Continent: Europe
Country: Portugal
Weight: 450 – 550 kg
Height: 155 – 170 cm
The Lusitano is a horse breed originating from Portugal, with roots dating back to Antiquity. Its name derives from Lusitania, the Roman province that largely corresponds to present-day Portugal.
A descendant of Iberian horses bred for more than 20 centuries, it was selected by local peoples, then by the Romans and the Arabs, who left their mark on its type.
Over time, it became the emblematic horse of the Iberian Peninsula, used both in war, rural work, and bullfighting.
Known as the “horse of kings” in the 17th and 18th centuries, it was highly prized in European courts. Its stud book, opened in 1889, is one of the oldest in the world.
Portugal: mainly Alentejo and Ribatejo, where the major traditional stud farms are located.
The Lusitano belongs to the Iberian group, alongside the Pure Spanish Horse (PRE/Andalusian).
These two breeds descend from a very ancient genetic pool, considered a unique reservoir of diversity for saddle horses.
The Lusitano has preserved morphological and functional traits of the ancient Iberian horse: convex profile, natural aptitude for collection, robustness and endurance qualities that are rare in other modern breeds.
Its genes are found in several Atlantic and Mediterranean horses (Andalusian, Alter Real, some lines of the Friesian). It also contributed indirectly to the formation of war and performance horses in Europe.
The Lusitano is today recognized as a breed of high cultural and heritage value, protected by the APSL and widely spread across the world (Portugal, France, Brazil, Mexico, United States).
Its natural capacity for dressage and high school movements makes it a privileged partner in international sport, reinforcing its role in the genetic renewal of modern competition horses.
The Lusitano is therefore both an Iberian genetic treasure and a global sporting asset, giving it a special place in the international equine landscape.
The Lusitano descends from the primitive Iberian horse, present on the peninsula for tens of thousands of years. Cave paintings (such as those of Altamira and southern Portugal) already depict horses with a convex profile, very close to the current type. The name Lusitano comes from the ancient Roman province Lusitania (territory corresponding to modern Portugal).
From the Roman era, Iberian horses were renowned as cavalry horses. In the Middle Ages, the Lusitano became a war and chivalry horse, valued for its maneuverability, speed and courage. The Moorish invasions (8th century) brought Barb blood from North Africa, enhancing its resistance and suppleness.
In the 16th century, King Sebastian I founded the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art (1572). The Lusitano became the horse of choice in European royal courts, rivaling the Andalusian in the practice of Haute École.
The Lusitano established itself in Portuguese bullfighting, a discipline requiring courage, composure and agility.
Major founding lineages:
The Lusitano has evolved from an ancient war horse to a horse of tradition and spectacle, and today stands as a major actor in international equestrian sport, while preserving its role as a national symbol of Portugal.
Heir to centuries of selection for war and bullfighting, the Lusitano shows great bravery and remarkable calm under stress.
He learns quickly and cooperates willingly, making him an ideal partner for dressage and Haute École exercises.
Highly attentive to the rider’s aids, he reacts with finesse and speed, essential qualities for precision and agility disciplines.
An affectionate horse, he maintains a strong bond with his rider or caretaker. This closeness makes him valued both in sport and in prestige leisure riding.
Capable of moving from dressage to working equitation, from shows to driving, he retains a rare versatility in the modern equestrian world.
The Lusitano is a brave, docile and human-oriented horse, combining courage, intelligence and elegance, which explains his success both in Portuguese tradition and in international sport.
“Willing and generous, the Lusitano is a big-hearted horse, always ready to cooperate with his rider.”
The Lusitano is gaining notoriety in high-level dressage (World Equestrian Games, Olympic Games). Its collection ability, suppleness and focus make it a serious competitor against Northern European Warmbloods.
As a Portuguese national symbol, the Lusitano benefits from strong institutional support. The Portuguese School of Equestrian Art plays a major role in preserving its traditions.
Breeders are working to:
With an ancient and rigorous stud book, the Lusitano is protected from genetic homogenization. Traditional lineages (Veiga, Andrade, Alter Real) remain a guarantee of diversity.
The Lusitano plays a growing role in equestrian tourism in Portugal (shows, stud farm visits, equestrian stays) and contributes to the international image of the country.
A four-beat gait, regular and smooth. In the Lusitano, the walk is ample, clear, and energetic, reflecting its natural willingness.
A two-beat diagonal gait. The Lusitano shows a cadenced trot, with elevated and expressive movements, suitable for dressage and performance.
A three-beat gait, lively and balanced. The Lusitano excels with a collected, powerful, and maneuverable canter, ideal for haute école movements and bullfighting work.
A very elevated and cadenced trot, performed with marked leg action and great lightness. The Lusitano excels in this haute école movement thanks to its natural balance and generosity.
A collected trot in place, with very short and elevated strides. A symbol of classical dressage, the Lusitano performs it with ease and expression.
A spectacular walk in which the horse extends its forelegs very high and straight forward. Widely used in performance, the Lusitano executes it with elegance and pride.
A haute école movement from academic riding, in which the horse rises on its hind legs and performs several jumps in balance. Thanks to its compact build and strength, the Lusitano is one of the breeds best suited to this movement.
Born on 01/01/1998
Ridden by Gonçalo Carvalho, he represented Portugal at the 2012 London Olympic Games, becoming a legend of Lusitano dressage.
Born on 01/01/2010
A modern Lusitano dressage horse, finalist at the 2021 Tokyo Olympic Games with Rodrigo Torres.
Born on 01/01/2009
Star stallion, considered one of the most promising for the future of sport dressage.
