Lusitano

The Lusitano derives its name from the word lusitania which is the Latin word for Portugal, their country of origin. The Lusitano is an Iberian or Spanish horse, and is extremely similar to the Andalusian and other breeds of Spanish horse.

They have, in fact, only been called the Lusitano since 1966. Both the Lusitano and Andalusian developed from the same genetic background and have large percentages of both Barb and Sorraia blood. The two breeds do, however, have some notable conformation differences which are especially seen in the head.

The Lusitano has a pronounced Roman nose, and great width across the forehead, while the Andalusian has a more oriental profile. This developed through infusions of Arab blood into the Andalusian, and for this reason, many consider the Lusitano to be a purer breed. The Lusitano has amore sloping croup and a lower-set tail than the Andalusian, and is often straighter through the shoulder. The Lusitano is highly prized in Portugal, and is especially valued as the mount of the rejoneador, the bullfighter. Portugal has a very active bullfighting circuit, where the bulls are not killed in the ring, and the Lusitano is used due to its agility, speed, and extremely calm temperament. They need to be expertly maneuvered to prevent injury by the bulls and if a rejoneador allows his horse to be injured it is considered a great disgrace.

The Lusitano was originally developed for military use and as a carriage horse. Now, they are growing in popularity throughout Europe and America and increasingly are used for pleasure riding and dressage, as well as for farm work and light draft work in Portugal. They are a universally excellent riding horse, possessing a quite remarkable calm and unflappable temperament. typically the Lusitno have great poise and balance, they are intelligent, sensible, frugal, and brave.

In appearance, they have an attractive head with a Spanish profile, a short, thick neck, powerful quite upright shoulders, a broad chest, a short, compact back with well-sprung ribs, muscular quarters, and strong long legs. They are an extremely strong and powerful horse.  They can be gray, bay, or chestnut in color, and stand at between 15 hh  and 16 hh.

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