The Strathbury’s Acclimatisation Programme
Bridging Iberian Excellence with British Standards
When searching for a PRE for sale UK or premium Lusitano horses UK, what truly matters isn’t just beauty or breeding — it’s how that horse has been prepared for British life.
The Spanish and Portuguese have produced Iberian horses for centuries with extraordinary pride. Their traditional systems create horses with breathtaking movement, natural collection, intelligence, and exceptional temperament. The presence and work ethic of the Pura Raza Española and Lusitano is no accident — it is carefully cultivated.
However, the way these horses are produced differs significantly from the lifestyle and expectations they will encounter in the United Kingdom and the rest of the world.
That is where we come in.
At Strathbury’s, we bridge the gap — preserving the brilliance, respect and trainability instilled in Spain and Portugal, while carefully transitioning each horse into the more welfare-focused, turnout-based management style expected in the UK and the rest of the world.
This process is one of the defining standards behind A Strathbury’s Horse.
A Change in Culture — Not a Change in Quality
In Iberian training systems, horses are often managed with greater structure and firmness. Many are stabled full-time, ridden in classical contact, and expected to maintain a high level of discipline in daily handling.
In contrast, horses in the UK are typically:
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Turned out regularly
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Ridden in lighter, softer contact
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Managed with more relaxed daily structure
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Fed richer forage
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Rugged during colder seasons
Without careful management, this cultural shift can unsettle even the most talented PRE or Lusitano.
For anyone looking for a PRE for sale in the UK or quality Lusitano horses in the UK, understanding this transition period is crucial.
Our acclimatisation programme ensures the change is thoughtful, gradual and professionally managed.
From Spurs to Subtlety
Many Iberian horses arrive having been ridden with spurs as standard practice. We systematically retrain them to respond to quieter, more refined aids — often progressing from regular spur use to no spurs at all.
We refine their understanding so they remain:
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Light to the leg
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Forward-thinking
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Respectful
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Responsive without tension
The result is a horse that retains its brilliance and athleticism, yet adapts seamlessly to the softer British riding style preferred by many UK and rest of world owners.
Introducing Turnout — The Right Way
It is common for Iberian horses to have experienced little or no turnout in their country of origin.
We introduce turnout progressively:
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Small, controlled spaces initially
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Gradually increasing duration
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Careful herd introductions
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Close monitoring of soundness and behaviour
This ensures that when you purchase a Lusitano in the UK or a PRE in the UK, your horse understands how to relax in the field without losing focus, manners or condition.
Adapting to the British Climate
The UK climate is dramatically different from the Iberian Peninsula.
We carefully:
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Introduce rugs (often for the first time)
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Monitor weight and coat changes
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Support immune systems through seasonal transition
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Adjust management for damp, cold conditions
This attention to detail ensures they thrive long-term in British weather.
Tack & Equipment Transition
Many horses arrive having been ridden in traditional Iberian bridles or stronger bits. As part of our programme, we:
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Transition them into softer, modern tack
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Assess and fit correctly sized saddles — often their first professionally fitted saddle
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Develop a lighter, more elastic connection in the contact
Comfort and correct fitting equipment are essential foundations for any quality PRE or Lusitano horse for sale in the UK.
Nutrition & Digestive Health
In Spain and Portugal, horses are often fed straw-based forage with limited grazing.
We gradually transition them onto:
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High-quality British hay
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Balanced nutritional programmes
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Live pasture
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Improved digestive support
Digestive systems are carefully managed to allow safe adaptation to richer forage and grass, reducing risk and improving overall condition.
Health & Welfare Upgrades
Every horse entering our programme undergoes a full management review, including:
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Reset worming programme
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Detailed dental assessment and improvement
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Physiotherapy evaluation
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Hoof rehabilitation with top-tier UK farriery
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Ongoing soundness monitoring
We frequently see significant improvements in hoof quality, muscle development and overall comfort during the acclimatisation phase.
Manners, Groundwork & Respect
A Strathbury’s Horse is not simply imported — it is refined.
We reinforce:
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Stable manners
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Groundwork etiquette
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Loading behaviour
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Handling respect
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Calm but confident temperament
Importantly, while they are treated less strictly than in their country of origin, we ensure they retain their discipline, respect and generosity of character.
Kindness does not mean loss of boundaries.
Softness does not mean loss of ability.
We maintain the balance.
Tailored Towards Their Future Owner
We don’t simply prepare horses for British soil — we begin aligning them with their future rider.
We adapt:
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Riding style
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Contact preference
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Forwardness level
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Exposure to hacking or competition environments
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Training emphasis (dressage, working equitation, leisure riding)
So when clients searching for a PRE for sale UK or Lusitano horses UK choose Strathbury’s, they receive a horse that has already begun the transition toward their goals.
Why This Matters
Without structured acclimatisation, Iberian horses can become unsettled, overweight, under-stimulated or lose the sharpness that makes them exceptional.
Our system protects:
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Their movement
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Their temperament
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Their trainability
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Their soundness
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Their dignity
This careful transition period is one of the key reasons our horses stand apart in the UK market.
It is why owning A Strathbury’s Horse means something.
It represents a PRE or Lusitano that has been selected with expertise, transitioned with patience, upgraded in welfare, and prepared with purpose.
Not rushed.
Not compromised.
Not simply imported.
Refined.
