Horse

Horse Breeds Glossary - L Continued

LOKAI HORSE

In central and sourthern Tajikistan, the Lokai horse is bred. They are considered to be a saddle breed with Oriental lineage and developed by the Uzbek Lokai tribe. The tribe used local medium sized horses and various Central Asian breeds (including the Iomud) and improved them with Arabian stallions from Bukhara and Akhal-Teke.

The Lokai horses are short, and are not very uniform in their conformation. Sometimes the head is coarse but other times the horses of the breed do not exhibit coarse heads. Most are about 145 cm in height at the withers, with legs not always properly set.

Lokai horses are known for extreme hardiness, and have great endurance when under the saddle for riding, or the pack. In national games, specifically the kok-par,the Lokai perform very well.

LOSINO HORSE

The Losino breed of horses is bred in the Losa Valley of Burgos, Spain. It's related to many of the breeds that came from the Cantabrian-Pyrenean branch, including the Galician pony, the Portuguese Garrano, the Asturian pony, the Basque Pottok, Merens horse, Sorraia, the Thieldon, the Navarre horse and the Catalan horse, which is now extinct.

As with many horse breeds, the Losino breed experienced alarming decreases in numbers when the farming switched to mechanization, and when meat breeds and donkeys were crossed with Losino breeds. In 1986 there were only about 30 Losino remaining, but in 1999, thanks to a project for reviving the breed by the Breeding and Selection Center of the Losino Horse, the number had climbed to 200 horses.

The Losino breed weighs between 300 and 350 kg, and have average height of about 137 cm. Their heads are considered large with fine features and a straight profile. The Losino have strong necks that are straight, and actually stick out a bit. Characteristically, the Losino's have abundant manes and tails with long hair, which grows thicker and longer during the winter months as a natural defense against the cold weather.

LUSITANO HORSE

The Lusitano breed, found in Portugal, is also known as Lusitanian, Peninsular or Portguese. They are extremely similar in appearance to the Andalusian horses from Spain. It is a common belief that both the Andalusian and the Lusitano originated from a common source, but the Andalusian breed has developed an Oriental head shape while the Lusitano has a convex profile that is more closely matched to the old Andalusian or Iberian.

The Portuguese set up a stud Book for the Lusitano breed, in order to monitor and further improve the breeding program of their horses. The Lusitano features genetic abilities from years of being war horses, and make them wonderful in the bullfighting rings of Portugal. Horses must be agile and remain calm as the bullfighting in Portugal does not result in the killing of the bulls in the bullring.

The height of Lusitano horses is about 15.1 hands, but some grow over 16 hands. Most often gray or bay, they can actually be found in any true color, including chestnut. They have long and noble heads and a convex profile, with large, almond shaped eyes. Their neck is powerful, and they have dense bone in fine legs. Their movement is agile, and the Lusitano can be rode comfortably.

M'BAYAR HORSE

A pony breed found in Sengal, the M'Bayer calls the Baol region it's home. It is believed that the M'Bayar evolved from the Barb breed. Often used with Fleuve to develop the Fouta breed, the M'Bayar horses are bay or chestnut colored.

MALOPOLSKI HORSE

The Malopolski breed of horses is found in Poland. The breed originated from the Kielce and Lblin breeds in 1963, and is used as a draft horse and as a light riding horse.

About the Author
Phillipe Wiskell is a writer for HorseClicks.com, popular classifieds of horses for sale,