Horses are among nature's most majestic animals. They are easily recognized by their enormous beauty and elegance, but also by their courageous and sensitive character. And if we talk about physical strength, courage and sensitivity, it is impossible not to mention the Lusitano horse, which served as the basis for the line of current thoroughbreds that are admired around the world.
Did you know that the Lusitano horse is possibly one of the oldest types of horse in Europe and that its ancestors appeared more than 25,000 years ago? To discover other interesting facts and learn more about the origin, character and he alth of the Lusitano horse, continue reading this PlanèteAnimal page!
Origin
- Europe
- Portugal
Origin of the Lusitano
The origins of Lusitano date back to the ancient Roman region of Lusitania, located west of the Iberian Peninsula, where Portugal is today. However, it is believed that its oldest ancestor is the Sorraia horse, which inhabited the current territory of Malaga in 25,000 BC. The indigenous peoples of the Iberian Peninsula used them for hunting and farming, as well as riding them to fight against their enemies.
Similarly, the current appearance and behavior of the Lusitano only begin to be defined after several selective crosses between native horses from the Iberian Peninsula and horses from the East. However, some hypotheses claim that some North African horses could also have participated in the development of this Portuguese thoroughbred.
" Today we also know that the Romans already used horses in their battles, more than seven thousand years ago, and that the Lusitano horse was one of the favorite horses to fulfill this function on the battlefield. During the 17th and 18th centuries, the Portuguese thoroughbred reached the height of its international fame and, after gaining great popularity among roy alty and nobility, it was considered the horse of kings. At the time, they were used for various activities thanks to their great versatility and excellent physical resistance, showing their qualities in parades, horseback riding, sporting events and other types of competitions."
However, after the creation of the English thoroughbred horse, their fame began to decline in the early 20th century. A few years later, at the end of the same century, the Portuguese horse regained its popularity, and its breeding is now widespread in countries such as Portugal, France, Brazil and Mexico.Its population is increasing in Spain, Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Physical characteristics of the Lusitano
Like the Andalusian Thoroughbred, the Lusitano is considered to have a baroque style. It is a medium to large sized horse, with a compact body and a convex profile, whose height at the withers is generally 1.50 to 1.60 meters. Its short, soft, and shiny coat typically features grayish, chestnut, berry, and thrush tones. But it is also possible to find palomino and cremello Lusitano, which are varieties highly valued for their rarity.
Among its most remarkable morphological characteristics are the strong trunk, the powerful neck and hindquarters, the rounded croup, the low tail and the elongated extremities. His head should also be well proportioned to the rest of his body and his broad forehead and slender ears should be highlighted, the movements and positions of which say a lot about his state of mind.
However, it is possible to observe some morphological differences between the two most recognized varieties of Lusitano horses today:
- The Lusitano horse from Andrade, which stands out for its large size, well-developed musculature which gives it extraordinary strength and a slightly straight head. He is considered one of the seven horses that form the basis of the current thoroughbred line.
- The Veiga Lusitano horse is distinguished by its slightly convex head, flexible neck and shorter height.
At the walk, the Lusitanian is distinguished by his long high stride, combining strength and elegance. In addition, experts say that its forward movement, ease of jumping and flexibility are particularly comfortable for riders, making it an excellent horse for riding.
Character of the Lusitano
The Lusitano is an animal that stands out for its great courage, intelligence and willingness to learn. When they receive the proper care and live in a positive environment, they show a balanced and calm temperament, being able to live very easily with other animals and creating a relationship of friendship and mutual trust with their guardians and their parents. riders.
Thanks to their docile and very receptive character as well as their great versatility in learning, these horses have become the favorites of warriors, nobles and kings and, nowadays, sportsmen elite. He is one of the best dressage horses. From the battlefields of the ancient Roman Empire to the grass of international competitions: his precise movements, his agility and his bond with his rider have inscribed in history the name of the Lusitano.
Lusitano Care
The Lusitano must receive all the basic care of the horse to be in good he alth and thus be able to fully develop their physical, cognitive and emotional abilities.Among these essential care, we must highlight the importance of maintaining a good grooming and hygiene routine, which must necessarily include the daily brushing of their coat and the daily cleaning of their hooves.
Depending on the training or activity and the weather conditions, it may be necessary to wash it or at least clean its paws. If you choose to wash your horse completely, remember to use appropriate products for his hygiene and take special care when washing him near the eyes.
Logically, the Lusitano needs a large space in which it can graze and move freely, as well as a protected environment to rest at night and be sheltered in case of rain or bad weather. unfavorable weather. The ideal is to have at least one hectare for the horse, which must be properly fenced to prevent escape attempts.It will also be essential to cover the entire area to check for the presence of potentially dangerous elements or plants toxic to horses.
Another fundamental care for the Lusitano horse will be the quality of its diet, which must completely cover its nutritional needs. The horse's diet is based on foods of plant origin, like all herbivorous animals, and it must consume sufficient quantities of hay, fodder, grass and certain vegetables that are good for its he alth, such as potatoes. soil, alfalfa and carrots. In general, it is calculated that one kilogram of food is consumed for every 10 kg of body weight of the animal.
To complete the Lusitano's diet, it is also advisable to provide s alt stones in moderation, as they are an excellent source of minerals, mainly calcium, and vitamins essential for strengthening the immune system of the horse.Finally, it should be noted that Lusitano horses need daily stimulation, as they are very energetic and intelligent animals.
He alth of the Lusitano Horse
Lusitanians are distinguished by their excellent he alth and optimal physical endurance. However, they can also be affected by some common horse diseases such as colic, equine flu and tetanus. If they do not have proper oral hygiene, they will also be vulnerable to dental problems, such as dental abscesses. The hygiene of their environment and a good grooming routine will also be essential to prevent the appearance of skin problems in the Lusitano horse, such as ringworm or horse mange.
Of course, your horse will need to receive adequate preventive medicine to strengthen its immune system and prevent its he alth from being affected by numerous pathologies or parasitic infestations.So don't forget to consult a specialist veterinarian every six months as a preventive measure, and to be up to date on your horse's deworming and vaccinations.
Bibliography- Edwards, Elwyn Hartley (1994). The Encyclopaedia of the Horse. New York, NY: Dorling Kindersley.
- Hendricks, Bonnie (2007). International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds. University of Oklahoma Press.
- Loch, Sylvia (1986). The Royal Horse of Europe: The Story of the Andalusian and Lusitano. London: J.A. Allen.
- International Andalusian & Lusitano Horse Association (IALHA).
Photos of Lusitano
