Lusitano
The Portuguese Lusitano was officially created in the late 1960s after Portuguese breeders opened a studbook that would set their Andalusians apart from Spanish Andalusians. The official name of this breed is Puro Sangue Lusitano, which is the Latin name for Portugal. The studbook was opened with both Spanish and Portuguese horses. The nimble and hearty Lusitano, with the ability to move quickly around a charging bull, is a prized mount in Portuguese bullfighting, where the bull is not killed. The horses are also talented in dressage and traditional western pursuits.
Characteristics:
The Lusitano and Andalusian share the same characteristics with differences stemming from lineage or usage only. For instance, a horse bred for cattle work might have a different type than one bred for dressage. The Lusitano, however, has been bred to have a more traditional convex profile than the Andalusian. Lusitanos are found in all solid colors with the most popular being gray or bay. The average height ranges from 15 to 15.3 hands high.
For more information:
International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Association, www.ialha.org
