The Lusitano is a breed of horse from Portugal that closely resembles the Andalusian. Like the Andalusian, it is also an Iberian horse. It was used as a cavalry and carriage horse, but today excels in bullfighting, due to its very calm temperament, and great agility and speed.

The breed is also used as a pleasure mount, dressage, farm work and light draft work. They make excellent riding horses, due to their extremely levelheaded temperament. They are intelligent, sensible, and brave horses and have great balance.

Although usually gray the horse can be any solid color and usually stands 15 to 16 hands. They are compact, with powerful hindquarters, high-stepping action, and a thick mane and tail. They have a very pronounced Roman nose, with a very wide forehead, as opposed to the Andalusian's straighter profile, which was due to the Arabian blood infused into it. They also have a more sloping croup and lower-set tail, as well as shorter backs than the Andalusian. They have a well set neck, a broad chest, well-sprung ribs. They are extremely powerful and strong, due to their muscular hindquarters and strong, long legs.

The Lusitano derives its name from lusitania, the Latin word for Portugal.

• International Andalusian Lusitano Horse Assciation
• Lusitano Horses bred in Portugal
• Lusitano horses used for Bloodless Bullfights
• Cremello Lusitano Stallion, Saphiro:

  Horse breeds

  Lusitano | Lusitano | Lusitano