Lusitano
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Lusitano is an ancient Portuguese breed of horse that until the 1960s shared its registration with the Spanish horse, the Andalusian. Both are sometimes called Iberian horses, as their land of origin is the Iberian peninsula. These Iberian horses were developed for use in war, dressage and bull fighting.
In the XVII century the Spanish ceased fighting bulls from horseback and at that time began to selectively breed horses for saddle and parade use: showy gaits, fine bones and a dished face not unlike Arabian horses. The Portuguese continue to fight the bull from horseback and have saught to keep the historic characteristics of the Lusitano intact. These characteristics include great bravery, with a tendency to move forward into that which threatens, calmness, with great fire while under saddle. Most importantly, the Lusitano often has a subconvex profile, (Roman nose,) a trait that has been found to be tied genetically with an aptitude for "La Gineta," the ancient equestrian art defined by the necessities of mounted single combat or its contemporary replacements: bull fighting, dressage, jumping.
Lusitanos make excellent riding horses due to their levelheaded temperament amd tendency to bond with humans. They are intelligent, sensible, and have great balance.
Not unlike the famous Lipizzans, many Lusitanos turn white with age. They come in a striking variety of solid colors and usually stand 15 to 16 hands. They are compact, with powerful hindquarters, some with high-stepping action, and a thick mane and tail. They have a Roman nose with a wide forehead. They also have a sloping croup and low-set tail, as well as short backs. They have a low set cresty neck, a broad chest, well-sprung ribs. They are extremely powerful and strong, due to their muscular hindquarters and strong, long legs.
The Lusitano derives its name from lusitania, the Latin word for Portugal. Lusitanos and Andalusians were registered together under the Spanish Stud Book, but the breeds separated in 1960. At that time Portguese breeders sought to strengthen the breed and re-emphasize the special qualities of the Lusitano: ardent temperament, gentle character and a flexible body. Famous Portuguese families have bred Lusitanos for decades. The leading families, whose name is shared by the lines of horses they produce, are Andrade and Veiga.
In America Lusitanos and Andalusians are registered together under the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA.)
- International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Association
- Lusitano Horses bred in Portugal
- (French) Illustrated report on the national fair of Lusitanians horses
- Lusitano horses used for Bloodless Bullfights
- Cremello Lusitano Stallion, Saphiro:
Image:Saphiro11.jpgde:Lusitano pl:Lusitano ro:Lusitano fi:Lusitano
