Fighting bull breeding ranches (ganaderías de lidia) are grouped into different associations with the aim of joining forces in the breeding of this animal, which is as unique as the care it requires in order to be raised properly and arrive in optimal condition when it is transported to a bullring.
The first fighting bull breeders emerged in the late 17th century, when the spectacle of spearing bulls in public squares became popular — an event that can be considered the forerunner of modern bullfighting as we know it today. However, it was not until the 20th century that breeders formally organised themselves into associations, especially after the Spanish Civil War, when legislation required all livestock breeders, including fighting bull breeders, to be officially associated in order to operate.
In Spain, there are around one thousand fighting bull ranches, grouped into five different associations:
- Real Unión de Criadores de Toros de Lidia
- Asociación de Ganaderías de Lidia
- Agrupación Española de Ganaderos de Reses Bravas
- Ganaderos de Lidia Unidos
- Asociación de Ganaderos de Reses de Lidia
In addition to the ranch’s brand (hierro), the batch number and the year of birth, bulls are also branded during the herradero (the traditional branding day) with the mark of the association to which the ranch belongs.
The oldest of these organisations, which recently celebrated its 125th anniversary, is the Real Unión de Criadores de Toros de Lidia. Its president is Antonio Bañuelos, owner of the ranch that bears the same name. This association includes breeders from the three European countries where bullfighting events are held — Spain, France and Portugal — representing approximately half of the fighting bull population registered with Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA). In 2022, it was granted the title of “Real” (Royal) by the Royal Household of His Majesty the King.
The Asociación de Ganaderías de Lidia is another organisation with a large number of associated ranches. Founded in 1951, its current president is Mrs María Jesús Gualda Bueno, owner of the El Añadío ranch.
Ganaderos de Lidia Unidos was founded in 1979 by Víctor Aguirre Vázquez. In addition to promoting the conservation of the fighting bull breed in its pure form within a balanced framework for all breeders, the association also defends traditional popular bull events (festejos populares) as the true cradle of bullfighting. It is currently chaired by Nuria Aguirre.
Founded in 1983 by Ángel Gómez Cañitas, the Agrupación Española de Ganaderos de Reses Bravas has been officially recognised since 1991 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries as the body responsible for managing the Genealogical Register of the Fighting Bull Breed. It currently has more than one hundred associated ranches, and its president is Víctor Arriazu Fernández.
Finally, the Asociación de Ganaderos de Reses de Lidia was officially recognised on 30 September 2004 as an association of purebred fighting bull breeders. Its president is Manuel Rodríguez-Tabernero Martín. By autonomous regions, Andalusia has the highest number of ranches with 266, followed by Castile and León with 202, Madrid with 105, Castile-La Mancha with 102 and Extremadura with 100. Nevertheless, both along the Mediterranean coast and in northern Spain — and even in the Balearic Islands — there are fighting bull herds that continue, with dedication and commitment, to secure the future of this unique cultural tradition.
You can consult detailed profiles of all fighting bull breeding ranches on Servitoro
Jose Miguel Arruego
Bullfighting Journalist
