I bought my first PRE as a 12 yr old stallion, rated calificado (qualified - apparently only about 5% of PRE stallions achieve this). He had been the main stallion at his farm for years. Anyway, he was gelded and was just fine. Partly, mostly because his/their temperament is so exceptional to begin with. I hope your vetting goes super. He is beautiful and you will love the wonderful nature of these horses.
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My lusitano was purchased at 13 after a decent period of 1/2 lease. He was and still is a stallion, and I’m lucky to have a boarding place that is fine with him - in fact we have a total of 4 stallions boarded there. But one is enough. These horses are amazing; and you will hopefully find how smart they are, how they have a great work ethic. There have been a few threads on riding them to make the most of their gaits; I’ll see if I can find one or two and provide links.
Here you go with one. A bunch of good info re these horses. https://www.chronofhorse.com/forum/f…lusitano/page2
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Very helpful, thank you! I had a feeling they would be easy keepers. So much of what is said in that thread totally jives - I noticed while trying this boy that he constantly had his ear on me and would flick it back to listen to what I was asking all the time. So different than my young Hanoverian mare, who’s default is definitely not “submission first”. I also noticed that we would definitely need to work on getting him to learn to stretch down and relax. I tried to do some stretchy circle trot and he was like “what what? what’s this?” ha. The bullfighter who trained him did a fantastic job though. The farm he’s at is fascinating too - so much I didn’t know, like California has such a Portuguese community and that “bloodless bullfighting” exists. Crazy!
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One thing I will say, don’t rush these horses. They are so smart, so willing to please, and have a lot of natural ability. I’ve seen some young ones have changes, some form of pirouette at the canter and a few other things installed already. Which is great, but the basics and confidence really need to be there first. I’ve just run into quite a few that have anxiety in their training and I think it stems from being brought along so fast. They can “do” the movements, but not in a relaxed way.
I’m not saying you’ll do this, OP. Just a reoccurring thought that entered my mind.
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Update - he’s mine! 
Thanks so much for everyone’s advice and opinions 
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Mazel tov!!!
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Congrats. He is a beauty and we will all see you coming . Enjoy:D.
Susan
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Congrats! You may get a little bit more height. My trainer is in the 5’8 range and he looks just fine on my boy. Welcome to the Lusi world; you will be hooked for life.
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Congratulations! As far as size, he is bound to get more barrel, and feel bigger in the next couple years. I’m amazed, comparing pics of me on my mare at 4 vs. 7 years old. She didn’t get significantly taller, but she takes up my leg now (I’m 5’9" and she might hit 15.3 on a tall day).
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WOWZER!!!
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Sending very heartfelt congrats to you. It was obvious that you had fallen in love with him.
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His dazzling coat makes me wonder whether he has the same gene/genetics that makes some Akhal Tekes look almost iridescent, with that super shiny brilliance.
Congratulations. That’s a stunning-looking horse.
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I think you chose wisely. There is a lot to be said about buying a horse that you can ride and get a feel for versus buying a foal that you need a crystal ball to know how they will turn out. And then you have to get the foal to riding age in one piece. Enjoy!!!
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Just updating to say I’ve had him for about 7 weeks now (he needed two weeks to heal from the castration surgery) and he is AMAZING. I’m so in love!! I can’t get over how sensitive and forward thinking, yet SANE he is. And his canter is actually phenomenal - my coach didn’t think this breed was capable of such a naturally talented canter. It’s his best gait! I’m taking him to a show next weekend…so, so happy with this talented guy. Thanks for everyone’s input!!
Picture of the second week riding him and his first time over trot poles (I’m in the sitting portion of a rising trot - don’t worry, I still ride him like he’s 4!) SUPERSTAR!!
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Beautiful! Congrats and good luck at the show!
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Its done. You are hooked. Welcome to the club.
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Ditto^ :D.
Susan
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So happy for you!
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Congratulations, he’s lovely!!! I just bought my first PRE and am amazed at his mind, sensitivity, willingness, and desire for connection - I don’t think I’ll ever go back!
Do you have an IG account where we can follow your journey together and fawn over pics?
Exactly what I want to know! Congratulations!
