As the name suggests, the Lusitano breed of horse originates from Portugal, where it is believed to have descended from its primitive ancestor, the Sorraia.

Cave paintings have been discovered in the Iberian peninsular, dated from around 20,000 B.C. that show pictures of horses and horse-related activities, and small bone tools have also been discovered from this period, that were probably used to make rope from horses’ manes and tails.

It is believed that the Lusitano is one of the oldest saddle horses in Western Europe.

During the time that the Phoenecians and the Celts were actively trading throughout the Mediterranean countries, many oriental breeds of horse were brought into Iberia from Libya, Egypt and Syria. From 800 B.C onwards, there are many references by Greek and Roman writers to the Iberian horses and their riders, who had developed a skilful equestrian fighting technique when fighting as mercenaries in the Peloponnesian war. This required the horse to charge, stop, pirouette, retreat and then charge again – obviously demanding great agility, courage and strength from the horse.

The Romans, always quick to adopt anything to maintain their military supremacy, were so impressed by the horses they encountered in Spain and Portugal that they adopted this Iberian style of equestrian fighting, and set up stud farms in Spain and Portugal, when they were in occupation there, to breed horses for their military expeditions.

In the book “Cavalo Lusitano o filho do vento”, (The Lusitano Horse – Son of the Wind) Sr. Arsénio Raposo Cordeiro writes, "The perfect bond between Iberian man and horse may have provided the original inspiration behind the legend of the Centaurs, a hybrid manhorse creature deemed to spring from the valleys of the Tagus River. At the time it was also believed that the mares of this region were sired by the wind, which accounted for the amazing speed with which they endowed their progeny."

During the centuries of the Moorish occupation, the Arab horses brought over from North Africa were interbred with the Iberian, which is generally regarded as having been beneficial to both breeds. These were the horses taken over to the Americas by the Conquistadors in the 15th and 16th centuries, influencing the horse culture and riding style of the Gauchos and others.

By the 17th century, these Iberian horses were not only important as war-horses, but also in the great riding academies across Europe. Movements once used in combat were refined into the precision of dressage. Renowned for their gentle nature and their intelligence as well as their agility, the modern Lusitano, the descendent of the Iberian war-horse, is currently in demand as a dressage, show-jumping and eventing mount.

Today the  Alentejo region of Portugal is the most important region for horse breeding, but the majestic Lusitano can be found, as a pure-bred or part-bred, all over Portugal. The Portuguese are still proud of their equestrian tradition, and rightly so of their horses:

“…well shaped, sweet tempered, brave, noble and elegant, a beautiful horse, light footed, strong, regular even running at trot and gallop; steady, most noble and perhaps beautiful as no other.”

General Joaquim Antonio Vito Moreira (Equerry of the Royal Family) on the Lusitano horse

If you like horses, then riding around Góis is one of life’s great pleasures. There is no better way to experience the countryside than on horseback, for the full sensory experience of the warm sun on your skin and the scent of pine on the breeze.

There is an abundance of tracks around the region that wind around the hillsides, as well as bridle-paths alongside the river Ceira, and quiet country lanes.

Riding holidays are available in the area, based close to Góis. It is also possible to ride out from these stables, if you are an experienced rider, or have some instruction and fun in the outdoor school.