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The Definitive History of the Spanish "Horse of Kings"
This definitive, illustrated history of the baroque Andalusian and Lusitano horses explores the infamous breeds of Europe's Iberian Peninsula (modern-day Spain and Portugal). Originally kept for use in exploration and war, these steeds became beloved by kings and other royalty and thus helped shape the cultural history of the region. Known by many names over the centuries, these royal equines influenced the development of many of today's most successful horse breeds.
Still highly prized in the modern era, Andalusian and Lusitano horses are renowned for their terrific temperament, outstanding agility, superb strength, graceful movement, and their spectacular good looks.
Founder of the Lusitano Society of Great Britain, author Sylvia Loch treats readers to "a voyage of exploration taking us back to before the time of the Romans." She traces the origins and charts the lineage of the magnificent Iberian thoroughbred breeds. Sharing glimpses of lavish cultural institutions and colorful characters along the way, Loch offers fascinating information on regional equestrian events, such as the corrida (the mounted bullfight), and the Iberian schools of classical horsemanship. Other topics include the development of cavalry and horsemanship traditions, thoroughbred races, the contributions of these noble stallions to the evolution of dressage, and the influence of the Iberian breeds on the horses of the Americas and The British Isles.
As Loch details the fascinating history of these horses with well-researched, passionate, and easy-to-enjoy prose, admiration for these royal horses becomes irresistibly contagious.
This book is also available from Echo Point Books as a hardcover (ISBN 1635617057).
About the author
Sylvia Loch- Scottish born and educated dressage trainer and writer, has become a leading authority on the art of classical riding. Author of 8 books and over 8 films about the classical balanced seat and its development, she is today much in demand as a trainer, judge, lecturer, and public speaker the world over. Her first and best known book is The Classical Seat, which has sold over 90,000 copies worldwide. She is passionate about teaching a good position in the saddle, rein finesse, the unseen weight aids, and how to balance the horse without force, focusing on the correct biomechanical and humane training of the horse and rider. She has taught, judged, lectured and given seminars the world over, including Brazil, North America, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and throughout Europe.
