HORSE AND PONY BREEDS

Breed name: Lusitano

Other name: Pure Blood Lusitano or PSL (Puro Sangue Lusitano)

Height at withers: Normally between 15.1 and 16.1hh (155-165cm)

Country of origin: Portugal

Ancestors: Iberian and Barb

Colours: Usually grey but can be any solid colour

The Lusitano breed is strongly built, yet hugely agile and for these reasons is often described as the ‘pride of Portugal’. Many people consider the Lusitano to be the Portuguese equivalent of the Andalusian horse (the breed we will look at next month), but there are differences between the two breeds. For example, the Lusitano has a lower-set tail and has a more sloping croup than the Andalusian.

The exact origins of the breed are not known. It is generally thought that the Lusitano originated on the plains of southwestern Iberia, and was used for farm work, riding and by the Portuguese cavalry.

In the 19th and 20th centuries blood from overseas was introduced to make the breed heavier for work on the farms. Many thought this was a great tragedy for the breed, and caused a great loss in quality. Fortunately, a group of breed enthusiasts put together a very strict breed standard, and through a selective breeding programme, were able to restore the original qualities of the breed, including its great balance and superb action for dressage.

The features for which the Lusitano is best known include:

• Athleticism: The Lusitano is known as an agile and strong horse, with excellent natural balance. He has strong, muscular legs and a thick broad chest. The hindquarters are rounded and sloped, which gives a low-set tail and plenty of power behind. He is excellent at many disciplines.

• Handsome features: The head of the Lusitano is beautifully put together. It is Baroque and elegant with a slightly convex profile.

• Fast learners: The Lusitano is very easy to train and adapts well to the demands of various disciplines.

The breed was only formally named ‘Lusitano’ in 1966. The breed was named after the ancient Roman province of Lusitania, which included most of modern-day Portugal. Before 1966, the breed was under the Andalusian name.

The Lusitano was the traditional horse of the Portuguese bull-ring. Agile, intelligent and brave he was considered the perfect horse for bullfighters to ride. The horses were also ridden by companeros, when looked after the bulls that were bred for fighting.

Portuguese vaqueros (Portuguese cowboys) also often ride Lusitanos to herd cattle, using long poles. The poles, called garrochas, form part of elaborate horseback displays and feature in the sport of working equitation.

The breed’s excellent classical dressage skills have seen Lusitanos compete at Olympic level and in the World Equestrian Games as part of the Portgueuse and Spanish teams. The breed is also talented in showjumping and driving, and has taken part in several international events. In fact, the Belgian driving team of Lusitanos have won multiple international titles.