Spanish Horse Brand

The use of a spanish horse brand is widespread in Spain and Portugal as an indicator of the stud of origin. Purebred horses and part-breds are branded, as well as other livestock. However, branding of a spanish horse is not compulsory, nor is it proof of pure blood, nor is it necessary for registration of a PRE in the Spanish Stud Book.

For more on Papers and the Registration Process see links in the right hand menu.

Brand of a Spanish Horse

Classic branding is on the hip/rump. Spanish stallions on the left hip, spanish mares on the right hip. Lusitanos are branded on the right hip.

Spanish Mares are sometimes branded on the shoulder with a herd identification number as well, but this is not obligatory. Lusitanos of both sexes are sometimes also branded on the neck, under the mane.

Identify a Spanish Brand

A brand is part of the tradition of Spain. It has always been used as a sign of ownership, much like cattle brands in the US.

A rancher, or breeder, may well brand all his stock - stallions, geldings, PREs, part-breds, cattle, donkeys and mules.

The Stud Book and Branding

Here it is part of the identity of a stud to have a brand. It is the signature, so to speak, of the breeder and appears in the Spanish Stud Book Records for PRE horses bred and registered by that particular stud.

BUT a brand on a horse is not a sign, nor an acceptable proof that a horse is registered.

PRE Brands World Wide

The classic brands of Spain are recognised world wide. We are assembling a photographic record of brands we encounter, both from large and small studs. If you have a spanish horse brand you would like to add to our collection, or one you have a question about, feel free to get in touch.