Lusitano

Looks how to spot one

hair coat

The Lusitano is a medium‑weight, medium‑lined horse with a sub‑convex (rounded) profile and a silhouette that fits into a square. It has a narrow, well‑proportioned head with a slightly convex profile, a thick arched neck, well‑defined withers, muscular sloping shoulders, a deep broad chest, a short strong back, a rounded sloped croup and a low‑set tail. The legs are sturdy and muscled.13

Personality what they are like

The Lusitano is noble, generous and ardent yet always gentle and able to endure hardship. It is intelligent, willing and quick to learn, with a human‑oriented disposition. It remains docile enough for a child to ride yet possesses the courage and enthusiasm needed for bullfighting and other demanding work.365

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Lusitanos need regular, varied work that includes dressage, working equitation, carriage driving or pleasure riding. They are agile, forward‑moving horses that thrive on collection, expression and extension. They are always eager and willing to work and do not require a warm‑up period.67

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Routine care should include suitable feeding, hoof and dental care, vaccination and parasite control agreed with local professionals. The breed has strong feet and hard legs, seldom suffers from disease and tolerates rough conditions, but individual veterinary and farriery assessment is essential.56

Home where they are happiest

Lusitanos thrive on poor‑quality grasses and tolerate extremely rough conditions. They need access to shelter, clean water and safe fencing. In some countries, ownership may be subject to local regulations; always check legal requirements before acquiring a horse.6

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A diet of good‑quality hay or pasture, supplemented with grains or concentrates as needed for the horse's workload, plus constant access to fresh water and a salt or mineral block. Feeding should be adjusted for age, workload and body condition.5

Company who they like around

Horses are herd animals and Lusitanos benefit from the company of other horses or compatible livestock. They are human‑oriented and easy to manage, but should not be kept alone for long periods.6

The story where it all began

The Lusitano is one of the oldest riding horse breeds, with ancestors present on the Iberian Peninsula for at least 25,000 years. Cave drawings in Portugal dating to 17,000 BC show horses that closely resemble the modern Lusitano. The breed was shaped by the arid climate of Portugal and the close association with wild bulls along the Tejo River, which gave the horses their keen cow sense, intelligence and agility. During the Roman period, horses from Lusitania were famed for their speed. After the Muslim invasion in 711 AD, Arabian horses were crossed with native stock, refining the breed for war, dressage and bullfighting. The modern studbook was closed in 1989, and today the Lusitano is used for dressage, working equitation, carriage driving, bullfighting and pleasure riding.178

Recognised by the official bits

Associação Portuguesa de Criadores do Cavalo Puro Sangue Lusitano (APSL)

Official studbook closed in 1989; only foals from registered and approved parents may be registered as PSL.7