100px|Kristina Harrison-Naness riding Rociero at the 2007 FEI World Cup Finals

The Andalusian horse is a horse breed developed in the Iberian Peninsula. Its ancestors have been present on the Iberian Peninsula for thousands of years. The Andalusian has been recognized as an individual breed since the 15th century, and its conformation has changed very little over the centuries. Throughout its history, it has been known for its prowess as a war horse, and was prized by the nobility. During the 19th century, warfare, disease and crossbreeding reduced herd numbers dramatically, and despite some recovery in the late 19th century, the trend continued into the early 20th century. Exports of Andalusians were restricted until the 1960s, but the breed has since spread throughout the world, despite still-low population numbers. Strongly built, and compact yet elegant, Andalusians have long, thick manes and tails. Their most common coat color is gray, although they can be found in many other colors. They are known for their intelligence, sensitivity and docility. The Andalusian is closely related to the Lusitano of Portugal, and has been used to develop many other breeds, especially in Europe and the Americas. Modern Andalusians are used for many equestrian activities, including dressage, show jumping and driving. The breed is also used extensively in movies, especially historical pictures and fantasy epics. (more...)

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_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1467:

Troops under Stephen III of Moldavia defeated the forces of Matthias Corvinus of Hungary in present-day Baia, Romania. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Baia

1864:

American Civil War: Union troops defeated the Army of Tennessee, one of the largest Confederate forces, at the Battle of Nashville. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Nashville

1942:

World War II: The Americans engaged Imperial Japanese forces at the Battle of Mount Austen, the Galloping Horse, and the Sea Horse in the hills near the Matanikau River area on Guadalcanal during the Guadalcanal Campaign. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Mount_Austen%2C_the_Galloping_Horse%2C_and_the_Sea_Horse

1946:

US-backed Iranian troops brought an end to the Iran crisis when they marched upon the breakaway Republic of Mahabad and recaptured the territory. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran_crisis_of_1946

2005:

The F-22 Raptor , a Stealth fighter aircraft that the United States Air Force claimed is unmatched by any known or projected fighter, entered into service despite a protracted and costly development period. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lockheed_Martin_F-22_Raptor

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

nee (adj): 1. Used when giving the maiden name of a woman. 2. Used when giving a former name. Originally known as http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/nee

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

The Universe is made of stories, not of atoms. --Muriel Rukeyser http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Muriel_Rukeyser