Horse breeds / Losino horse
Photo: Gorritxiki2 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Losino horse
The Losino is a rare Spanish horse from the Cantabrian mountains, named after the Losa valley around Losino in Cantabria. It is a regional breed shaped by harsh mountain terrain, and it was traditionally used as a working animal for farm and pack duties in its home region.
Losinos are known for being sturdy, sure-footed and steady. Their temperament is generally calm and willing, which makes them a reasonable choice for riders who want a dependable mount for trail work. Because the breed is small in numbers and has little formal documentation, prospective owners should expect variation between individuals and should evaluate each horse on its own merits.
Day to day, a Losino does best with regular turnout, daily movement and the company of other horses. Like most hardy mountain-type breeds, it benefits from routine hoof care and a feeding plan matched to its workload and body condition.
Good for: Trail riders, first-time owners with guidance
| Exercise | about 45 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Spain |
Losinos are rare, so find a breeder or owner who can show you the horse's history and temperament before you commit.
Living with a Losino horse
Exercise
A healthy adult Losino typically needs daily ridden or in-hand work along with regular turnout. Too little movement can lead to weight gain, stiffness and boredom, which may show up as restlessness or unwanted behavior.
Grooming
Losinos have a thick, weather-resistant coat that can shed noticeably in spring. Regular brushing keeps the coat healthy, and the mane and tail can be kept tidy with routine care. Hooves need trimming or shoeing on a schedule set by your farrier.
At home
Losinos are hardy and generally cope well with outdoor living, with access to shelter in wet or cold weather. They do best with turnout and a herd or at least a companion horse. Their feed needs are modest, and many do well as easy keepers, though individuals vary, so body condition should be monitored closely.
Training
Losinos tend to learn steadily and respond well to consistent, patient handling. They are most at home on trail, in farm work and as all-round riding horses. Expect a green Losino to need time to build strength and confidence before taking on demanding work.
Health
Information on health problems specific to the Losino is limited. As with many hardy and easy-keeping breeds, weight-related conditions such as laminitis are a concern, and hoof and foot problems should be watched for. Ask a veterinarian to advise on screening and care for your individual horse.
- Laminitis
- Hoof problems
- Obesity-related metabolic issues
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Losino horse
Forage and water, adult
16–26 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 882–1213 lb (typical for the type), and 9–17 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$3,050–$5,200
Hay about $1,840, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Losino horse is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Losino horse
Shelters and breed rescues list Losino horses and Losino horse mixes every week. Search adoptable Losino horses on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Losino horse right for you?
- Yes if you want a hardy horse for trail riding
- Yes if you can keep a steady daily routine
- Yes if your horse has a companion for turnout
- Think twice if you want a well-known breed with a large registry
- Think twice if you plan to keep weight on an easy keeper
Questions owners ask
Is the Losino good for beginners?
Many Losinos are calm and steady, which can suit a beginner, but rarity means individual temperament should be assessed carefully. A knowledgeable instructor or trainer is a good idea.
How much does a Losino cost?
Prices vary widely by age, training and region. Because the breed is rare, availability may be limited, so contact breeders or breed associations directly for current figures.
How tall does a Losino grow?
Losinos are generally considered a small to medium horse, but exact heights are not well documented. Ask the breeder or registry about a specific horse's measurements.
How long do Losino horses live?
Life span is not well documented for this breed. With good care, many horses live into their twenties, but ask a veterinarian about your individual horse.
What are Losino horses used for?
They were traditionally used for farm work and pack duties in the Cantabrian mountains. Today they are mostly ridden for trail work and general riding.
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.