There was a great confluence of events in 1998. The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse was formed for the protection and preservation of the P.R.E. in the United States. And, in Spain, Sr. D. Juan Carlos Altamirano published his monumental treatise "Historia Y Origen del Caballo Espanol: Las caballerizas reales de Cordoba" - The History and Origin of the Spanish Horse: The Royal Stables of Cordoba.
In this seminal and definitive work, D. Juan Carlos described the codification of our breed under the reign of King Felipe II. Beginning with King Felipe lI's Royal Decree of November 28, 1567, our breed was formalized; the standards set; and a royal stable established in the city of Cordoba. The brand which was determined for this stable was the "R" for "Real" (Royal) inside a "C" for Cordoba. A "corona" (crown) was added to the top of the "C" as an additional royal stamp.

This brand was placed on the horses which were produced in the Royal Stables -the first brand used on the first horses of our organized breed.

After centuries, when the Royal Stable of Cordoba was no longer a breeding station, the brand fell into disuse, then oblivion. It was D. Juan Carlos Altamirano who, in his studies, found the brand and re-registered it in his name. On hearing of the works and efforts of The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse in the USA, he generously donated this brand to The Foundation for its sole and exclusive use.

Now, four years later, the Royal Stables in Cordoba will be re-opened and once again serve as a home to our beloved P.R.E. breed and D. Juan Carlos has made a second and final gift of this logo: to the Royal Stables for their use.

So, the circle is complete: the brand associated with the birth of our breed has been revived, has helped with the education of owners around the world through the works of The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse, and now is again at home in the place of its birth: The Royal Stables of Cordoba, Spain.

The Foundation again thanks D. Juan Carlos for the most generous donation of this valued brand. We will use it with pride in our work to promote the P.R.E. horse knowing that its use is authorized for only two entities: The Foundation for the Pure Spanish Horse and the Royal Stables of Cordoba.

Suggested reading -- books by D. Juan Carlos Altamirano:

Historia y Origen del Caballo Español: Las caballerizas reales de Cordoba. (History and Origen of the Spanish Horse: The Royal Stables of Cordoba) (bilingual) 1 998.

Historia de los Caballos Cartujanos. (History of the Carthusian Horse) 1999. (Bilingual edition published 2000).