Jaca Navarra horses are a rare breed that originated in the north of Spain.
They are known for their strength and endurance.
Here is everything you need to know about this majestic breed!
Jaca Navarra Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Jaca Navarra horse:
| Height (size) | 12.0 – 13.1 hand high |
| Colors | Black or bay with minimal white markings |
| Country of Origin | Spain |
| Common Uses | General riding |
Jaca Navarra Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The origins of the Jaca Navarra horses are unclear, although it is known that they have been roaming the Navarre area of Spain for hundreds or perhaps thousands of years.
Even though it was sometimes used by the locals, it was never as popular as other Spanish breeds.
Despite the fact that it is geographically close to other breeds that are similar to it, such as the Losa horse (also known as a Losino), the Asturians (also known as Asturcones), the Cantabrian, and the Burguete, it is considered a separate and distinct breed.
The decline in numbers started at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century, mostly as a result of agricultural automation.
However, increased connectivity between regions also led to a rise of crossbreeding, ultimately leading to a loss of purebred Jaca Navarra horses.
Today, it is classified as an autochthonous breed at risk of extinction.
The origin of the term ‘jaca’ is rather interesting; it comes from the old Spanish word ‘haca’, which is itself derived from the old French word ‘haque’, which in turn was taken from the name for an English town Hackney, that is known for its horses.
In the 20th century, Breton, Comtois, Ardennais, and Percheron horses were bred with Jaca Navarras to create the Burguete breed.
As a result, the number of purebred Jaca Navarras plummeted to the point that the breed became endangered.
In 1999, the Asociación de Criadores de Ganado Equino Jaca Navarra (JACANA) was founded, and in 2001, a breed registry was established.
Today, almost all specimens of the breed live at the Sabaiza farm in semi-feral conditions, only receiving some feed and forage in the winter.
The only handling they get is in times of weaning off the foals, deworming or other medical emergencies.
Efforts are now being undertaken to preserve the Jaca Navarra horse breed.
In April 2011 the population was estimated to be 899.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
“Navarrese horse”
Temperament/Personality
Great temperament
Physical Characteristics
Head is somewhat big, but expressive, featuring a straight or somewhat concave profile.
The eyes are lively, and the ears are small.
This horse has a lot of brilliance and personality and is rustic, robust, and energetic.
They are proportionate, and quite small, and their stature is compact and heavy.
It is a breed that is well suited to living in mountainous regions.
They have thick, long, and sometimes wavy manes and tails.
Light feathering may be seen on the legs, and some Jaca Navarras even have mustaches.
Colors
Black or bay with minimal white markings
Height (size)
12.0 – 13.1 hand high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
n/a
Blood Type
n/a
Common Uses
General riding
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
Feral horses
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
Spain
Ancestors
Unknown