Horse
Pronunciation:
Luh-see-TARN-oh
Breed Description:
The Lusitano breed of horse gets its name from Lusitania, which is the old Latin name for Portugal.
The horse has a similar build to the Andalusian breed of horse that originated in nearby Spain. But while both the Andalusian and Lusitano breeds certainly do have similarities, the Lusitano boasts an Arab outcross which makes it look quite different in some ways. For instance, one distinctive conformational failing of the Lusitano (which is not common to the Andalusian breed of horse) is its long cannon bones. However this is compensated for in some ways by its very powerful shoulders. It also has a short, thick neck which is not particularly pretty, but which contributes to its general balance and agility. The back of the Lusitano breed is short and it has sloping quarters, another benefit. Its girth is a little deeper than one would expect in a well proportioned animal. In contrast, its long wavy tail is similar to the Andulasian tail and it is not carried in Arabian style.
The Lusitano breed of horse is found in any color, although most commonly it is grey or otherwise bay or chestnut. Dun is the least usual color for this breed.
This breed was once used as a mount for the Portuguese cavalry as well as a mount for Portuguese bullfighters who traditionally do not kill the bull as they do in Spain. It is still used for bloodless bullfighting today!
Today the Lusitano is in great demand as a dressage horse at the top level. Lusitano horses have competed successfully with Spanish and Portuguese riders in dressage at both the Olympics and World Equestrian Games. Lusitanos have also done exceptionally well in top driving competitions in Europe.
Temperament:
The Lusitano breed of horse is very intelligent, and courageous, and it is a very willing worker and achiever.
Height:
The Lusitano breed of horse has an average height of between 15 and 16 hands, or 60 to 64 inches at the withers.
Weight:
The Lusitano breed of horse can weigh between 700 and 1,100 lbs, or 310 to 490 kgs.
Health Problems:
The Lusitano breed of horse is predominantly grey, which could mean that there is a lack of pigmentation in the skin. If this is the case, the skin would usually be lighter in color and could lead to melanomas. Otherwise there are no specific health problems related to the breed.
Living Conditions:
The Lusitano breed of horse should be stabled especially at times that weather conditions get harsh. These horses need to be turned out into a paddock on a daily basis otherwise they tend to get bored, as they are naturally very active horses.
Exercise:
The Lusitano breed of horse requires regular exercise as they have a lot of energy. They also need regular exercise when they are in competition.
Life Expectancy:
The Lusitano breed of horse can live up to 25 or even 30 years.
Grooming:
The Lusitano breed of horse needs regular, preferably daily grooming care to ensure the coat stays sleek and short and their mane and tails stay thick and healthy looking.
Origin:
The Lusitano breed of horse has quite a lot in common with the Spanish Andalusian horse since both breeds are derived from ancient Iberian horses. In fact as recently as the 1960s it was generally considered that these were the same breed. For this reason it is clear that the ancient Barb and Arabians are both fundamental to the Lusitano breed.
But in 1966 the Spanish and Portuguese stud books split and this is when the Portuguese horse – the Lusitano – was clearly defined for the first time.
There are five stallions and just one mare that count for the Lusitano. They are:
• Agareno,
• Primorosa,
• Destinado,
• Marialva II,
• Regedor, and
• the solitary mare, Hucharia.
Another important part of the Portuguese breed is the Alter-Real strain that owes its origins to the horses that were developed for Portuguese royalty who wanted to participate in classical riding activities. The first Alter-Real stud farm was founded in 1784 at the Royal House of Braganza in the Alentejo Province of Portugal. Later the stud moved to Alter which gave its name to the breed of Alter-Real breed that was founded on a few hundred Aldalusian mares. After Napoleon invaded Spain in the early 19th century, and other breeds entered the country, some Arabian, Thoroughbred, Spanish Norman and Hanoverian horse blood was introduced. But breeders re-established the breed later. This particular stud was re-established in 1942 when it was taken over by the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture. This strain has played a role in the modern Lusitano.
