Chilean Horse

Chile is known for many things: its amazing wine, delicious food, and stunning scenery.

But did you know that Chile is also home to some of the oldest and best stock horses in the world?

In this blog post, we’ll tell you all about the Chilean horse, from its history to their personality traits.

So if you’re thinking of buying a horse, or are just interested in learning more about these majestic animals, read on!

Chilean Horse Breed Info

Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Chilean horse:

Chilean Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)

Although the history of the Chilean Horse is somewhat unknown, it is believed that the breed originally appeared around 1544 in the area of New Toledo in Chile.

Spanish conquistadors brought horses with them on their journey from Peru to Chile in the 16th century, and those horses are the ancestors of today’s Chilean Horse.

Many who ventured out on this treacherous trek, both human and equine alike, did not return.

Only the toughest horses made it through the Andes and the Atacama Desert and reached central Chile.

It was these animals that provided the foundation stock for Father Rodrigo Gonzalez Marmolejo’s stud in what was then known as New Extremadura.

The horse was developed by Rodrigo Gonzalez Marmolejo, who wanted to develop a breed with a combination of toughness, strength, intelligence, and a good disposition so that it could be easily trained and handled.

The breed was able to grow in its most natural state because it was geographically isolated, allowing it to be shaped only by the natural environment and the requirements of the people who lived there.

The Chilean battle of emancipation in the 19th century further solidified the country’s love for the breed, leading to a dramatic growth in the number of studs dedicated to improving the Chilean Horse.

Throughout the 1800s, the breed was presented as a gift to a number of royal courts in Europe, which helped in the distribution of its stock farther abroad.

Over the centuries, the Chilean Horse has earned a prestigious reputation, not just in South America but also on a worldwide scale.

Because of the severe limitations placed on out-crossing, the Chilean is recognized as one of the few pure horse breeds that still exist.

The Chilean Horse is not just the oldest horse breed in South America, but also the oldest registered stock horse in the Western Hemisphere.

In 1893, the official registration of breeds was established.

The breed standard was created in 1921 and has only been changed once since then.

The growth of rodeo in Chile over the last century has guaranteed the ongoing popularity of the Chilean Horse, since competitors are not allowed to use horses of any other breed in competition.

This breed is highly prized for its cattle sense and has strong cultural ties to the huaso, or Chilean stock herder.

If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!

Alternative Names

“Chilean Criollo”, “Chilean Corralero”

Temperament/Personality

Docile, balanced temperament, easy to train, intelligent

Physical Characteristics

Chilean Criollo is a hardy, muscular, strong, agile and well-balanced horse with good muscle definition.

It has got a slightly convex profile with alert eyes.

The back is wide and strong, the legs are thick-boned, and the hooves are hard.

Its mane and tail are among the thickest in the horse world.

The breed is known to be between 2″- 4″ longer than it is tall, and it has got a great ‘cow sense’.

Colors

All coat colors are accepted (except albinos), even though solid colors are preferred

Height (size)

13.1 – 14.2 hands high

Stallions

n/a

Mares

n/a

Weight

around 1,000 lb (450 kg)

Blood Type

Warm

Common Uses

Working cattle, Chilean rodeo

Health

Incredibly resistant to diseases

Popular Traits

n/a

Feeding/Diet

Easy-keepers

Country of Origin

Chile

Ancestors

Spanish colonial horses