The Galician Horse is an ancient breed that is native to the northwestern region of Spain.
They are known for their strength, stamina, and agility.
In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about these amazing animals!
Galician Horse Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Galician Horse:
Height (size) | 12.2 – 13.2 hands high |
Colors | Bay or black |
Country of Origin | Spain |
Common Uses | Tourist attraction and for meat production, general riding |
Galician Horse Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
Galicia, a mountainous wet region in northwest Spain, is home to a small horse breed known as the Caballo de Pura Raza Gallega.
The horse has been present in Galicia since at least the Bronze Age (3300 BC – 1200 BC).
With the arrival of the Celts, a new type of horse was brought to Galicia.
Therefore, the Galician pony would be considered a member of the same family, and share ancestry with the Portuguese Garrano, the Spanish Asturcón, the Bardigiano pony from Italy, the Dartmoor, Exmoor, Welsh Mountain, Fell and New Forest pony from Great Britain, and the Irish Connemara.
Almost all Gallego horses live in the mountains of Galicia in semi-feral conditions, but are nonetheless managed to a large degree.
In 1973, there were probably over 20,000 free-roaming ponies in northwest Spain.
Since then, this number has decreased.
The University of Santiago de Compostela has established a program to conserve and protect this endangered breed.
Galicia’s wild horses were at first hunted for their meat.
The horse was eventually domesticated and trained for use by the military during times of conflict and as a draft animal during times of peace.
In the past, this horse was also valued for its mane and tail hair, which were traditionally used to make brushes.
In 1994, an official herd book was created, and since then, this pony has become a popular tourist attraction as well as a source of income for the local community.
Today, they are also raised for meat.
There is a local festival held once a year during which the herd is rounded up, the animals are branded, their manes are clipped, and a few animals are selected to be sold.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Caballo de pura raza Gallega”, “Galician Mountain Horse”, “Galician pony”
Temperament/Personality
When domesticated they are docile and gentle
Physical Characteristics
The head is straight, with long forelocks often growing down to the muzzle.
Older mares also have long mustaches appearing on their upper lips.
The body is short with short backs and strong legs.
Size-wise, this breed falls between a pony and a horse.
They are very tough and hardy.
Colors
Bay or black
Height (size)
12.2 – 13.2 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
360 – 660 lbs (165 – 300 kg)
Blood Type
n/a
Common Uses
Tourist attraction and for meat production, general riding
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
n/a
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Spain
Ancestors
Celtic horses, Roman horses, horses brought to Spain by the Suebi