Losino

The breed at a glance

The Losino is renowned for its calm, docile, and balanced temperament. It is intelligent, courageous, and very hardy, making it an excellent companion for work and leisure. It is also very rustic and adapts well to its environment.

Category

hardy breed

Origin

Spain · Antiquity / Middle Ages (establishment)

Height at withers

125–147 cm

Weight

330–400 kg

Lifespan

25-30 years

Common coats

black (zaino), black pangaré

Disciplines

trail riding, TREC, trail riding

Other names

Caballo Losino

Origin and history

The Losino is an indigenous equine breed from the Las Merindades region, in the north of the province of Burgos in Spain. It is considered one of the oldest horse breeds on the Iberian Peninsula, probably descending from local wild horses. The breed has been preserved thanks to its geographical isolation and traditional breeding practices. It almost disappeared in the 20th century but has been the subject of conservation efforts. The studbook was established in 1986.

Conformation and physique

It is a small-sized horse, compact and robust, with strong bone structure and well-developed musculature. It presents a harmonious and balanced silhouette, typical of hardy breeds. It is well-suited to difficult terrain.

Medium-sized head, straight or slightly subconvex profile, broad forehead, expressive and lively eyes. The ears are medium-sized, well-set and mobile. The nasal bone is straight.

Medium-length neck, well-muscled and arched, well-set into the withers. The withers are not very prominent but well-defined, blending harmoniously into the back.

Short and strong back, straight and solid topline. Broad and deep chest, well-sprung ribs. Rounded and muscular croup, slightly sloping, with a low-set tail.

Short, strong, and clean legs, with large and well-defined joints. The cannons are short and the pasterns are medium length. The hooves are small, hard, and very resistant. Light feathering is present.

• Common coats: black (zaino), black pangaré

Temperament and aptitudes

The Losino is renowned for its calm, docile, and balanced temperament. It is intelligent, courageous, and very hardy, making it an excellent companion for work and leisure. It is also very rustic and adapts well to its environment.

The gaits are energetic, straightforward, and sure-footed, with good impulsion. The walk is ample, the trot is supple, and the canter is balanced, well-suited to rugged terrain.

• Uses: pack horse, light agricultural work, recreational riding, equestrian trail riding, semi-feral breeding, breed conservation
• Disciplines: trail riding, TREC, trail riding

Feeding the Losino

The Losino is a very economical breed, accustomed to sparse diets and hardy living conditions. Its metabolism is adapted to efficiently utilize coarse forages. It has a natural tendency to gain weight if its diet is too rich. Concentrates are generally only necessary during intense work or harsh winter conditions, prioritizing feeds low in sugars and starch.

Due to its economical metabolism, the Losino can be predisposed to Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS) and laminitis if overfed or if its diet is too rich in sugars and starch, especially if it lacks exercise. Careful weight monitoring and an appropriate diet are essential.

With Equio, every feed, supplement or treat is read against the horse's real profile (age, weight, Body Condition Score, conditions) — useful for a Losino as soon as a metabolic or digestive sensitivity is known.

Health and points to watch

The Losino's robustness generally makes it resistant to diseases. However, it is important to monitor its weight to prevent metabolic problems. Particular attention should be paid to the condition of its hooves, which, although naturally strong, can be susceptible to conditions related to humidity or inadequate trimming.

• More frequent conditions: laminitis (if overfed), Equine Metabolic Syndrome (EMS)

Care and grooming

Losinos are hardy horses that require little specific care. Their very hard hooves require regular trimming but can often go unshod. Their thick manes, tails, and coats protect them from the elements and only require occasional brushing. Clipping is generally not necessary, except for sport horses or those in intense work.

Did you know?

• The Losino is the only Spanish equine breed whose coat color is exclusively black (zaina).
• The breed was saved from extinction thanks to the initiative of one man, Juan Manuel Solano, who gathered the last specimens in the 1980s.
• Genetic studies have shown a high genetic purity in the Losino, distinguishing it from other Iberian breeds.

The Losino and how to track it

The Losino breed is very rare in France. A few individuals may be found with passionate breeders or private owners, but there is no significant breeding program or French studbook dedicated to this breed.

Equio lets you build a complete profile for a Losino: identity, weight, Body Condition Score, feeding, conditions, care reminders (vaccines, worming, trimming) and an exportable health log. The breed sets the identity; everyday decisions still depend on the real horse and your vet's advice.

• Record the activity level: rest, leisure, sport or breeding
• Add known conditions or sensitivities
• Scan feeds, plants and care products
• Keep reminders (vaccines, worming, trimming)
• Prepare a PDF export before a vet appointment

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