is the sole authority issuing official PRE passports.

PRE vs. Andalusian: the difference

A horse commonly called an "Andalusian" can look exactly like a PRE — but without ANCCE registration the official documentation of pedigree is absent. This has concrete consequences:

• No guarantee of breed purity or pure bloodlines
• Lower resale value due to missing papers
• No access to official PRE breeding programmes
• Cannot be entered for ANCCE inspections and titles

How to recognise a genuine PRE when buying

Always ask for the ANCCE passport. That is the only official proof. Check it for:

• The microchip number — must match the horse
• A complete pedigree spanning multiple generations
• The ANCCE qualification: "Calificado" or "Élite" for breeding value
• The name of the official breeder and birthplace in Spain

Buy an Andalusian horse in the Netherlands

Looking for an Andalusian horse in the Netherlands? You are most likely looking for an officially registered PRE. At NL Stables in Vinkeveen we sell exclusively ANCCE-certified horses, personally selected from the finest breeders in Spain. Every horse is clinically and radiologically vetted before sale and is fully accompanied to the Netherlands — including all paperwork.

What is the temperament of an Andalusian?

The PRE is known for a friendly, willing and steady temperament. It is a horse that seeks contact with its rider, learns quickly and rarely spooks. That combination of presence and rideability is what makes the breed popular with dressage riders and leisure riders alike.

Are Andalusians difficult to ride?

No, quite the opposite. The PRE has natural balance and collection, which means movements that take years to develop in other breeds often come more easily. This is why the breed is widely used in classical dressage.

A PRE does ask for a calm, consistent rider. It is a sensitive horse that responds to light aids, so rough riding is counterproductive. For a novice rider with good guidance, a well-schooled PRE is a pleasant and safe horse.

Absolutely. Besides the horses we have for sale ourselves, we also offer a search service. For a fee of €5,000 (100% no cure, no pay) we actively search for the horse that suits you perfectly — based on your level, budget, colour preference and character wishes. Our network in Spain allows us to search quickly and precisely.

Yes. We coordinate transport from Spain to the Netherlands and can also arrange international transport. We work with reliable, experienced horse transporters who are used to long journeys and put the welfare of the horses first.

PRE horses are known for their friendly, sensitive character and their willingness to work with the rider. This makes them accessible to a broad audience in principle. Even so, we always advise beginners to have the purchase guided by an experienced instructor. We are happy to help you find the right horse to match your level.

We work with selected, certified breeders in Spain — including Yeguada Torreluna, Yeguada Del Jarama and Yeguada El Romerito. These are renowned studs with a long tradition of breeding high-quality PRE horses. All horses are ANCCE-registered and hold an official Spanish stud-book passport.

Yes. We offer training through our Grand Prix trainer Rodrigo Laserna, both on location and at your home — from in-hand groundwork to dressage lessons and clinics. Even after purchasing a horse through NL Stables, you can make use of our training programme for an optimal start with your new horse.

At NL Stables, transparency, quality and creating the perfect match are central. We only select horses we fully trust ourselves — in character, movement and pedigree. We provide guidance from the first contact to after the purchase, including training, transport and integration. In addition, our new accommodation in Vinkeveen will be completed in 2026, specially designed for the Spanish horse with a climate-control system for an optimal transition to the Dutch climate.

A PRE horse (Pura Raza Española) is the officially recognised Spanish horse breed, with a strict stud book managed by ANCCE in Jerez de la Frontera. Only a horse with an ANCCE passport is a true PRE. The common name "Andalusian" is not a recognised breed stud book: every PRE is an Andalusian, but not every Andalusian is a PRE.

At NL Stables we sell exclusively ANCCE-registered PRE horses, clinically and radiologically vetted before sale.

Read more about the origin, characteristics and character of this breed in our blog post "What is a PRE horse? Everything about the Pura Raza Española".