![[ DID YOU KNOW WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPANISH AND LUSITANO HORSE? ]⚜️ Known as one of the oldest saddle horses a...](https://img3.voofla.com/024/089/1180218050240897.jpg)
09/02/2025
[ DID YOU KNOW WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SPANISH AND LUSITANO HORSE? ]
⚜️ Known as one of the oldest saddle horses and most prestigious war horses throughout history, the Iberian horse was the foundation for the current day breed of the Andalusian and Lusitano. The Andalusian breed was a culmination of breeds mixing with the ancient Iberian horse as people and tribes traveled through the Andalusia province of Spain. Whereas the Lusitano breed was a culmination of breeds in the Lusitania region, now modern day Portugal, during the Roman period.
With dramatic features from their thick arched neck, and their beautiful and dramatic gates, Lusitanos and Andalusians are both known for their agility, strong hindquarters, noble temperaments, and dramatic mane and tails, but have several small differences originating from their history.
It wasn’t until 1970’s that Spain and Portugal differentiated the Andalusian from the Lusitano by separating their stud books. The Iberian horse in Portugal was named Lusitano after the ancient Roman name for Portugal, Lusitana. The Lusitano horse was continued to be used and bred for bullfighting in Portugal, whereas bullfighting was banned in Spain in the the 70’s causing the Andalusians breed to shift focus onto dressage.
🔅 Andalusians can be seen all over the world today for show and pleasure. They are well known in the dressage, jumping, driving, trail, western pleasure, and exhibition ring. Andalusians also make great family and pleasure horses due to their docile temperament. The Andalusian is ridden in Olympic dressage by the Spanish team.
🔅Lusitanos are still used today for traditional Portuguese bullfighting, displaying their strength, agility, and responsiveness. Today the Lusitano is showcased in the annual Fair of Golega exemplifying traditional dressage movements. Lusitanos excel in the dressage ring, jumping, bullfighting, and exhibitions and shows. The portuguese olympic dressage team rode Lusitanos in the Olympics.