- Carthusian -

The Carthusian horse was developed in Spain and is also known as the Carthusian-Andalusian and the Carthujano. It is used for riding and stands at 15.2 hands high. The Carthusian is actually not a separate breed from the Andalusian, as commonly thought, but is a distinct side branch of that breed and usually considered the purest strain remaining.

The Carthusian is one of Spain's most prestigious lines of the Spanish horse and has one of the oldest stud books in the world. The Zamora brothers, who had mares of this breed, purchased an old horse named El Soldado. They bred him to two of their mares - the resultant offspring were a colt and a filly, the former being Esclavo, the foundation sire of the Carthusian strain. Esclavo was a dark gray, considered to be a perfect horse. He produced many outstanding offspring, which were purchased by the notable breeders of Jerez.

The Carthusian's head is light and elegant with a slightly convex profile, broad forehead, small ears, and large, kind eyes. They have necks that are well proportioned and arched; their chests are broad and deep; their shoulders sloping; their backs short and broad; their croups sloped; and their legs are sturdy with broad, clean joints. Nearly all members of this breed have good conformation.

Check out these links for more information about the Carthusian breed!

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/carthusian/

http://www.equiworld.net/uk/ezine/0903/amc.htm

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