II Salão do Cavalo Lusitano: A Game-Changer Event for the Breed?
II Salão do Cavalo Licenses 69 New Stallions for the Lusitano Breed
This weekend, the II Salão do Cavalo Lusitano reaffirmed its significance as a flagship event for the Lusitano breed. Organized by APSL (Portuguese Lusitano Horse Association), the event continues to strengthen its reputation as the ultimate showcase for Lusitano stallions, drawing breeders and enthusiasts from across the globe. Congratulations are due to APSL for orchestrating such an impeccably organized and impactful event: the dedication to promoting and preserving the Lusitano breed was evident in every detail, making this gathering an unmissable occasion for the Lusitano community.
The Salão also underscored the breed’s cultural prominence, with the Secretary of State for Agriculture and President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa in attendance. Their presence underscored the Lusitano horse's status as a cultural icon of Portugal.
69 New Lusitano Licensed Stallions for the Breed
Over three afternoons of evaluations, out of the 109 stallions that were signed up, 98 were vied for approval, resulting in 69 new breeding stallions joining the ranks of the Lusitano Studbook. Throughout the various presentations, we witnessed exceptional quality and potential, guaranteeing the Lusitano breed's continuous improvement for future generations. Among the top performers were:
- Quiebro das Arcas (Jasmim Plus x Invicta das Arcas), bred by Manuel Maia Correia, scoring an impressive 74.75 points. Owned by Correia e Sá Stud and presented by Mafalda Galiza Mendes, this stallion continues to uphold his award-winning reputation.
- Piton de Oeiras (Rubi AR x Isauda), bred by João Maria Diniz, earning 74.25 points.
- Lorde d’Atela (Destino dos Pardinhos x Dulcinea d’Atela), bred by Francisco Bessa de Carvalho, also achieving 74.25 points.
Not Familiar with the Process of Stallion Approval? Here is what you need to know!
The approval process for Lusitano stallions is a stringent evaluation designed to maintain the breed's high standards.
Here’s a quick summary of the key steps:
- Reproductive Health Evaluation: Each stallion undergoes a veterinary examination to assess the functionality and morphology of its reproductive organs. Sperm testing is conducted to ensure fertility, and horses with conditions like cryptorchidism are disqualified.
- Movement Assessment: Stallions are evaluated under saddle on their natural gaits — walk, trot, and canter. The judges focus on innate movement quality rather than the horse’s level of training, ensuring a fair assessment of its natural ability.
- Morphological Evaluation: After being presented under saddle, stallions are shown in-hand and graded against breed standards. Body parts are scored individually, with scores below 5 or two scores of 6 resulting in disqualification. Some traits, such as chest and back conformation, are given additional weight in the overall score.
- Age Criteria: Stallions must be at least four years old to be eligible for approval, though younger horses can be considered if they meet all conditions and demonstrate exceptional development.
This thorough process ensures that only the most promising stallions contribute to the Lusitano gene pool, safeguarding the breed’s future.
A New Cornerstone Event for the Lusitano Breed
The 2nd Salão do Cavalo Lusitano was undoubtedly a resounding success, driven by APSL’s visionary approach to consolidating multiple smaller approval events into one grand showcase. This initiative not only streamlines the annual calendar but also provides breeders with a clearer perspective on the new stallions available for each breeding season. Furthermore, it serves as a pivotal moment to unite breeders, offering a platform to share insights into what each is producing and their unique visions for their breeding projects. The event also strengthened the international presence of the Lusitano breed, attracting prominent breeders from around the globe. These international attendees took full advantage of this impactful event to travel to Portugal, connecting with the Lusitano community and discovering the newly approved breeding stallions.
Room for Growth?
If there’s room for improvement, it would be in leveraging this remarkable event to educate attendees further. Providing insights into the stallion approval process, its significance, and how scores are applied during evaluations could enhance understanding and engagement. Additionally, it would be helpful to clarify how breeders can incorporate their personal vision into their breeding projects, while still adhering to the standards set by the Lusitano Studbook. This would highlight the balance between preserving tradition and embracing innovation. After all, education is the foundation of evolution!
Congratulations to the breeders and owners of the 68 newly approved stallions! Events like the Salão do Cavalo Lusitano not only highlight the breed’s excellence but also pave the way for its continued evolution and global recognition.
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Lusitano World offers a combination of services dedicated to promote the Lusitano Horse worldwide and to highlight the richness of Portuguese equestrian culture. Visit our website and follow our social media platforms to find out what we can offer.
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