The Alter Real is the magnificent result of a cross between the Andalusian and Arabian breeds. As it is, the Andalusian and Arabian are already well known in the equine world for their proud gaits and a wonderful, innate gift for movement. All this and more unmistakably presents itself in the Alter Real. Bred in the mid eighteenth century to be carriage horses for the royalty of Portugal, the Alter Real also became used for such things as classical dressage. The breed is well known for its precise movement and flexion and is commonly grouped with other Baroque Horse breeds such as the Lipizzan and the Lusitano.
Many dressage enthusiasts will recognize the action of the Alter Real as a pleasant cross between its two heritages. Their head is naturally carried high and their gait is regal and smoothly consistent. They are known for being quite agile, a trait that comes from both their Arabian and Andalusian background. The Alter Real also has an innate ability for movement that has to do with a superior equilibrium. Thanks to this, they are a more confident breed and are willing and able to perform tricks and moves that other horses cannot. This makes them perfect not only for dressage but for jumping competitions as well.
When the breed first came about, the original intent for the Alter Real was to fulfill a need for a compact but powerful carriage horse for royalty. After much experimentation, the royal workhorses proved to have a majestic movement and smooth gait while being strong enough to pull the massive weight behind them. Later on, as they were used for other activities such as dressage, entire training regimens and even schools were built around the breed. The Alter Real became synonymous with the history and culture of Portugal and the country itself became well known for its skills in horsemanship.
When opting to use the breed for such things as jumping or dressage, the temperament of the Alter Real is most conducive. Like the Arabian, it lives to perform and be seen. They expect to be out and putting themselves to the test. However, like the Arabian, they need a handler with a level headed approach to training. The Alter Real is quite intelligent and does not tolerate mistreatment in any form. However, this is hardly a problem for the breed. Many handlers note that the Andalusian blood makes the Alto Real ever so accommodating, ready to learn and a capably fast study.
The things that the Alter Real is able to do with such dignified grace never ceases to amaze. They can often be seen in shows demonstrating their amazing ability to trot in place, bound in small steps like a bird and even pose like a statue by rearing up on the hindquarters with their leg joints deeply bent. Their tremendous ability for flexion has been their crowning glory from the very beginning. It is very easy to see why the breed has such a devoted following.
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