Iberian Horse Research
Feeding and management practices are key determinants of equine health, influencing metabolic function, digestive stability, growth, and reproductive performance. In Pura Raza Española (PRE) and Puro Sangue Lusitano (PSL) horses, diet and husbandry practices are shaped by distinct traditional systems within their countries of origin, Spain and Portugal, as well as assimilation to feeding and husbandry practices in the many countries these horses are exported to around the world.Research available on the role of diet and management on the overall health of Iberian horses is sparse compared to other equine breeds, and yet it is likely that both PRE and Lusitano horses have unique, breed-specific characteristics when it comes to how they respond to their diet and their environment, especially from a metabolic and digestive health perspective.The goal is to gather comprehensive population data on how PRE and Lusitano horses are bred, raised, fed and kept across the world, which will help understand which nutritional interventions are most successful in supporting long-term health and wellbeing in these beautiful heritage equine breeds, and identifying risk factors for metabolic and digestive health issues.What do we seek to understand?
How are Iberian horses fed across different countries and how common are metabolic and digestive health problems?What are the differences in feeding practices for PRE and Lusitano horses, and do they influence health outcomes?
How do Iberian horses respond to changes in feeding after moving to another country and are there breed differences?
What are the best feeding practices and diet composition for long-term health in PRE and Lusitano horses?GET INVOLVED