02/19/2025
I have learned through the years of working with many Iberians that these horses have a strong sense of what’s just and demand respect. If you treat them unjust, they will let you know and if you treat them fairly and thoughtfully, they will give you all their heart and ride into battle for you, like my dear Fernando 💜
This topic has been in my notes for a long time, but I have been in doubt about how to approach it in writing... It is very important to me, and I feel that we owe it to our formidable Lusitanos to speak of this 🙏 Because when Lusitanos - and probably also Spanish horses to a degree - get into the hands of people who are not aware of this, it can be the cause of massive challenges ✖️
I will stay on my own track, and only talk about the Lusitano, but maybe you as the owner of another Iberian breed can recognize some of it:
Lusitanos are not Warmbloods 🐴 There are the obvious physical differences, but my point here is that they don't think or act like Warmbloods.
We know this from dogs; you should familiarize yourself with the breed you are acquiring and whether it suits your lifestyle. We understand that if you want a minimum of training and activation, then a German Shepherd will probably not be an optimal choice 🐕🦺 We understand that some dogs are designed to chase things that move, while others are designed to make noise, guard or something else.
Lusitanos are bred with the purpose of facing a raging bull 🐂 To move around it in quick, light movements and turn on the spot. That task requires a courage that typically shines through in everything the horse does, and a 'bullfighting horse' does not put up with everything 💪
They are infinitely cooperative and are able to adapt to an unimaginable variety of living conditions, people and needs, but once you hit the limit of their goodwill, you get into big trouble.
It breaks my heart when I hear about people who experience completely unnecessary difficulties with their Lusitano 😔 Often they get 'help' from trainers who have never handled Iberian horses before, and who hit the wall when they cannot get the little Portuguese horse to 'surrender' to the usual methods. It quickly becomes a vicious circle, and I can only encourage any Lusitano owner who finds their horse to be uncooperative, fearful or aggressive, to seek help from someone who knows the breed 🇵🇹
It may seem overwhelming if it involves a long drive or perhaps a slightly higher price, but there is a good chance that a trainer who knows Lusitanos can help you in a very short time, just by educating you on how your horse functions mentally ❤️
Should you read this, and think that a Lusitano sounds difficult, I will end this by reminding you that the Iberian horse was the favorite for both art and war for centuries, and that today's Lusitano can be found in GP dressage as well as the biggest, most spectacular horse shows in the world. You will never meet a better partner 🥰
Don't fight with any horse, regardless of breed... but if you go into direct combat with your Lusitano, then you must expect him to fight back - exactly as he was bred for ⭐
Photo: Liz da Raia (Riopele x Hostil x Spartacus), 10 y/old
Katie is a USDF Bronze with Distinction and Silver Medalist based out of Aiken, SC
