Everything about the Lusitano proclaims its bullfighter status. The mane and tail are showy and long. The croup, that is the line between the top of the tail and the peak of the hindquarters, is sloped and the legs are powerful. The head's profile is pronouncedly convex with a Roman nose and wide forehead. The Lusitano appears most commonly in gray and bay, and will often go white with age.

Because of its role in the bullfighting ring, a Lusitano must have bravery and confidence but be willing enough to trust its rider. They must react quickly to commands. The horse needs intelligence for its training and it must combine it with graceful movement and a quick action. Because of these roots, the Lusitano also performs exceptionally well at dressage – a sport often referred to as “horse ballet” that is intended to showcase a horse's level of training as well as its movement.

These powerful horses are not just for the bullring though, they also make wonderful riding horses. They are known to bond quickly and strongly with human partners and can be loyal and loving lifelong companions.

The Lusitano is a Portuguese variant of the Spanish Iberian horse. Its name is derived from “Lusitania,” the Latin word for Portugal, but it has only been in use since 1966 when the breed branched away from the Andalusian and established its own stud registry. In the United States, these two breeds are still bred together under the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association.

Though the breed is found all over the world, it is traditionally maintained by the campinos, or “bullfighters,” of Portugal who tend to the herds.

Back to the Horse Breeds Page         Lusitano Breeders - Horses for Sale
Lusitano - Horses for Sale