From 5000 BC to the present day
12,000 - 1700 BC.
Origins and early history
The Lusitano developed over thousands of years in isolation on the Iberian Peninsula. This geographical isolation led to the undisturbed development of the horse population over 15,000 years.
Cave drawings in Portugal dating back to 1700 BC show horses that resemble modern Lusitanos, making the Lusitano one of the oldest riding horses in the world.
5000 BC.
Influences of ancient cultures
Around 5000 BC, the Lusitano was used as a war horse by the Lusitanians. These warriors developed a unique fighting technique called "gineta", which required fast, agile and strong horses.
Phoenicians, Greeks, Carthaginians and other cultures contributed to the development of the race. These invaders were impressed by the speed and fighting ability of the Lusitanos.
In ancient times, the Lusitano enjoyed great prestige as one of the best riding horses. Kings and nobles preferred him for portraits and as a war horse.
711 to 1294 AD.
Development in the Middle Ages
From 711 to 1294, the Moors brought their Berber horses with them, which were crossed with the Lusitanos. These crossbreeds were a reintroduction of bloodlines that originally came from the Iberian Peninsula.
With the founding of Portugal in 1128, the Lusitano became a royal horse and contributed to the development of the English Thoroughbred.
18th century
Modern developments
In the 18th century, the breeding trends in Spain and Portugal began to differ, which led to specific breeding for functionality, intelligence and speed.
The Portuguese began to call their horses "Lusitanos" to distinguish them from the "Spanish" horses. This led to the founding of their own studbook "Puro Sangue Lusitano" (PSL) in 1967.
Since 1989
Modern breeding and conservation
In 1989, the Associação Portuguesa de Criadores do Cavalo Puro Sangue Lusitano (APSL), based in Cascais, was founded to manage the studbook and ensure the purity and quality of the breed in cooperation with international representatives.
The breeding objectives of the APSL include the preservation of the characteristic features of the Lusitano and its adaptation to modern requirements.
Today, there are around 10,000 purebred Lusitanos worldwide, known for their courage, speed and agility. They are not only used for bullfighting, but also in working equitation and dressage.
