Introduction to Iberian Horses
Iberian horses—such as the PRE and Lusitano—have earned a reputation for excellence that goes far beyond tradition or aesthetics. Bred for centuries for war, classical riding, and bullfighting, they were selected not only for athletic ability but for mental strength, responsiveness, and partnership with the rider. This deliberate emphasis on temperament is one of the key reasons they stand out today.
Compared to many warmbloods, Iberian horses often mature earlier, both physically and mentally. They tend to be naturally balanced, quick to sit behind, and highly expressive without requiring excessive power or speed. Their compact build, strong hindquarters, and ability to collect make advanced movements feel more accessible, particularly in disciplines that reward balance, precision, and communication.
Temperament is where many riders feel Iberians truly excel. They are widely known for being people-oriented, generous, and mentally available. While warmbloods are often bred with performance as the primary focus—sometimes at the expense of rideability—Iberians consistently combine ability with willingness. This means fewer miles spent managing tension or resistance and more time developing skills.
For these reasons, some riders half-jokingly refer to Iberian horses as a “cheat code.” Their natural aptitude, trainability, and emotional intelligence can make progress feel faster and more intuitive, especially for riders who value feel and partnership over raw scope. While no horse replaces correct training and good riding, Iberians often meet the rider halfway—and sometimes more—making them exceptional partners for both ambitious goals and long-term enjoyment.
The PRE (Pura Raza Española) – Elegance, Intelligence & Presence
The PRE horse is renowned for its natural elegance, expressive movement, and exceptional trainability. Bred for centuries as a noble riding horse, the PRE combines beauty with a highly intelligent and willing temperament, making it a pleasure to work with at every stage of training.
PREs excel in dressage, classical riding, and high-level schooling, thanks to their natural balance, engagement, and aptitude for collection. Their strong connection with the rider, sensitivity to the aids, and calm mindset also make them suitable for ambitious amateurs seeking refinement without excess sharpness.
At Strathburys, we value the PRE for its versatility, rideability, and timeless presence—a horse that offers both performance potential and a deeply rewarding partnership.
The Lusitano – Power, Bravery & Athletic Versatility
The Lusitano is celebrated for its courage, agility, and powerful hindquarters. Originally bred for working equitation and bullfighting, this breed possesses exceptional balance, quick reactions, and a bold yet cooperative nature.
Lusitanos thrive in dressage, working equitation, and athletic disciplines that demand strength, responsiveness, and mental focus. Their compact build and natural ability to sit and engage make advanced movements feel accessible, while their generous temperament fosters trust and confidence in the rider.
Chosen for their heart, work ethic, and athletic intelligence, Lusitanos are ideal for riders seeking a horse that is both capable and deeply connected—equally impressive in the arena and a joy to train.
The CDE (Caballo de Deporte Español) – Modern Sport, Proven Genetics
The CDE represents the modern Spanish sport horse: purpose-bred for performance by combining the best Iberian bloodlines with carefully selected European sport genetics. The result is a horse with enhanced scope, elasticity, and athleticism while retaining the rideability and character Spain is known for.
CDEs are particularly well suited to dressage and competitive sport, offering expressive movement, strong biomechanics, and the mental balance required for progression through the levels. Their versatility and adaptability make them excellent partners for both professional riders and dedicated amateurs.
At Strathburys, we see the CDE as the future-focused choice—a refined blend of tradition and modern sport-horse development, designed to meet the demands of today’s competitive rider.