# Lusitano weight and height: the Portuguese baroque horse and its working build

> Lusitano height from Oklahoma State, an estimated weight with its basis, daily hay by body weight, and care notes on hooves, load and body condition.

Canonical: https://lucernel.com/guides/horse-breeds/lusitano
Last updated: 2026-10-25

Lusitanos are generally 15.1 to 15.3 hands with some over 16, and no source opened here gives a weight, so the numbers below use the closest sourced figure and say so.

**Lusitanos are generally 15.1 to 15.3 hands, and a fair weight estimate is 1,000 to 1,300 pounds.** Oklahoma State University says Lusitanos are generally between 15.1 and 15.3 hands (61 to 63 inches), though some make over 16 hands. It gives no weight, so the best available estimate is The Livestock Conservancy’s 1,000 to 1,300 pounds (454 to 590 kg) for the compact Lipizzan. (Oklahoma State University and The Livestock Conservancy (the weight is the Lipizzan figure))

| Source | Height | Weight |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Oklahoma State University | Generally 15.1 to 15.3 hands, some over 16 | Not given |
| International Museum of the Horse (archived 2020) | Not given | Not given |
| The Livestock Conservancy, Lipizzan for comparison | 15.1 to 15.2 hands | 1,000 to 1,300 lb |

Only one source opened for this page gives a Lusitano height, so treat the range as a guide. The Lipizzan is a different breed.

## A cousin of the Andalusian, bred separately

Oklahoma State calls the Lusitano very similar in conformation to the Spanish Andalusian, with a common origin but a separate Portuguese studbook, a more convex head profile and, in Portugal, a use as the mounted bullfighting horse, where the horse must be agile and calm.

## Daily hay for a 1,150 pound Lusitano

The arithmetic uses 1,150 pounds, the middle of the Lipizzan range from The Livestock Conservancy, since neither source gives a Lusitano weight. Replace it with a real figure for your horse.

Merck gives 2 to 2.5% of body weight in feed dry matter as the usual starting range for a healthy adult, with at least half from forage, 1.5 to 2% as the goal for a horse that needs to lose weight when laminitis is not a worry, and 1.25% as the floor. The figures below are our arithmetic from 1,150 lb, counting hay as 90% dry matter, which is our assumption.

- 1.5% of body weight: 17 lb (8 kg) of dry matter, about 19 lb (9 kg) of hay
- 2% of body weight: 23 lb (10 kg) of dry matter, about 26 lb (12 kg) of hay
- 2.5% of body weight: 29 lb (13 kg) of dry matter, about 32 lb (14 kg) of hay

## A weight tape example for a Lusitano

The horse weight calculator runs the adult equation from the Merck Veterinary Manual: measure heart girth and body length in inches, square the girth, multiply by the length and divide by 330 to get pounds. A heart girth of 76 inches and a body length of 66 inches gives 76 x 76 = 5,776, times 66 = 381,216, divided by 330 = about 1,155 lb (524 kg). Those measurements are our illustration of the formula, not a real horse.

Merck says the equation and tapes tend to underestimate weight and that a calibrated scale is ideal, so a tape number is best used as a trend. Measure the same way each time.

## Solid hooves still need a schedule

The museum describes sturdy, fine legs with broad, dry joints and solid, tough hooves. Merck sets trimming at 4 to 8 weeks for every horse and says cracks, thrush and white line disease can be treated well when caught early. Tough hooves are a reason for a steady schedule, not for skipping it.

## Carrying a rider

The museum describes a short, strong back and a broad, deep chest. The University of Minnesota says the 20 percent guideline is a starting point, and that a well-balanced horse with a short, well-muscled back and thick cannon bones can carry more than a long-backed, light-boned horse. Fitness and your vet’s view of the individual count as well.

## Body condition

Merck advises a score of 4 to 6 on the 9 point Henneke scale, and the University of Georgia describes a 5 as ribs that cannot be seen but are easily felt. Score your Lusitano by feel monthly and log the score with each weight.

## Frequently asked questions

### How much does a Lusitano weigh?

No source opened for this page gives a Lusitano weight. The Livestock Conservancy gives 1,000 to 1,300 pounds (454 to 590 kg) for the similar sized Lipizzan, which is the best available estimate.

### How tall is a Lusitano?

Oklahoma State says generally 15.1 to 15.3 hands, which is 61 to 63 inches, and some stand over 16 hands.

### How much does a Lusitano eat a day?

For a 1,150 pound horse, 2% of body weight is 23 pounds of dry matter, about 26 pounds of hay, and 2.5% is about 32 pounds. These figures are our arithmetic and a starting point.

### Can a Lusitano carry a 190 pound rider?

The University of Minnesota reports that an average adult light riding horse can comfortably carry about 20% of its ideal bodyweight, rider and tack included. For 1,150 pounds that is about 230 pounds, so a 190 pound rider with 25 pounds of tack is just inside it. Conformation and fitness change the answer.

## Sources (checked 2026-10-02)

- [Oklahoma State University, Breeds of Livestock: Lusitano Horses](https://breeds.okstate.edu/horses/lusitano-horses)
- [International Museum of the Horse, Lusitano (archived copy)](https://web.archive.org/web/2020/http://imh.org/exhibits/online/breeds-of-the-world/europe/lusitano/)
- [The Livestock Conservancy, Lipizzan](https://livestockconservancy.org/heritage-breeds/heritage-breeds-list/lipizzan-horse/)
- [Merck Veterinary Manual, Nutritional Requirements of Horses and Other Equids](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/nutrition-horses/nutritional-requirements-of-horses-and-other-equids)
- [Merck Veterinary Manual, Foot Care of Horses](https://www.merckvetmanual.com/management-and-nutrition/preventative-health-care-and-husbandry-of-horses/foot-care-of-horses)
- [University of Minnesota Extension, Guidelines for weight-carrying capacity of horses](https://extension.umn.edu/agriculture/animals-and-livestock/horse/guidelines-for-weight-carrying-capacity-of-horses)
- [University of Georgia Extension, Feeding strategies for peak performance in horses (B 1365)](https://fieldreport.caes.uga.edu/publications/B1365/feeding-strategies-for-peak-performance-in-horses/)