Horse of the Lusitanian breed of Portuguese origin. She is related by blood to Andalusian Spanish horses. Despite the common roots, the populations differ somewhat from each other not only in external data, but also in character.
Lusitano horse
History of origin
Since ancient times, the Iberian Peninsula was inhabited by horses belonging to the Iberians, these horses were called Iberian. By the 8th century, this region had become famous for its strong and fearless horses. During the invasion of the Arabs on the peninsula, their horses – Sorray and Barbary were crossed with local mares. Andalusian and Lusitanian horses originated from their descendants, which were first considered one pedigree line – the Iberian.
During the Middle Ages, horses spread throughout Europe. The Spaniards used their herds in wars of conquest. When Portugal seceded from Spain in the 20th century, the countries created separate stud books for the Iberian horses. The Portuguese called their breed Lusitano. Now she is bred in purity of blood.
Attention! Alter Real horses are an offshoot of the Lusitanian breed. They are bred at the stud farm in Altera.
Exterior
Lusitano horses are owners of a dry physique. They are distinguished by beauty and grace. The average height of a stallion varies between 1,58–1,62 m, and the weight is 550–600 kg. Representatives of this breed are characterized by:
- wide body with rounded shapes;
- powerful shoulder girdle, turning into a deep chest;
- a long head with an extended forehead and expressive almond-shaped eyes;
- powerful trapezoid long neck of arched type;
- wide back and lumbar area;
- sloping oval croup with a low bushy tail;
- luxurious soft mane;
- of medium length, slender sinewy limbs with well-defined joints.
The variety of colors in the breed is quite large – gray, bay, red. The following coat color options are less common, but look spectacular – buckskin, nightingale, isabella.
Appearance of Lusitano horses
Character
Representatives of the Lusitanian breed are smart and good-natured, they are characterized by calmness. They can be trained and are distinguished by excellent maneuverability, which allows them to be used in bullfighting. Breeders note in animals a great desire to work and see them as reliable partners.
Attention! In ancient times, Lusitanos were known for their fearlessness and strength.
Using
A small number of Lusitanian horses is concentrated in Portugal. A significant part of the tribe is located in Brazil and France. At home, representatives of the breed are used in field work, as well as in equestrian sports. They are especially good at driving, dressage and show jumping.
Calm and balanced animals are suitable for hippotherapy. Lusitanian horses move smoothly, and they easily find a common language with a person, so they are often used to teach children how to ride.
The Lusitanian horse breed has a rich history dating back to the time of the Iberians. She is related by blood to the Spanish Andalusian line. These are graceful, beautiful, kind, strong and courageous animals.
