Spanish Jennet Iberian Saddle Horse

Often referred to in the historical terms as Jennet (anglicized) or Ginete (Spanish), this is the Iberian Saddle Horse of either Spain or Portugal. Jennet is derived from the adjective gineta which describes the type of horsemanship employed in the execution of various equestrian exercises which made this breed famous.

When invading Spain, the Saracens brought with them a large number of Barb and Arab horses, with which the native stock was greatly improved. Such crossings of these Barbs and Arabs with the Spanish horses resulted in the Spanish Jennet. The Spanish Jennet is famous for its beauty, elegance with proud carriage and great docility and obedience, and is sometimes called "the Spanish horse."

The main breed characteristics are: a great width of breast, powerful shoulders, roman noses, long arched neck, full and flowing manes, goose rumps, and rather extravagant high action. The high action causes them to excel at the traditional "artificial airs" of the Vienna School. This proud, showy action and splendid appearance made them excellent for studs in Austria and Italy. There special breeds as the Kladruber, Lipizzaner, and the Neopolitan horses were created.

The Jennet was considered a very noble horse in the 17th Century, and stallions were excellent for breeding war, running, ambling, or a menagerie of other tasks. Having great spirit and courage, this horse is docile with a proud walk. He is said to have the "proudest walk, the proudest trot...the loftiest gallop, the swiftest careers and is the lovingest and gentlest horse and fittest of all for a King in day of Triumph...." He was considered "much more intelligent than even the best Italian horses, and for that reason the easiest dressed...." The Spanish Jennet is observant and has a good memory.

The best of these were bred in the Spanish Royal Stud at Cordova and were developed from the Khuaylai-Jinah-At-Tayr Arabian and Barb blood, which has been supposed to descend from Andalusian mares and the Barb stallion "The Cusman."

The Spanish Jennet was originally used for transportation and light agricultural work. Many were imported to the United States. The now extinct Canadian and Narragansett Pacers contained much of the old Spanish Jennet's "ambling" or pacing blood, introducing the lateral pacing gait. Today the Morgan horse has this characteristic trait.

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© 1997-2002 NorthWest Breyer Horse Club.
Published April 1999 in the NorthWest Breyer Horse Club newsletter. (em)

	© 1997-2007 NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 3/13/2007		Enter city or US Zip