 presence and pride in the show ring, as well as be able to follow quietly behind a child.”
Getting the best out of an Andalusian requires patient training. “They often try to please and can be pushed too quickly. If so they may internalize and nervous signs of stress will appear,” said Eger. “Take your time with them, building a trusting foundation. This breed will give you their heart if treated with firm understanding, respect, and patience.”
While relatively rare in Canada, there are approximately 175,000 PRE worldwide. Andalusian crosses are also quite popular in North America, with many even given their own names, such as Azteca (Andalusian-Quarter Horse), Spanish Norman (Andalusian-Percheron), Iberian Warmblood (Andalusian-Thoroughbred), and Hispano-Arab (Andalusian-Arab).
Puro Sangue Lusitano
The Lusitano is named for Lusitania, the name the Romans gave the area of the Iberian Peninsula which corresponds to modern day Portugal. Its full Portuguese name, PSL, means “pure blooded Lusitano.” The official studbook for the PSL is held by the Portuguese Puro Sangue Lusitano Breeders Association (APSL) in Portugal, which was established in 1967, though in North American they can also be registered with IALHA.
Photo: Davi Carrano
Stallion Alvahiro Interagro has a convex profile typical of Lusitanos.
Compared to the PRE, the Lusitano is a very rare breed, with fewer than 3000 productive mares worldwide, mostly in Portugal and Brazil. However, numbers are growing thanks to dedicated breeders and increasing popularity.
Like the PRE, the majority of Lusitanos are grey, although any colour is allowed. The body type is similar to the PRE horse as well, but with a shorter back and more powerful rear end. The head is usually more convex than a PRE horse and with a slightly sloping forehead, giving the head a curved outline. Due to being bred for bullfighting for centuries, “they tend to be very quick on their feet, with a slightly hotter temperament,” said Eger. Lusitanos are able to go from excitable to calm, or peaceful to passionate quickly and easily, depending on the will of their handler.
There are three main bloodlines in the PSL breed today, each with its own brand:
Photo: Davi Carrano
Lusitanos have agile, elevated movements said to be very comfortable to ride. Stallion Bizet Interagro displays the flashy movement and strong elegant conformation that makes Lusitanos a pleasure to watch and ride.
The Veiga line produces the horses that look most typically Lusitano, with a convex profile known as the “Veiga head.” Developed by Manuel Veiga, they are shorter than the other lines, quick and agile, courageous and obedient, and excel at bullfighting. Veiga described his horses as “nervous, full of gallantry, so obedient they seem to outguess the rider’s intentions; high thin head, long free-flowing manes, elevated movements, and a striking agility challenging all threats and dangers with indomitable courage.”
The Andrade line was developed by Ruy d’Andrade. They are tall, powerful saddle horses with a straighter profile than the Veiga line. With elegant gaits, they are excellent for bullfighting, dressage, and other work. D’Andrade described his bloodline as “strong horses, valiant with the bulls, changing from calm to ardent if spurred, and from ardent to obedient if left in peace; fast when running and rapid on turns; with good walk, sensible to the spurs, submissive with good mouth, endless strength in everything.”
The final line is the Coudelaria Nacional (Portuguese State) and Alter Real line. Based on Spanish horses, they are taller, longer horses that are very good for dressage and driving.
Of course, these lines are often crossed. Crosses of Veiga and Andrade horses in particular have been extremely successful.
Photo: Davi Carrano
Lusitanos such as this stallion, Blackstone Interagro, are powerful and athletic, possessing stamina and speed.
Working for centuries with the bulls using what the Lusitanians called Gineta tactics has made a horse that is bold but careful, intelligent and willing, and quick and agile. Lusit