LUSITANOS
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Heirs to an Ancient Breed
Widely regarded as one of the oldest saddle horse breeds in the world, the Lusitano originates from the southern Iberian Peninsula, shaped over centuries by the land, the landscape and the culture around it. Praised by Virgil as the “Sons of the Wind,” Lusitanos have long been valued for their intelligence, courage and expressive movement. With a studbook of just over 13,000 horses registered worldwide, the breed remains one of the most exclusive and carefully preserved bloodlines in existence.
Raised in Freedom, Cared for with passion
At La Donaira, this extraordinary heritage is preserved and actively lived. Our Lusitano stud sits at the heart of the Serranía de Ronda, in southern Spain. These ancient breeding grounds are surrounded by Neolithic remains and cave paintings more than 30,000 years old. Across 700 hectares of pasture and holm oak woodland, our horses grow up shaped by the land itself, developing strength, balance and self-confidence.
More than ninety horses live free-roaming, forming a dynamic and socially rich herd. Foals are born out in the open and stay with their dams for approximately the first six months; after that, they grow up roaming mountains and plains, learning the language of the herd, physical awareness and emotional regulation in a natural setting. This early freedom lays the foundation for the calm, gentle and generous temperament for which La Donaira’s Lusitanos are known.
Training Built on Trust
Since 2005, our equestrian philosophy has been rooted in natural horsemanship; communication, trust and respect over force. Under this approach, every horse grows up free within the herd and, when the time comes, is prepared with the same care for classical dressage and top-level competition, under the guidance of María Culsan and Bernat Barrachina.
A Different Measure of Success
For us, success is not measured only in medals or scores, but in the health, confidence and longevity of every horse. But the role of the Lusitanos at La Donaira goes far beyond sport; they are part of our daily life and one of the pillars of the experiences we share with our guests. They are also woven into the estate’s livestock management and regenerative agricultura; at La Donaira, the horses are the soul of the project.
