Breeder and business manager Diogo Lima Meyer has spent much of his life surrounded by Lusitano horses. As part of the Monte Velho project and a passionate breeder himself, he follows the development of many stud farms closely. Among them, the Figueiras program stands out as one of the most influential breeding programs focused on sport within the Lusitano breed.
Diogo explains that he has long been connected to the Lusitano community as both a breeder and an observer of different breeding programs. His connection to the Figueiras stud farm goes back many years and is rooted in both friendship and shared breeding history. He has followed the development of the stud farm since its foundation.
The origins of the Figueiras breeding program are closely linked to carefully selected bloodlines. The foundation came from crossing Andrade-based mares with stallions that brought athletic ability and expression. One of the key stallions that influenced the program was Quichotte. From this combination came important horses such as Unico, the father of Dragão, and later a generation of successful sport horses.
For Diogo, what truly distinguishes the Figueiras horses today is that they have developed a clear identity within the Lusitano breed.
“When several Figueiras horses appear together, a clear pattern becomes visible: athletic horses with strength, presence and a clear focus on sport.”
— Diogo Lima Meyer
He particularly highlights the expressive movement many of these horses show in the arena, with shoulder freedom and knee action that creates an impressive trot and strong ring presence. According to him, building such a recognizable type within a relatively small and closed studbook like the Lusitano breed is not easy, which makes the achievement even more significant.
Beyond conformation and movement, the horses also show qualities that make them suitable for sport.
“Riders often describe them as sensitive in a positive way, fine to ride and capable of performing successfully in disciplines such as dressage and driving.”
As a breeder himself, Diogo has also incorporated Figueiras bloodlines into his own breeding program. He has used stallions such as Dragão and Oscar to combine these genetics with his own mares. For him, breeding is always about combining the right elements.
“I often compare breeding to cooking, where the right ingredients must come together to create the best possible result.”
Because the Lusitano is a relatively small and closed studbook, carefully selecting those genetic ingredients becomes even more important. For breeders who want to add more athletic ability and expression to their horses, he believes Figueiras stallions are an important option to consider. In his view, the program has achieved something rare: they have not only developed a successful breeding program, but also a recognizable genetic identity within the breed.
For breeders focusing on modern sport horses, his advice is clear:
“The Figueiras genetics offer strength, athleticism and expression that can significantly improve a breeding program.”
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