So let us begin with the controversy. On page 33, of Ascasubi's book, there is a picture of a Peruvian mare that has beautiful lift in the front legs (see Photo 2). This he compares with a picture of a Fresian horse with the same front action pulling a rider in a cart (see Photo 3). From this picture he makes a big leap and "assumes" the visual resemblance confirms the fact that there is Fresian in the background of the Peruvian Horse.

Photo 2

Notice the lift of this Peruvian Mare.

Photo 3

Observe the similar lift of this Fresian.

To reconstruct the history of a breed by merely looking at pictures is an inadequate method to say the least. First of all, one cannot compare a horse pulling with one under saddle, because it is like comparing apples and bananas. Secondly, observational methods are well known to be highly influenced by the personal bias of the investigator (subject) and therefore data must always be gathered in other ways as well. In an observational approach the investigation must always find supporting evidence or documents, even under the most objective circumstances, to build his or her case. Unfortunately this was not done. Therefore, the end conclusion made by Sr. Ascasubi was more conjecture than anything else. Hence, it is only logical that until such a time that more evidence is cited by Sr. Ascasubi's followers, his ideas remain inconclusive.

Photo 4

Andalusian with Barb and Fresian.

On page 39 (see Photo 5), there is a picture of Dictador the sire of Huerfano whom he titles, "Caballo Peruano, tipo antiquo." What he omits about this horse is that his type of large crested neck goes back to the old blood of the Andalusians called the "Cartujana." He keeps making leaps but often he fails to know in what direction.

Photo 5

Dictador, sire of Huerfano.

For example, he ignores the fact that the pictorial similarities between the Andalusian and Fresian may be because, the Fresian has Andalusian behind it, not the reverse. In world history it is a fact that many Andalusians went to Holland with the Spanish Cavalry when Spain occupied Holland (Fresia also known as the lowlands) during the reign of Carlos Vth. It was during this time, the Dutch, awed by the characteristics of the Andalusian Horse, bred it to some of their "cold-bloods" and developed the Fresian breed, a Dutch warmblood.

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