Mary Allen
Introduction
The Altér Real horse breed, also known as the Lusitano Alter Real or Alter Real, is a rare and ancient breed of horse that originates from the Alter Real Stud Farm in Portugal. This breed is known for its exceptional beauty, strength, and agility, making it a popular choice for both traditional and modern roles. The Altér Real horse breed has a rich history that is deeply rooted in Portugal’s culture and traditions, making it an important part of the country’s heritage.
History
The Altér Real horse breed dates back to the 18th century when King João V of Portugal established the Alter Real Stud Farm, with the aim of creating a superior breed of horse for royal and military purposes. The stud farm was located in the town of Alter do Chão in the Alentejo region of Portugal, which is known for its fertile soil and ideal grazing conditions. The breeding program was carefully planned and executed, using only the finest horses from Andalusia, Spain, and Portugal. Over time, the Altér Real breed became famous for its beauty, strength, and intelligence, and was considered one of the best breeds in Europe.
Characteristics
The Altér Real horse breed is known for its elegant and athletic physique, with a strong, muscular body and a high-set neck. They have a distinctive head with a straight or slightly convex profile, and large, expressive eyes. Their coat is usually gray, bay, or chestnut, with a shiny, silky texture. Altér Real horses have a gentle and docile temperament, making them easy to train and handle. They are also known for their intelligence, loyalty, and courage, which makes them a popular choice for equestrian sports such as dressage and jumping.
Breeding
The breeding of Altér Real horses is carefully managed to ensure that the breed maintains its high quality and unique characteristics. The breeding program is overseen by the Portuguese government, which is responsible for the management of the Alter Real Stud Farm. The breeding process involves the selection of the best mares and stallions, with a focus on maintaining genetic diversity and avoiding inbreeding. The foals are carefully monitored and raised in a natural environment, with plenty of space to graze and exercise.
Uses
The Altér Real horse breed has a long history of use in Portugal, where it was originally bred for royal and military purposes. Today, Altér Real horses are used for a variety of traditional and modern roles, including dressage, jumping, bullfighting, and carriage driving. They are also popular as leisure horses, due to their gentle temperament and easy-going nature. The Altér Real breed has gained recognition in international equestrian events, with many horses competing at the highest levels of dressage and jumping.
Popularity
The Altér Real horse breed is considered rare, with only a few hundred horses registered worldwide. The breed is most popular in Portugal, where it is an important part of the country’s heritage and culture. The breed has gained some popularity in other countries, particularly in Europe and the United States, where it is appreciated for its beauty and versatility. However, the breed remains at risk of extinction, due to the small population and limited breeding opportunities.
Challenges
The Altér Real breed faces several challenges to its survival, including genetic disorders, inbreeding, and lack of funding for conservation efforts. The small population size also makes the breed vulnerable to natural disasters, diseases, and other threats. The breed is also under pressure from modern breeding practices, which often prioritize certain traits over genetic diversity and sustainability.
Conservation efforts
Several initiatives have been undertaken to protect and promote the Altér Real breed, including the establishment of breeding programs and conservation centers. The Portuguese government has also provided funding for research into genetic disorders and other health issues. The International Stud Book for the Altér Real breed was established in 2003, which helps to maintain genetic diversity and prevent inbreeding. There are also several associations and organizations that support the breed, including the Alter Real Foundation and the Portuguese Equestrian Federation.
Associations
The Alter Real Foundation is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Altér Real breed. The foundation works closely with the Portuguese government and other organizations to support breeding programs, research, and education. The Portuguese Equestrian Federation is also involved in promoting the breed, through events, competitions, and other activities.
Training and riding
Altér Real horses are known for their gentle and easy-going nature, which makes them a popular choice for riders of all levels. However, they do require proper training and handling, as they can be sensitive to cues and commands. Riders should also be aware of the breed’s strengths and weaknesses, and tailor their training programs accordingly. Altér Real horses are particularly well-suited for dressage and jumping, due to their natural athleticism and intelligence.
Conclusion
The Altér Real horse breed is a rare and valuable part of Portugal’s heritage and culture. The breed’s exceptional beauty, strength, and agility make it a popular choice for both traditional and modern roles, and it has gained recognition in international equestrian events. However, the breed remains at risk of extinction, due to a small population size and various threats. It is important to support conservation efforts and promote sustainable breeding practices, in order to ensure the continued survival of this remarkable breed.
Resources
- The Alter Real Foundation: https://www.fundacaoalterreal.pt/
- The Portuguese Equestrian Federation: https://www.fep.pt/
- The International Stud Book for the Alter Real breed: https://www.lusitanoalterreal.com/
- The Alter Real horse breed: A rare and exceptional heritage breed, by Dr. Antonio Valente (book)