They are among the baroque type of horses, and they are one-of-a-kind dressage talents – which they love to show off.
Breed:
Lusitano horse
Group:
Warm-blooded horses
Height at the withers:
155 – 165 cm
Weight:
ca. 500 kg
Life expectancy:
about 30 years
Colour of coat:
all basic colours, most commonly white and brown
Character:
reliable, strong nerves, eager to learn, oriented towards people
Gait:
nimble, exquisite, expansive
Origin:
Portugal
Prevalence:
Europe, especially Portugal
Suited for:
sports, recreation, dressage, show riding, advanced dressage, western riding, jumping, carriage driving
Did you know that the name Lusitano originates from Lusitania, the oldest Latin name for Portugal?
Lusitano horses are known as the oldest horse breed in Europe. They are originally related to Berber and Andalusian horses. However, compared to Andalusian horses, Lusitano horses were not bred for high skips. The breeding register for Iberian horses has been in existence since 1912. In 1967, they were divided into “Puro Sangue Lusitano” and “Pura Raza Española”. Today, there are about 10,000 thoroughbred Lusitano horses that can only be found in Europe, especially in Portugal.
Lusitano horses have a particularly elegant appearance. Their compact physique combined with a short back and medium-sized body is typical for the Portuguese horse breed. The so-called ram’s head – meaning a convex head and nose – can often be found in this breed. They have expressive eyes, a nicely curved neck and a slightly sloping croup. Due to their well-positioned back and the low leg activity, Lusitanos are very comfortable to ride, which is why they are also appreciated by riders with back problems.
Due to their compact and muscular body, their courage and agility, they are ideally suited for herding. Today, Lusitano horses are used in classical dressage and advanced dressage in particular. Their strong nerves and the fact that they are eager to learn makes Lusitano horses uniquely talented for dressage. The breed is very oriented towards people and the horses form deep connections with their owners – more than other horse breeds. Their height of 155 to 165 cm at the withers makes Lusitano horses a medium-sized baroque type of horse. Their average weight is about 500 kg. Lusitano horses come in all colours, but white and brown are the most common. Black and dun-coloured horses are rarely found and therefore sought-after.