Characteristics

The Lusitano breed is noted for its courage with its temperamental urge to lunge forward on whatever it perceives as a threat.  But ironically it also exhibits a calm disposition while under saddle control.  Lusitanos are also reputed as intelligent with a level-headedness that easily bonds with its masters.  They show great balance and a noble gait when striding.

The Lusitano horse profile exhibits a Romanesque nose (Convex) profile with long legs and a thick main and tail.   They generally have a compact body typically standing 15 to 16 hands with powerful hindquarters.  They are quite powerful, mainly due to their relatively massive hindquarters and long legs. Most Lusitanos turn gray as they age and come in various colors.  Buckskin, Palomino and cremello are the most sought after due to their rare hair colors.

Brief History

The Lusitano derives its name from the word Lusitania, a name the ancient Romans gave the region that is basically modern Portugal. They were bred initially as military horses and then later used for bull fighting on horseback.  Portugal continues its bullfights on horseback with the Lusitano thereby preserving its unique cultural heritage in the sport.

The native original Iberian horses existed in primitive times as can be seen in cave paintings  at La Pileta (Malaga, Spain) dating  from 20.000 B.C. and at Escoural (Alentejo, Portugal) dated 17.000 B.C. It’s interesting to note that the ancient Greeks have a legend referring to the horses from the Lusitania banks of the Tagus River. It has been told that they have been fathered by the wind – a metaphoric allusion the speed and agility of the Iberian horse.

Subsequent invasions from Carthaginians and Romans that brought their own horse stock resulted in inter-breeding with the local Iberian horse, as well as from the Germanic Visigoths.  The conquering Arabs brought with them their Berbers and Arabian horses which also interbred with the Iberian breed.

But it was not until the 18^th century when the Alter Real Stud farm was created did we see a breed of superior horses with the character of the modern Lusitano.  The Royal Portuguese family who have known and have gotten inspiration from the Spanish Riding School in Vienna started it all.

The new stallions bred from the Alter Real were used in the Picaria Real Equestrian school since then.  In 1942, veterinarians from the National Stud named the breed born and raised in Portugal as Lusitano for those with the character that made them part of the Portuguese Stud book.

Worldwide Interest

Other than Portugal, many countries have shown avid interest in propagating the Lusitano horse breed.  Most are found mainly in France, Brazil and Mexico.   But other countries in Europe and the US also have a community of Lusitanos bred for various equestrian events.  Some are found in the Philippines, Thailand, South Africa, South America and Africa.

Various Types of Portuguese Saddles

There are number of Portuguese saddle styles and designs available in the equestrian markets worldwide. The traditional Portuguese saddle known as “sela Portuguesa” takes off from detailed craftsmanship of the 18th century saddle that can easily qualify as a baroque saddle. There are more contemporary design models on the Portuguese saddles such as Domingues saddle, Dinis saddle, Portuguese equitation and Ribatejo saddle – all fine specimens of the blend of traditional craftsmanship excellence and innovative designs that only saddle-making in Portugal can provide.

•Traditional Portuguese saddle
Better known as the Sela Portuguesa, the traditional Portuguese saddles under the Lusitano brand are handcrafted in Portugal and most of the current materials are the same ones used in the past. Their designs have taken off from the 18th century Portuguese saddles that are also known as baroque saddles. There are differences though like using maritime plywood for the tree saddle which gives it enhanced flexibility and resistance. The Sela Portuguesa comes in various sizes and in different colours dyed into its leather parts as well on the suede.

•Relvas saddle
One of the best known traditional Portuguese saddles is the Relvas saddle. It sports an elaborate design uniquely attributed to Carlos Relvas, a wealthy 19th century landowner, photographer, bullfighter and sportsman who fathered one of the most influential political figures of the 20th century, José Relvas. Like all saddle models in the Lusitano brand, the Relvas is handmade in Portugal and is available at the Portugal Shop.

•Portuguese Equitation saddle
The Portuguese equitation saddle is built around a structure specifically designed for Portuguese equitation while conforming with design principles found in traditional Portuguese saddles. They are handcrafted in Portugal and are available online at the Portugal Web online shopping site, Portugal Shop.

•Ribatejo saddle
The Ribatejo saddle combines the design elements from a couple of traditional models: the Relvas saddle and the Portuguese saddles. The Lusitano brand of Ribatejo saddles are also handcrafted in Portugal and are on sale at the Portugal Web online shopping site.

•D. Domingues saddle
The D. Domingues saddle is an innovative mix of traditional English saddle design and the Portuguese Relvas saddle that’s entirely handcrafted in Portugal.

•D. Dinis saddle
The D. Dinis saddle is another innovative cross between traditional and contemporary saddle making in Portugal. It is constructed with a structure conforming to the Portuguese equitation requirements and follows the outstanding design elements of traditional Portuguese saddles. The Lusitano brand is handcrafted in Portugal and is on sale in Portugal Shop.