Panglao’s new draw: Iberian war horses

PANGLAO, BOHOL, Philippines — This premier tourist island-town has a new drawing power: the pricey and classy Iberian war horses, also known as “Lusitanos.”

Three of these thoroughbred horses were recently acquired from Portugal by the Philippe Tarsier Recreation, Inc., owned and operated by Niccolo and Patricia Moussempes, who introduced these pets to visitors recently, along with her other high-bred horses.

Among those who were awed by the big and great horses were Provincial Board member Benjie Arcamo, lawyer Giselo Galido of the Bureau of Customs in Manila, Dr. Desi Yap Alba and the media, among others.

Provincial tourism officer Jo Cabarrus said Panglao is probably the only town in the entire Philippines that hosts these thoroughbred stallions.

Lusitano is a Portuguese horse breed, closely related to the Spanish Andalusian horse. They are called Iberian horses since both are developed in the Iberian peninsula and “until the 1960s, they were considered a breed under the Andalusian name.

Its name originated from “Lusitania,” an ancient Roman name for the region that is Portugal today. The peninsula is known for its war horses some 20,000 years back. “By 800 B. C., the region was renowned for its war horses.”

“Lusitano can be any color. They can be gray, bay or chestnut. They can also be of any solid color, including black, dun and palomino. Only bays are bred at the Alter Real stud. Members of the breed are of baroque type, with convex facial profiles, heavy muscling, intelligent and willing natures, with agile and elevated movement.”

“Originally bred for war, dressage and bullfighting, Lusitanos are still used today. They have competed in several Olympics and World Equestrian Games as part of the Portuguese and Spanish dressage teams. They have also made a showing in driving competitions with a Belgian team of Lusitanos winning multiple international titles.”

The Moussempes center in Panglao also has a school for those aspiring to become equestrians, either as a profession or simply for hobby, added Cabarrus. — (FREEMAN)