{"id":4847,"date":"2023-10-02T10:34:10","date_gmt":"2023-10-02T08:34:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/equspaddock.com\/?p=4847"},"modified":"2023-10-02T15:43:27","modified_gmt":"2023-10-02T13:43:27","slug":"the-lusitano-horse-a-purebred-of-portuguese-origin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/equspaddock.com\/en\/the-lusitano-horse-a-purebred-of-portuguese-origin\/","title":{"rendered":"The Lusitano horse: a purebred of Portuguese origin"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Lusitano horse is an equine breed that originated in the ancient Roman region of Lusitania, which corresponds to the current territory of Portugal. Its name comes from the Lusitanians, a people who lived in that area and resisted the Roman
\ninvasion. It is considered the oldest riding horse in the world and one of the most noble and versatile.<\/p>\n

Purebred history and influences<\/h2>\n

This horse breed has a long history dating back more than 25,000 years, when its ancestors, the Sorraia horses, lived in the Iberian Peninsula. These horses were domesticated by the native peoples, who used them for hunting, agriculture and
\nwarfare. Over time, the Lusitano horse was influenced by other breeds from the East and North Africa, which gave it its current appearance.<\/p>\n

What do Lusitano horses look like?<\/h2>\n

The Lusitano horse is of the eumetric type, i.e. of medium volume and a perfect combination of surface and mass. Their height at the withers ranges from 150 to 160 cm, they are compact, with muscular hindquarters, strong and long legs, with a
\nwide gait, sloping croup, low set tail, broad chest, rounded ribs, broad forehead, Roman nose, abundant mane and tail. Lusitano horses come in a wide variety of solid colours, the least frequent and sought after being palomino and cremello.
\nThey are a Portuguese breed of horses known for their beauty, elegance, strength, agility and intelligence. They are baroque horses, with a convex profile, powerful neck and hindquarters, a high and wide gait, and a variety of solid colours in their
\ncoat.
\nThey are considered the oldest riding horses in the world and have been used for various activities throughout history, such as hunting, warfare, bullfighting, dressage and equestrian tourism.<\/p>\n

What does Lusitano horse mean?<\/h2>\n

The name Lusitano horse derives from Lusitania, the ancient Roman region in the west of the Iberian Peninsula, where Portugal is today. Their fame dates back to Roman times, when their speed was attributed to the influence of the westerly wind,
\nwhich was believed to be able to impregnate mares.
\nIts origin is based on the selective crossbreeding between horses native to the Iberian Peninsula, such as the Sorraia and the Arabian, and horses from the East and North Africa.<\/p>\n

Where does the Lusitano horse live?<\/h2>\n

This breed lives mainly in Portugal, where most of its population and main stud farms are located. However, breeding has also spread to other countries such as France, Brazil, Mexico, Spain, Belgium and the United Kingdom. In addition, in the
\nUnited States it is registered together with the Andalusian horse under the same association.<\/p>\n

How much does a Lusitano horse weigh?<\/h2>\n

The average weight of a Lusitano horse is about 500 kilograms. Their height at the withers ranges from 150 to 160 centimetres, with females being slightly shorter tan males. Their body is compact and harmonious, with a sloping croup and a low set
\ntail. His chest is broad, his ribs are rounded and his forehead is broad. His nose is blunt and his ears are fine and expressive. Its mane and tail are abundant and soft.<\/p>\n

Famous Lusitano horses<\/h2>\n

Among the famous Lusitano horses we can highlight some specimens that have excelled in different equestrian disciplines.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n