Articles > Keywords > Alter Real

Alter Real

Alter-Real: Weird Facts/Did You Know?

[-]This particular breed of horse comes from Portugal. The first generation of the Alter-Real breed was developed in the mid-14th century at the Vila de Portel, a royal stud farm located in the village of Alter do Chao, in Spain's Alentejo province. The primary reason that the horses were bred was to provide stock for the royal stables in the capital city, Lisbon. [/-] [...]

Comments

Alter Real

When the Royal Stables of Lisbon Portugal needed an efficient carriage horse, it was the Alter Real that came about in the mid 1700's to satisfy the request. The Iberian breed was created using Andalusians and Arabians, resulting in a horse that could offer a smooth and reliable gait. Their well muscled physique gave them all the power they needed to pull the transport of royals in almost any terrain. To this day, the breed is still a symbol of royalty in both Spain and Portugal and the breed is often used in a number of traditional ceremonies throughout the region. From time to time, the Alter Real is referred to as one of the Baroque Horses. Baroque Horses were those breeds that exhibited muscular hind ends, thick strong necks that were perfectly arched and a long full tail. They were often used for dressage and trained to perform a number of gaits and tricks with amazing precision. A more commonly known Baroque Horse is that of the Lippizan. The Andalusian, from which the Alter Real is descended, is also one of the Baroque Horse breeds. When the Alter Real was not pulling the carriages of royalty, it was being trained in the art of classic dressage as well. [...]

Comments

Training As A Carriage Horse

Even though carriages are no longer a common form of travel, it is still possible to train an Alter Real to be the efficient carriage horse it was first developed to be. As it requires a horse to be comfortable with having a noisy object following behind them, training a carriage horse takes a certain type of preparation. Handlers know sensitive creatures like the Alter Real will require a most gentle approach to help them get used to certain harnesses and bits. As each trainer has a different way of handling this, there can be a number of variations on techniques for accomplishing this feat. A good carriage horse is one that is compact, sturdy and alert. As such, the Alter Real readily fits these requirements plus many more. In general, the first thing trainers do is establish a strong rapport with the horse. This will help the Alter Real feel safer and more comfortable with what he or she will be asked to do as the training progresses. Only when the alert and perceptive Alter Real feels there is no threat will they temper their awareness into the task at hand. [...]

Comments

Action Of The Alter Real

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. [...]

Comments

The Modern Alter Real

The modern Alter Real of Portugal has made it through a number of difficulties in its three hundred year history. All the while, it has managed to maintain a most loyal following, even in times when their numbers were scarce. In fact, if it had not been for the small group of enthusiasts dedicated to the Alter Real, the breed would have met with extinction just as many other varieties of horse from that time. Their beauty, grace, and sensitivity has survived very much intact and allowed them to be grouped with other noble breeds of the Baroque Horse category. The breed is deeply intertwined with Portugal's history and culture and is commonly seen in a number of ceremonies throughout Portugal and parts of Spain. Equestrian schools for classical dressage are located in Portugal where the Alter Real often takes center stage. To create proceeds to support the schools, specially trained groups of handlers and their rides tour the globe dazzling spectators with the precision movements of the Alter Real. The groups may even travel with those trained to handle other similar horse breeds, such as the Lipizzan. [...]

Comments