PRE, Andalusian & Lusitano: Spanish Horses in South Africa

A complete guide to buying Iberian horses in SA — breed differences, import costs, and where to find them.

Breeds · 2026-03-05 · 9 min read

Spanish and Portuguese horses have captured the hearts of South African riders. Whether you call them Andalusians, PREs, or Lusitanos, these baroque breeds offer a riding experience unlike any other. But navigating the Iberian horse market in SA requires specific knowledge.

Understanding the Breeds

PRE (Pura Raza Española)

The PRE is the registered purebred Spanish horse. Only horses registered with ANCCE (the Spanish breed authority) can carry the PRE designation. They're known for exceptional collection ability, elevated movement, and a proud bearing.

Andalusian

Historically, 'Andalusian' referred to any Spanish horse. Today it's often used interchangeably with PRE, though some use it for unregistered Spanish-type horses. For pedigree certainty, always look for PRE registration.

Lusitano

Portugal's equivalent to the PRE. Lusitanos tend to be slightly more forward-going and are renowned for their courage — they're the breed of choice for Portuguese mounted bullfighting. Excellent dressage prospects.

What They Excel At

• Dressage — natural collection and passage/piaffe ability
• Working Equitation — the discipline was designed for Iberian horses
• Classical Riding — haute école movements come naturally
• Trail Riding — surprisingly hardy and surefooted
• Showing — their presence and beauty are unmatched

They're generally NOT suited for: show jumping above 1.10m, eventing at higher levels, or racing.

Prices in South Africa

Horse Type — Price Range (ZAR)

Locally bred young stock — R80,000–R180,000

Trained SA-bred PRE/Lusitano — R150,000–R400,000

Imported from Spain/Portugal — R300,000–R800,000+

Imported Grand Prix level — R500,000–R1,500,000+

Import costs (flights, quarantine, paperwork) typically add R80,000–R150,000 to the purchase price.

Where to Find Iberian Horses in SA

• SAHorseSales — filter by Andalusian, PRE, or Lusitano breed
• Iberian Horse Association of Southern Africa — breeder directory
• Private importers — several SA-based agents source horses from Spain and Portugal
• Local breeders — a small but growing community, particularly in Gauteng and the Western Cape

Buying Tips

1. Verify registration — insist on ANCCE (PRE) or APSL (Lusitano) papers
2. Check import history — imported horses should have full veterinary and customs documentation
3. Assess temperament — Iberians can be sensitive; match the horse to your experience level
4. Watch for overpricing — some sellers inflate prices based on colour (grey/buckskin) rather than quality
5. Consider a locally bred horse — SA-bred Iberians are adapted to our climate and often better value

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