As breeds go, the Lusitano is actually quite new. It was officially created in the 1960s when Portuguese breeders decided to set their Andalusians apart from the Spanish Andalusians. To accomplish this, a studbook that included both Spanish and Portuguese horses was opened. Though it initially included both types of horses, the goal was to create a completely unique breed. The official name of the Lusitano is Puro Sangue Lusitano, which is Latin for 'Portugal'.
Standing between 15 and 15.3 hands high, the Lusitano has much in common with the Andalusian. So much in common that sometimes the only differences are lineage and usage. If you put the two breeds beside each other, however, you might notice that the Lusitano has a slightly more traditional convex profile. Sometimes you have to look closely to see the difference, but it is there.
Like the Andalusian, the Lusitano comes in a variety of colors. The most popular colors are bay and gray, but black, brown, chestnut, dun, and even palomino are also common. Other solid colors can show up occasionally as well.
Nimble, sweet, and hearty, the Lusitano is a quick-footed horse often used in Portuguese bull fighting (where the bull is not killed, by the way). They can also be seen frequently competing in dressage as well as traditional western pursuits. In fact, this versatile breed can do most things well, making it good for just about any equine activity.
All true Lippitt Morgan horses today share a common ancestor. They are descended from Figure, a bay stallion owned by Justin Morgan of Vermont. Figure was foaled in the late 1700s and used as a stud horse until his death in 1821. Figure's unique body was compact, muscular, and stylish. These traits are still present in his descendants.
Initially, this horse was simply referred to as the Morgan. In the early 1900s, the industrial age made working breeds like the Morgan obsolete. Many breeds actually died out during this time simply for lack of interest. This might have been the Morgan's fate if horse owners hadn't decided to use this stunning breed for recreational activities such as harness racing, dressage, and pleasure riding. Unfortunately, this meant that owners desired a horse with more speed and refinement, so the original traits of Figure were being washed out.
Preservation efforts began in earnest. Fullerton Phillips of Pennsylvania was determined to breed his own Morgan horses and collected quite a herd, but a storm stuck and killed many of his prized equines. Five years later, in 1927, Phillips died and his remaining horses were separated for sale.
Lucky for the Morgan, Phillips wasn't the only man who took an interest in this unique breed. Robert Lippitt Knight bought several of Phillips horses with the hope of truly restoring the Morgan breed. He basically succeeded, but when he passed away in 1962, his horses were slated to be sold at auction. Because many horse enthusiasts knew of Knight's work, most of the horses were bought by those who wanted to continue the breed.
In 1971, less than a decade after his death, those still working to preserve the breed added 'Lippitt' to the name, creating the Lippitt Morgan to recognize Knight's contribution to the breed's survival. Since then, there have been no outcrosses, so most Lippitt Morgans exhibit many of the traits so prized in Figure back in the 1700s.
Standing between 14.1 and 15.1 hands high, the Lippitt Morgan has a short head, medium-length neck, and an impressive, pronounced chest. The back is quite short when compared to other breeds, but the croup is relatively long. The legs of this interesting breed are long in the thighs, gaskins, and forearms, but short in the cannon bones. Though the Lippitt Morgan comes in many dark colors, bay, brown, black, and chestnut are most common.
Though once a popular workhorse, today the Lippitt Morgan is seen in a variety of disciplines. They are most common in driving competitions, but they can also be seen under the saddle. For more information, visit the Lippitt Morgan Breeders Association.
