Alter Real Horse

The Alter Real is a breed of horse that originated in Portugal. Its name comes from the village of Alter do Chao and the real word, referring to royalty. The Alter Real is a breed closely related Iberian Andalusian and Lusitano horse and, like them, is a baroque horse.

The Alter Real was established in 1748 by the House of Braganza in Villa do Portel. The purpose was to provide Mews Lisbon horses suitable for classical equitation and the carriage horses. After eight years, the stud was moved to Alter, a city known for its rich pastures.

The race began with 300 Andalusian mares, imported from Spain, and Arabian stallions. During the French invasion of the Iberian Peninsula (1808-1814) most was spread by Napoleon’s troops. In 1834 came the end of the stud after the abdication of Michael I of Portugal.

Attempts were made to revitalize the stock, with Hanoverian, Norman, English Thoroughbred and Arabian horse without good results, being particularly poor blood supply Arabic.

In the late nineteenth century Andalusian blood was added, which finally improved the cabin. Following the abolition of the monarchy in Portugal, the stud would not have prevented it disappeared from Ruy d’Andrade, considered the greatest equestrian authority of Portugal, who saved a small amount of Alter and organized two blood lines.

In 1932 the stud moved to the Ministry of Agriculture, after which the breed has been improved with the careful selection of females abdomen and stallions. Currently the number of Alter Real is not very high but are not endangered.

It is said that the Alter Real is similar to modern specimens of the eighteenth century. The breed has a high-pass and high knee flexion. A powerful and well placed hocks contributes to a good move. The height ranges between 150 and 160 cm. The most common colors are bay, brown thrush and chestnut.

The neck is arched, muscular, short and straight by nature and profile of the head reminiscent of the Andalusian and Lusitano horses. The body is short, rounded rump and set tail is low.