As Spain has a history of many kings, it is obvious that there are still many equestrian statues of these kings.
On the Plaza de Oriente, on the (east) side of the Royal Palace in Madrid, you find one of the finest: The statue of king Philip IV of Spain (1605 - 1665).
He had many children but his son Charles II would be the last in line of the Spanish Habsburg dynasty (from Charles V to Carlos II).
The statue was made by the Italian sculptor Pietro Tacca based on drawings by Velasquez, who painted many portraits of Philip. Pietro Tacca made the king look rather handsome (compare some portraits by Velasquez).
More important is the way this Pietro Tacca handled the bronze. He makes one think it is easy and gives it a lightness like a piece of soft cloth flying in the wind.
Because the horse is lifting it's front legs very high it is told that the statue has to be balanced by putting more weight on the "bottom parts". Also for these kind of statues the tail is conveniently "touching" the ground. When you look at more equestrian statues, they mostly have 3 legs on the ground. Other options are people that hold the reigns or some (fantasy) construction in the middle.
Over his harness Philip IV wears a cape that flies behind him suggesting movement as if it is made from a very light material. This is a masterpiece. The lace seams are looking delicate.
The horse is looking extremely alert: Ready for Battle!
It's manes are long and finely worked.
There is a lot to read about Philip IV of Spain . And off course this is just a small part of the very interesting history of Spain in general.
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