- 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, n 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 conformational differences, one that are seen especially in the head.

The Lusitano has a pronounced Roman nose and great width across the forehead, while the Andalusian has a more oriental head shape with a straighter profile. This developed through infusions of Arabian blood into the Andalusian, and, for this reason, many consider the Lusitano to be a purer breed. The Lusitano has a more sloping croup and a lower tail set 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 in order 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 as well. Now they are growing in popularity throughout Europe and America, and are used increasingly for pleasure riding and dressage, as well as for farm and light draft work in Portugal. They are a universally excellent riding horse, possessing a remarkably calm and unflappable temperament. Typically, the Lusitano have great poise and balance, and they are intelligent, sensible, frugal, and brave.

In appearance, they have an attractive head with a Spanish profile, a short, thick neck, powerful, upright shoulders,  a short, compact back with well-sprung ribs, a broad chest, muscular hindquarters, and long, strong legs. They are an extremely strong, powerful horse, and they can be gray, bay, or chestnut in color. They stand around 15 to 16 hands high on a regular basis.

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