What do you look for in a horse. . . the Lusitano has aristocracy written all over their fine, slightly long faces. They develop a powerful neck and shoulder which makes them look extremely majestic in front. The quarters are not large, but the loins are wide and strong and the hocks long and wiry, giving them the power to bounce forcefully forwards with masterful impulsion. Deep flexion is obtained from the developed second thigh and the longer than usual cannons and pasterns.
Temperament
Lusitano horses are quiet and smart with gentle temperaments ...not a lot of high maintenance necessary to have a top performer.
Movement
Lusitano horses have a superior conformation... that passes on easily to offspring
Athletic Ability
Many Lusitanos have become Internationally known athletes like Novilheiro, ridden here by Olympian John Whitaker.
Trainability
Dressage, jumping, eventing, driving... these horses have the ability to do it all.
Versatility
The Lusitano is a well rounded horse whose gentle nature, agility and courage allow it to compete in a variety of modern equestrian events in competition with the finest specialists.
The Lusitano horse... A long noble head, typically with a convex profile, narrowing to a finely curved nose. Large expressive eyes, tending to be almond shaped. A powerful arched neck with a narrow hairline, deep at the base and set at a slightly wide angle to the shoulder, giving the impression of being fairly upright.. A high wither leads smoothly from the neck to the back.
A short coupled body with powerful shoulders, a deep rib cage & broad powerful loins. A gently sloping croup with the tail set rather low and an unobtrusive hip. Fine clean legs with excellent bone & hard round feet, the hind leg positioned well underneath the body axis, producing the hock action so suited to collection and impulsion.
