Historically, in Portugal, there were two ways of being connected to horse breeding.

A century ago, horses were bred mainly for work. Most stud farms kept horses because they were essential for agricultural and transport tasks. Even fifty years ago, it was still common to see mares pulling sledges in the rice fields, and stallions being used by forest rangers or campinos along the Ribatejo plains.

The Oliveira e Sousa Stud, founded in the late 19th century, is a true Ribatejo stud farm. Located on the fertile lands of the lezíria, its origins were, like many others, rooted in the need for working animals. As the years went by, those same horses found new purposes — workhorses gradually became riding horses, companions for leisure and sport. Even today, the mares of this bloodline retain the solid bone structure and strength that once made them ideal for agricultural work. Selected over generations for resilience and endurance, they provide a strong genetic foundation for the modern Lusitano, uniting substance with athletic capability.

On the other hand, the D’Andrade Stud, from its very beginning, pursued a different goal: the appreciation of the horse as an animal of beauty and intelligence. Guided by the knowledge and vision of Dr. Ruy d’Andrade, later continued by his son Eng. Fernando Sommer d’Andrade, it sought constant improvement — in movement, skeletal structure and temperament.

Today you are at the Coudelaria d’Andrade de Oliveira e Sousa, that was born from the union of these two families and maintains horses from both individual bloodlines – D’Andrade bloodline and Oliveira e Sousa bloodline – as well as some animals that combine the two.

Through this vision, our stud farm produces horses for art, leisure, and sport — particularly for working equitation, dressage, and other classical disciplines. This natural selection has shaped our modern Lusitano bloodline: a horse bred for performance, elegance and partnership.

The Andrade Horse

The Andrade horse holds a place of distinction within the Lusitano breed — a line defined by knowledge, discipline and a constant pursuit of refinement.

From its inception, the Coudelaria Andrade was founded on vision and intellectual curiosity. It was established through the insight of Dr. Ruy d’Andrade, a scholar, naturalist and passionate advocate for the improvement of the Portuguese horse, and later guided by his son, Eng. Fernando Sommer d’Andrade, who brought scientific precision and long-term planning to the breeding program.

What sets the Andrade horse apart is the deliberate combination of rigour and artistry.

This line seeks not only beauty and type, but also biomechanical excellence — balance, elasticity and strength in movement. The aim is a horse that can unite functionality with expression, capable of excelling in classical dressage, working equitation and the highest forms of traditional horsemanship.

The Andrade line is recognized for producing horses with a distinct profile:

• noble and harmonious conformation,
• powerful yet cadenced gaits,
• an alert, intelligent eye, and
• a temperament both spirited and generous.

Many of Portugal’s most influential Lusitanos trace their origins to this stud, which has shaped the modern standards of the breed and inspired generations of breeders. Yet, the Andrade bloodline has always remained faithful to its purpose: breeding horses of a distinct morphology and temperament, perfectly suited for working generously with their rider.

With its unique lineage, the Andrade bloodline carries a duty — the preservation of a genetic and cultural heritage. Its horses are taller, more angular and more closely bred, and they maintain the distinctive type that has made them the pride of Lusitano equestrian tradition.

Today, Coudelaria d’Andrade de Oliveira e Sousa continues to represent the legacy of thoughtful breeding — where respect for tradition is balanced with innovation and where the horse is seen not merely as an animal, but as a living expression of cultural and genetic heritage.

Sustainability

Sustainability in our horse breeding must be viewed through both environmental and social lenses.

From an ecological perspective, we have a responsibility to manage our land — protecting waterlines, maintaining diverse pastures and promoting natural ecosystems. Proper pasture management is used to enhance both the animal’s nutrition and the landscape itself. For instance, mares benefit from higher-protein legume pastures, while male horses in training require more energy-rich grasses. Balanced soil fertilization and reduced nitrogen use are part of an environmentally responsible approach — one that ties agronomy to animal well-being.

At our stud, horses are raised extensively and naturally: free-ranging in open fields under the shelter of cork oak trees, contributing to the sustainability of the rural landscape.

From a social perspective, our stud farm provides meaningful employment to people in the region. The care of the horses, the management of the pastures and the maintenance of the land all create stable livelihoods, helping to sustain human communities in this rural area.

Animal welfare is not a side concern — it is a central element of environmental and social sustainability.

Breeding System

The mares are kept in a herd system, managed extensively and feeding primarily on pastures. During periods of drought or when pasture is scarce, their diet may be supplemented manually. Coverings are carefully scheduled so that foals are born in the spring, allowing the mares to benefit from the most nutritious pastures when nursing their foals.

At around 10 months to one year of age (in winter), the foals are weaned and separated from their mothers. They are stabled for a couple of months to become accustomed to human contact. At this time, the foals are also branded with an identification number and the breeder’s mark.

After this initial period of human handling, the fillies are returned to the mares’ pasture, while the colts are moved to pastures designated for young males, where they remain until around three years of age.

At approximately three years, the colts are brought into stables to begin training, including desbaste (basic preparation) and early riding. Great importance is placed on allowing foals to grow freely, building muscle and benefiting from pasture nutrition, without early work interfering with the natural development of their skeletal structure. This is also a reason why Andrade horses are not commonly seen competing under saddle at four years of age, as they have only recently begun their formal training.

Tradition and Innovation

One of the greatest challenges in breeding is maintaining genetic diversity while preserving the unique type that defines each line.
Some degree of inbreeding is inevitable in the Andrade horse population, which makes expert knowledge crucial — choosing the right stallions, balancing conformation and functionality, and respecting its historical identity.

At our stud, we safeguard the Andrade genetic line and its authenticity, which have shaped the Lusitano breed for decades, while ensuring that tradition guides innovation in producing the Lusitano horse of today.