Here's an article with features from four of our members helping you to get ready for the show season.  Members of the society receive a magazine three times a year packed with useful articles like this one. 

The 2016 Brazilian Olympic Dressage Team consisted entirely of Lusitanos. BRAZIL ZINGARO DE LYW  ridden by Giovannah Prada Vass (18). XANA DOS PINHAIS ridden by Joao Victor Marcari Oliva (20). VENDAVAL 04 ridden by Luiza Tavares de Almeida (24). XAPARRO DO VOUGA ridden by Pedro Manuel Tavares de Almeida (22. VIHESTE AR reserve). Pictured is ZINGARO de LYW

(December 2020) Organisers Sussex Lusitanos say: We are thrilled to see our “Pride of Portugal” Lusitano Display in the programme for Olympia Online! The “Pride of Portugal” Display at Olympia 2016 was a triumph for the Lusitano breed at Olympia, watched live by over 90,000 spectators and admired worldwide online. The Display will now be relived via the livestream on Wed 16th December in the "Focus on Dressage" evening of Olympia Online 👏👏🎉   https://olympiahorseshow.com/

(December 2020) Organisers Sussex Lusitanos say: The Lusitanos received standing ovations from packed Olympia audiences for their spectacular musical ride, presenting traditional Portuguese equestrian art - showcasing harmonious and precise formation riding, Grand Prix movements ridden one-handed, carousels and work with the garrocha, all staged with dramatic lighting effects.

Laura Taylor hails Cavalier Breeze as ‘worth her weight in gold’ after scoring a personal best of 75.38% in a Novice Qualifier at Crofton Manor.

Iberian horses annually parade the Streets of London on New Year’s Day.

For the last few years on New Year’s Day, a group of riders with their Lusitano horses take part in what is now one of the biggest parades in the world. The Parade has more than 8,500 performers representing 20 countries worldwide and is filled with marching bands, cheerleaders, horses, acrobats and much more. ‘All the Queen’s Horses’ forms the equestrian section masterminded by Caroline Marsh.

I was invited to join a team of Luso aficionados on a trip to Portugal to enjoy the winter fair at Golega. It seemed like a bit of fun and a great way to avoid a week of winter weather in the UK so I agreed to go. 

Horses have not only shaped our history but also our thoughts and our lives. Here are a few sayings that I hope you will enjoy.

Endurance rider Jenny Myerscough has competed abroad with her Lusos Nelson (Venturoso Repoula) and Violetta. Jenny shares her tips for driving with a horse to Golegã.

International classical dressage trainer Charlotte Wittbom wrote a 4-part series on the art of working horses in hand for the LBSGB’s magazine Luso News, which is issued free to members. Starting with basic, introductory work, Charlotte moved on to explain how to teach the horse all the lateral movements from the ground before introducing rein back and the first steps towards establishing piaffe and Spanish Walk.

The series is aimed at horses already working under saddle. The exercises are not intended for young horses just starting out on their education. With publication of the concluding article, the complete series is now brought to a wider audience. Although written for the Lusitano Breed Society, the work in hand is beneficial to any breed of any ability.

INTRODUCTION

All equines have evolved on a diet of fibrous foliage (grasses, plants, herbs, bark & forage), but Iberian horses, like many breeds who evolved in dry, arid conditions, are generally well adapted to high fibre, moderate quality forage diets.

SUGAR, STARCH AND YOUR IBERIAN

Sugar and its effects on humans has been getting plenty of press lately, and we are also discovering more and more about its effects on our horses. Metabolic syndrome (EMS), Insulin resistance (IR), Diabetes, Laminitis and Cushing’s disease are becoming more and more commonplace, and Iberian horses seem to be particularly susceptible to these type of metabolic

diseases meaning their diets have to be thoughtfully devised.

EQUINE METABOLIC SYNDROME &

CUSHING’S SYNDROME

Q. What is Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)?

A. The 21st Century Equine Epidemic!

Equine Metabolic Syndrome (or EMS) is fast becoming endemic amongst Equids throughout Europe and beyond.

THE ROLE OF PROTEIN IN THE EQUINE DIET

Protein is often misunderstood and confused with other elements of the equine diet. Many horse owners think of protein as an energy source within feed products but protein has a very different function, which is mainly to provide amino acids - the building blocks of soft tissue, bones and muscles for growth and repair. Although protein is an essential part of the diet, it doesn’t mean that more is better.

Giving a display may seem a daunting proposition but why not start with something simple at one’s local show, riding club, fete or even to family or friends at home. People just love to see your horses, the tack and the costumes.