Pacific Association of the

Andalusian and Lusitano Horse

The Andalusian horse is one of the oldest pure breeds of horse in the world. Canadian Andalusians are a rarity. In 2003 there are approximately 350 registered in Canada. Though still a unique breed in the U.S., their population in this country has risen to around 5400. The total number of Andalusian (Lusitano) horses registered with IALHA in 2003 is 7289 purebred, 2898 partbred.

The Andalusian Horse originated on the Iberian Peninsula, in Spain, where 2500 year old cave paintings portray this noble breed. Up to the 18th century the Andalusian horse was the beloved mount of Royalty and Captains. They were the "Royal Horses of Europe." During the 18th century, European warfare caused the Andalusian breed to decline in numbers, close to extinction. In order to reestablish their breeding programs, exportation of an Andalusian became illegal without Royal consent. The penalty for exporting these treasured horses was death.
In Canada and the USA today, the Andalusian is ridden both English and Western. This versatile breed can be found throughout North America, competing in Dressage, Driving, Cutting, Cattle work, and Jumping. Their stunning presence and charisma makes them an asset to any show ring, exhibition or parade. The Andalusian, with its love of people, creates the ideal family horse.
Approximately 80% of the Andalusians are gray, 15% Bay, 5% black. The classic profile of the Andalusians slightly convex or straight head is an appealing feature, which balances well with their graceful, yet substantial bodies. Their thick and bountiful mane flows from an elegant, well-arched neck, (stallions crestier than mares). Andalusians' backs are moderate to short in length, the mare's backs tending to be longer than the stallions, (in order to comfortably carry their foals.) Their powerful rear quarters are complemented by a long, flowing tail. The Andalusian has a natural balance, collection, impulsion, and agility - an all around athlete.
Andalusian Horses possess a proud but kind temperament. They are sensitive, and particularly intelligent, responsive and cooperative, learning quickly and easily when treated with respect.

An Andalusian Mare

Mystique's Leyenda

T h e   L u s i t a n o

Ridden for over 5,000 years, the oldest saddle horse in the world has reached the threshold of the XXI
Century re-conquering the splendor it knew in Greek and Roman times when it was considered one of the best saddle horses in the world.
A 'hotblood' like the English thoroughbred and the Arab, the present day Lusitano results from a selection of thousands of years leading to an empathy
with the rider superior to any modern breed.
Selected as a hunter and for combat thorough-out the centuries, it is versatile, docile, agile and courageous. Thus it can compete in the most up to-date equestrian sport with the best specialists of
contemporary breeds.
Approaching towards the year 2000, the Lusitano is once more sought as a saddle horse for sport and leisure, and as a stud horse for its rare qualities of character and genetic ancestry. As only a small group of 2000 productive mares exists, it is nowadays a very rare breed. In Portugal, origin of the breed, there are only about 1000 productive mares, 600 in Brazil, 200 in France and the rest spread over Spain, England, Belgium, Germany, Italy, Mexico, Canada and the USA.
Today, the numbers of the Lusitano breed are growing, especially in Europe and Brazil where great progress has been made.
In Portugal, the quality of the production has improved a lot, and everything points to the establishment of new lines within the breed, so contributing to the assurance of its vitality.
In the XXI Century the Lusitano will continue to be the best horse for equestrian art and for bullfighting
and besides being a horse that gives the greatest pleasure to ride, it will continue to amaze us by its natural aptitude for jumping, and for Dressage and Competition Driving.
Officially institutionalizing the Stud-Book undoubtedly marked a decisive step ahead. This gave rise to a far reaching and careful selection process which made it possible to gain a deeper knowledge of genealogies and to perpetuate and take advantage of the bloodlines created by insisting on certain stallions (line breeding).
Their most recognizable characteristics include - a long noble head, most typically with a convex profile, narrowing to a finely curved nose large generous eyes, inclined to be almond shaped a powerful arched neck with a narrow hairline, deep at the base and set at a slightly wide angle to the shoulder, giving the impression of being fairly upright, a high wither leading smoothly from the neck to the back, a short-coupled body with powerful shoulders, a deep rib cage and broad powerful loins, a gently sloping croup with the tail set rather low and an unobtrusive hip, fine clean legs with excellent dense bone - the hind leg positioned well underneath the body axis, producing the hock action so suited to collection and impulsion, agile elevated movement coupled with a smooth and comfortable ride, an abundant, silky mane and tail.
Just as the Lusitano was endowed with all these qualities and characteristics centuries ago - so he is today.
He is proud. full of joie de vivre, willing and hard working - yet gentle and affectionate. If not immediately impressive to the eye in hand, these horses provide an unexpected thrill when under saddle and there is great empathy and understanding between horse and rider.

A Lusitano Stallion