Ameritano: The Foundation Quarter Horse–Lusitano Cross
The Ameritano Horse Registry has been formed for the purpose of recognizing and validating the special cross of a high percentage Quarter Horse crossed on a Portuguese Lusitano. This is to differentiate an Ameritano from the myriad of other Quarter Horse and Iberian crosses.
In the past any cross between a Portuguese Lusitano or the Spanish Andalusian and any American Quarter Horse was referred to as an Azteca (the National Horse of Mexico), or as a Half Bred for purposes of registration with IALHA.
It is felt the cross of a Lusitano on an NFQHA Certified Horse was so unique & specific that it deserved its own name to distinguish it from all the other crosses.
Two traditions.
One remarkable horse.
The intentional meeting of legendary working traditions — the Foundation Quarter Horse of the American West and the Portuguese Lusitano of the classical Iberian world.
The Mind
Four decades of selection have put temperament first. Owners describe Ameritanos as willing, curious, sensible, and unusually interested in being with people.
The Cross
A high-percentage Foundation Quarter Horse bred to a Portuguese Lusitano. Athleticism and cow sense meet courage, balance, and instantaneous response.
The Registry
Documented parentage, clear standards, and a growing community of breeders — turning a great breeding idea into a lasting breed legacy.
Imagine everything you could do together.
Performance gets attention. Relationship creates loyalty. Perhaps the Ameritano’s most compelling is its mind.
Six traits the registry protects.
Temperament is not a bonus feature. It is foundational to the breeding philosophy.
Intelligent
Learns quickly, thinks through situations and enjoys having a job.
Willing
Responsive and forward without being unnecessarily difficult.
Versatile
Equally at home around cattle, on the trail or learning collected work.
Courageous
Confident enough to meet new environments, obstacles and challenges.
Connected
Bred not merely to tolerate people, but to work in partnership with them.
Proven
Rooted in documented parentage and decades of selective breeding.
Bred for both worlds.
The Ameritano story is still being written. New owners and breeders aren’t just joining a registry — they help shape the future of the breed.