APSL & USLA – Understanding the Roles
The Associação Portuguesa de Criadores do Cavalo Puro Sangue Lusitano (APSL) in Portugal is the official international registry and governing body for the Lusitano breed. APSL maintains the Lusitano Stud Book, sets breed standards, and issues the official registration documents confirming each horse’s purebred Lusitano status.
The U.S. Lusitano Association (USLA) is APSL’s official sister organization in the United States and Canada. USLA serves as APSL’s sole representative in this region and is responsible for all official Lusitano registrations, ownership updates, and inspections on behalf of APSL.
USLA’s Role in North America
- Registration: All purebred Lusitanos bred, born, or owned in the United States or Canada are registered with APSL through USLA. Breeders and owners complete registration applications with USLA, which verifies eligibility and submits approved documentation to APSL in Portugal for official registration in the Birth Section of the Lusitano Stud Book. To qualify for registration, both parents must be APSL-registered Lusitanos that have been inspected and accepted into the Adult Section of the Stud Book. (Full details about registration requirements are provided in the Registration Center.)
- Transfer of Ownership: When a Lusitano changes ownership within the U.S. or Canada—or when an imported horse is sold—USLA processes the transfer and updates APSL records. APSL then issues new registration documents in the name of the new owner.
- Inspections and Revisions: Inspections are reserved for adult horses seeking entry into the Adult Section of the Lusitano Stud Book. These official APSL Inspections, organized by USLA, are conducted by APSL-certified judges to evaluate conformation, movement, and breed quality. Horses that pass inspection are approved for breeding, and APSL issues a new document recording the results.
- Local Certificates: Once APSL registration or ownership transfer is complete, USLA may issue an optional USLA Certificate of Registration reflecting the horse’s APSL registration and verified ownership in North America. Many owners choose this elegant certificate for framing or display.
Lusitano Registration and Certification Documents
| Document | Issued By | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate of Registration – Birth Section of the Lusitano Stud Book | APSL (Portugal) | The official document issued for every purebred Lusitano once registered with APSL. |
| Certificate of Registration – Adult Section of the Lusitano Stud Book | APSL (Portugal) | Issued after a registered Lusitano passes inspection by an APSL-certified judge and is accepted into the Adult Section. This document records the inspection results. |
| USLA Certificate of Registration | USLA (U.S./Canada) | Optional document reflecting APSL registration and verified North American ownership; designed for presentation or display. |
In Summary
All purebred Lusitanos worldwide are registered with APSL in Portugal. In the United States and Canada, the U.S. Lusitano Association (USLA) serves as APSL’s sole official representative, managing registration, ownership updates, and adult-horse inspections for revision. Through USLA, North American breeders and owners maintain a direct connection to the APSL Stud Book and the international Lusitano community.