by Helen Peppi Equine Journal; May 2001 Founded in 1991, the Spanish-Norman breed history is still young with much unknown as the breed develops to its full potential in the different equine disciplines. Considered the “war horse of the ages,” the Spanish-Norman horse is a combination of the Andalusian of Spain and the Percheron of France, possessing the Andalusian’s agility and the Percheron’s docile temperament. A rare breed, the Spanish-Norman typically stands 15.3 to 17 hands, often closest to the large end of the height scale. The breed’s large size is not intimidating, however, as the Spanish-Norman possesses a gentle and kind nature when either in hand or under saddle. The Spanish-Norman is attracting the attention of equestrians around the world,” says Linda Osterman Hamid, co-founder of the breed registry. The Spanish-Norman’s predecessor, the lost Norman horse of medieval France, was strongly influenced by the Spanish horses. Norman horses mixed with Barb created what came to be known as the Percheron. Throughout history, horse bloodlines and pedigrees have been influenced by invasions and conquests, resulting in many breeds containing some of the same ancestors in their genealogies. The theory behind the Spanish-Norman horse is based on this common ancestry, breeding Andalusians to Percherons to produce get similar to the old Norman horse, the horse valued for its ability to face battle courageously. Linda and her husband Allan, a historian and educator with an interest in genetics, imported their legendary Andalusian stallion, Embajador IX in 1983 to Woodbury, Connecticut. When the Hamids felt they had recreated the breed characteristics of the extinct Norman horse, historically and genetically, they founded the Spanish-Norman breed and the Spanish-Norman Horse Registry, Inc.. Beginning with one foundation sire, Embajador IX, ten years ago, it says a lot for the growth of the Spanish-Norman breeds that there are now 76 Andalusian sires in the registry, located across the United States and Canada. Romántico H.H.F., also owned by Linda and Allan Hamid and sired by Embajador IX, is an outstanding representative of the Spanish-Norman and an ambassador for the breed. A grey standing 16.1 hands, Romántico H.H.F. exemplifies the breed’s best characteristics. Linda describes him as majestic, athletic, and with a wonderful temperament. “Allan and I were thrilled to see Romántico H.H.F. win a sixth place ribbon in the Freestyle Reining at the United States Equestrian Team ‘Festival of Champions’ last June at the USET Olympic Training Center in Gladstone New Jersey. We were honored that a Spanish-Norman stallion was invited to compete in such a prestigious event. Our main goal in re-creating the medieval war horse and establishing the breed registry, was to produce excellent performance horses for various disciplines,” she says. Romántico H.H.F. creates a dramatic...

Newsletter April 2001… “The Noble Warhorse Returns”… An outstanding sporthorse that retains the presence, physical and mental abilities of the classic European warhorse.

Linda and Allan Hamid, and the Spanish-Norman Horse Registry, Inc. extend warm congratulations to Bobbie Newton of Dos Desperados Ranch in Sedona, Arizona for exhibiting her Spanish-Norman filly ‘Bella’ at EqWest in Del Mar, California, November 17-19, 2000.

The equestrian community has lost one of it’s finest ambassadors. On April 30, 1998, the classic Andalusian stallion, Embajador XI, owned by Linda and Allan Hamid, passed away.

The equestrian community lost one of it’s finest ambassadors when Embajador XI passed away on April 30, 2000.

Little horse to some, great heart to all. The friend is gone, but the loving stays… Bettina Drummond pays tribute to Embajador XI

Elixir’s Gabriella, registered Spanish-Norman filly, b. 5/99, is shown here as a newborn. She is sired by the Spanish stallion, Elixir TG,, owned by Ann Puthoff of Fremont,Indiana, and out of the Spanish-Norman mare, Mi Vida Isabeau, also owned by Ann. As Gabby has grown, it’s become obvious that she’s inherited not only the beauty of both her parents, but their sweet dispositions as well. She’s kind and extremely connected with her human, as well as equine friends, in addition to showing great promise as a future dressage...

PRESS RELEASE: Spanish-Norman invited to compete at the United States Equestrian Team 2000 ‘Festival of Champions’

From October 4th-24, 1999, Columbus, Ohio hosted the All American Quarter Horse Congress with over 8,000 Quarter Horses from the United States, Europe and Latin America and one Spanish-Norman horse from Connecticut competing.

Press Release: November 1999… Spanish-Norman competes in All Breed Open Freestyle Reining at Quarter Horse Congress.

Stephanie Macejko, editor of Just About Horses’, the Breyer Animal Creations publication for model horse enthusiasts, presents the 1996 Breyer model of the Andalusian stallion Embajador XI to his breeders, Allan and Linda Hamid.

Spanish-Norman exported to France! We are proud to announce that the Spanish-Norman gelding, Agincourt H.H.F., has been exported to France!