P.R.E Sale Others Sale Videos Breeders P.R.E Articles Regulations Carriages The Spanish Horse Magazine

The contribution from Andalucia being limited, La Española was converted into the centre of supplies for all the expeditions of the Conquests: : Hojeda, Nicuesa, Ponce de León, Juan de Esquivel, Diego Velázquez, etc.,

began a horse trade throughout the whole Carribean, controlled from Santo Domingo and governed by the island´s ruling class. We have been able to determine the volume of this traffic in the case of Puerto Rico during the period 1512-1517, which was reflected in the change in prices. Between 1512 and 1513, all horses cost about 60 pesos, whereas later, in 1514, their value dropped to figures fluctuating between 40-45 castellanos. From 1516 to the end of exports in 1517, the cost for a horse did not go above 30 pesos, a normal valuation being about 20 castellanos. Wages in those days varied between 11-12 pesos at the lowest and 60-90 castellanos, which members of the admisistration earned. Just when the West Indian market was disappearing, new prospects arose on the mainland. The Spaniards from Pedrarias Dávila´s great expedition who had stayed on at the time of the gold rumours, needed horses for the "down payment" demands from La Española. On this island, the drove of horses grew to such a size that by 1516 they were able to export a few fine examples to the mainland.

Later, in the decade of 1520, the droves of horses had extended throughout all the Carribean islands. Along with La Española, new breeders appeared in Puerto Rico, Cuba and Jamaica. These islands were formed as the platform or regulatory centres for the whole Conquest. But, undoubtedly, the port of Santo Domingo was the place which had the most importance in the organisation and provision for the army. The importance and prominence of this city has its origin in a collection of factors.

As well as being the destination for all the fleets which left from Seville, its privileged geographical situation attracted - for supplies - all the expeditions which were heading to the continent. The city counted on the biggest commercial network, until then only seen in America, an abundance of capital, ships, men, horses and food to supply the army. Moreover, the only audience there was in the New World was established there and it was the institution which regulated the legal aspects of the Conquest. The horse trade was so prosperous that in 1523 the judges decided to prohibit taking mares off the Carribean islands. In September 1526, after three years´ prohibition, they renewed a trade which took slaves and gold to the Antilles in exchange for horses needed by the army commanding the continent. This capital and work force were destined, to a great extent, to the mines in Cuba and the sugar cane industry in Puerto Rico and La Española. Between 1530-1540 we saw the movement of markets and the appearance of new supply centres. Santa Marta, Cartagena, Cumaná, Veragua, Venezuela and Perú became the leading regions. On the Pacific side, Nueva España, Guatemala and Nicaragua added to the provision of men who followed Pizarro and Almagro.

Accounts which estimate the transport of horses to the Indies from Spain are not correct, despite the acceptance of some consignments. One case is Pedro de Mendoza´s and Cabeza de Vaca´s shipment going to the Plate River. In general, the Andalusian contribution at this time, and during the earlier decade - is considered a small consignment, but consisted of stallions and very select examples.

These animals were exported for breeding, as whimsical gifts or for the emigrant´s self-esteem; an example being those horses which Ilián Suárez took from Carvajal to Pizarro in 1543; the six studs which viceroy Antonio de Mendoza transported to Mexico in 1535 or the horse which the captain-general Pascual de Andagoya transported in 1539 "for his use". At the end of 1540, it could be said that in all the areas of the New World where there were Spaniards, there were horses, their breeding being regulated by specific Indian councils. These watched over and protected the race by way of periodical veterinary checks of the stallions, prohibiting the mounting of colts until they were two years old, etc.

SpanishIndex.com

Pagina Home SpanishHorses.com