Our History - La Fare-les-Oliviers
The Origins of Elevage do Rima: Lusitano Horse Breeding
"From the moment Delphine could speak, horses became her favorite topic of conversation."
Even as a child, I'd tell my grandparents, "You have a big garden, there's enough space to put a pony!" The garden wasn't that big, but to a small child, everything seemed vast and achievable...
As a teenager, I began riding at age 12 and continued dreaming in front of my horse posters. Back then, magazines still referred to Iberian or Andalusian horses, while the name "Lusitano" was officially adopted in 1966.
The Obvious Choice: The Portuguese Horse!
It was during a surprise romantic getaway that David brought me to the Nîmes feria.
As we strolled through the Jardins de la Fontaine, we stumbled upon a presentation of the Lusitano horse. Both of us were captivated by this regal creature: majestic, athletic, with graceful curves, versatile, and approachable. A horse capable of seamlessly blending strength and finesse!
In 2007, we started breeding with 2 Lusitano mares and added 2 crossbred mares in 2008. But our first attempt didn't go as planned. We didn't know enough about the horses' backgrounds, and we were more focused on training than breeding. So, we decided to sell the mares and rethink our strategy.
In 2019, we met Hortela, our lead mare, marking a fresh start for us!
But before introducing Hortela and the rest of the herd, let's talk about David!
David isn't your typical rider. While he enjoys occasional leisure rides, he didn't ride regularly after his first horse. Nonetheless, he rides competently when necessary and is actively involved in the horses' education from birth.
I've met only a few men who've spent as much time by the arena, watching and learning. So, even though David might not have much hands-on experience, he's developed a keen eye over the years.
Tesouro do Rima
Foal of Hortela and IRS (by Escorial), born March 15, 2023.
Born Isabelle. Very tall, with eyes full of kindness, he represents quiet strength. He has what it takes where it takes and knows how to use it when needed
Hortela
La mama (to recall David's Italian origins), the quiet force, the one with the charisma of a stallion. She moderates, she sets the scene, she asserts herself with aplomb. A beautiful soul who pierced our hearts. Gray with the cream gene. We can't imagine breeding without her.
Hortela's first foal, Que-Luso (sired by Luso), was a stunning cream-colored colt, tall and exceptionally gentle. Sadly, he's no longer with us today. Life isn't always smooth sailing, and accidents can happen...
In 2023, we welcomed the second foal, Tesouro do Rima. He's a male with a light-colored coat, even taller than Que-Luso, but similar in many other ways, except for having a different sire (IRS). This helps us learn more about Hortela's offspring.
Tahoma do Rima
1st daughter of Pluma MAC, Tahoma do Rima, #lagazelle.
Light as a feather in her movement, mobile, mischievous, she knows what she wants and even dares to eat the grain in the other mares' buckets.
In addition to her burnt chestnut coat, she's an outstanding filly in terms of movement and class.
Pluma MAC
Solid and fine, responsive and anchored, she charmed us during a few days' vacation in Portugal with our friend Ludovic Martin.
Portugal means Golega and a visit to the Coimbra breeding farm. We only had eyes for her in the herd, and luckily Manuel agreed to sell her to us. Afterwards, David couldn't resist breeding her...
Ti Amo do Rima
The beautiful blue-eyed Ti Ami do Rima!
First foal offered to us by our beautiful Gira.
Robust, lively, solid, curious and self-confident. He combines strength with suppleness!
Gira
The reserved one, with its beautiful Dun coat and zebra stripes. Having arrived completely wild and with an extreme fear of man, we gently impregnated her.
That's why you'll see her wearing a collar at all times. She turns out to be gentle and kind, but her instincts take over once she's in a herd. She had already had foals at her original stud and offered us her 1st foal at our stud in 2023, Ti Amo do Rima.
Trinca do Rima
She's a rather special filly in our hearts.
The offspring of Louna du Castel and Ora-bem, we've been waiting impatiently to see how Ora "produces" and we're not disappointed!
She's typical but not overly so, curious, responsive, agile, with bounce and movement.
Louna du Castel
With her isabelle "smoked" coat, she is a Lusitano mare who is also imposing with her Veiga origins. In the herd, she's a key player when it comes to access to food.
At 1.65 m, she's light on her feet and very gentle. She has all the makings of a dressage mare, with a powerful hindquarters and a strong, supple back.
She's the first mare we've partnered with Ora-Bem.
As you've probably figured out from our story, David and I really have a strong bond with our horses. They're not just animals to us; they're like family. We couldn't imagine spending our days with creatures we didn't deeply care about.
Of course, we focus on quality, or rather, qualities!
Athletic qualities: agile, flexible, strong, collected, responsive, etc.
Physical qualities: sturdy hooves and an elegant build (the Lusitano studbook can be found on the AFL, the French Lusitano Horse Association).
Mental quality: It's fair to say that when opting for a Lusitano, we encounter fewer challenges compared to other breeds...
Let's talk about Ora-Bem, our stallion born in 2018.
He joined us at 4 years old, still not trained, a bit late in his physical development, but a talented horse who understands everything and loves to please.
He pays close attention to his rider, which amazed me the first time I rode him. A slight shift in position, and he reacts. We can ride him alone or with others. He can mate and then work in the arena beside the mare he mated with on the same day. One day he can do dressage, and the next he can join cattle sorting or equestrian agility. He's strong both physically and mentally, just the way we want all horses to be.
Ora attended the 40th French International Lusitano Championship in 2023 at Mas de la Cure in Saintes Maries de la Mer. It was his first working equitation competition.
