Horses have been a part of Cuban culture for centuries.
These horses are known for their gentle nature and intelligence, and they have been used for many different purposes over the years.
If you are interested in learning more about these horses, then this article is for you.
Cuban Criollo Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Cuban Criollo:
| Height (size) | 13.3 – 15.0 hands high |
| Colors | Various colors depending on the type |
| Country of Origin | Cuba |
| Common Uses | Various purposes depending on the type |
Cuban Criollo Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Spanish horses that Diego Velázquez brought to Cuba in 1751 are the ancestors of the Cuban Criollo horse breed.
There are four different types known as Cuban Criollo: Patibarcino, Cubano de Paso, Pinto Cubano, and Cubano de Trote.
The Patibarcino was initially bred on the ranch of the Reyes and Iznaga families.
The breed may be traced back to a single stallion by the name of Lobo who had a black line running down his back and zebra stripes on all the legs.
He passed those characteristics on to his offspring.
The majority of Cubano de Paso horses are bred on the La Loma ranch in the Granma province of Cuba.
Pinto Cubano: In 1959, following the end of the Cuban Revolution, a herd of pinto mares was gathered in Manicaragua in the province of Santa Clara for their genetic improvement.
Later, at ranch La Guabina, they were crossbred with Quarter Horses in an effort to increase their size and strength.
Cubano de Trote: Apart from being the descendant of Spanish horses brought to the Americas by the Spanish conquistadors, it was also crossed with the Canadian horses sent to Cuba during the American Revolution.
These horses were transported to Cuba to work on sugar cane farms, and it were those Canadian horses that gave the present-day Cuban Trotter its recognizable trotting ability.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Criollo Cubano”
Cubano de Trote: “Cuban Trotter” or “Criollo de Trote”
Temperament/Personality
Patibarcino – quite nervous
Cubano de Paso – docile and active
Cubano de Trote – good temperament
Physical Characteristics
Patibarcino: the profile is straight or slightly convex and the ears are big.
The chest is wide and the croup round.
Cubano de Paso: The head has a straight profile, which can sometimes be slightly convex or concave, and it is proportional to the body.
The ears are of medium size, and the forehead is wide.
The neck is strong, and the back is strong and straight.
The croup is muscular and round.
The joints are well defined, and legs are strong.
Its most famous characteristic is their comfortable pace.
It is an elegant but strong horse.
Pinto Cubano: It is a well-defined compact horse of medium size with a strong constitution.
The head has a straight profile, which can sometimes be slightly convex, and it is proportional to the body.
The ears are medium-sized to small.
The neck is quite long, and the mane is abundant.
The round croup should be the same height as the withers.
Tendons and joints are strong and well-developed.
Cubano de Trote: The head is small to medium-sized with a wide forehead, and large eyes.
The profile is straight or slightly convex.
The neck is strong and thick.
The chest is wide, and the withers are quite high.
The croup is round, and the tail is set low.
The hooves are hard and clean.
Cubano de Trote is a very strong and resistant horse.
Colors
Patibarcino – usually dun or brown with a black dorsal stripe and zebra stripes on the legs
Cubano de Paso – most commonly brown although every color is allowed
Pinto Cubano – usually pinto color patterns
Cubano de Trote – various solid colors, but mostly dark
Height (size)
Patibarcino: 14.5 – 14.9 hh
Cubano de Paso: 14.2 – 14.7 hh
Pinto Cubano: 14.1 – 14.8 hh
Cubano de Trote: 13.3 – 15.0 hh
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
800 – 1,100 lbs (360 – 500 kg)
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Patibarcino: Herding cattle
Cubano de Paso: This breed is mostly used for transportation because of their easygoing gate which allows them to cover large distances in a short time
Cubano de Trote: Farm work
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
Excellent stamina
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Cuba
Ancestors
Spanish colonial horses
Cubano de Trote: Spanish colonial horses, Canadian horse