The Mallorquín is a rare breed of horse that is native to the Balearic Island of Mallorca, from which it gets its name.
If you’re interested in learning more about this wonderful breed, read on!
Mallorquín Breed Info
Here are some of the key things you need to know about the Mallorquín:
| Height (size) | 14.2 – 15.0 hands high |
| Colors | They can only be black, and other colors are not permitted. Small white facial markings are allowed, but white leg markings are not. |
| Country of Origin | Spain |
| Common Uses | Riding |
Mallorquín Facts & Information (Breed Profile)
The Mallorquin Horse is indigenous to the Spanish island of Mallorca, but its origins are unknown.
There are several theories about the origins of this breed, however none of them have been proven.
According to the findings of a DNA research titled “Spanish Celtic horse breeds,” the Mallorquín and the Menorquín are linked to the now extinct Catalan horse.
The Catalan horse was the product of crossbreeding of horses with a significant amount of African genetic influence into an initial population of Celtic horses brought to the Iberian peninsula by the Celts around the 8th century BC.
The research revealed a distinct clustering of the two Mediterranean breeds as well as a distinct separation from the five “Atlantic” Celtic breeds: the Asturcón, Losino, Gallego, Jaca Navarra and Pottok.
Their physical isolation has kept their bloodlines very pure, and over time they have evolved into a distinct type.
In the latter part of the 19th century, trotting Andalusian and Arabian horses were brought in to improve the Mallorquin’s speed in response to the growing popularity of trotting races.
However, the purity of the bloodlines was compromised since the crossbreeding wasn’t managed correctly.
In the past, Mallorquín mares were frequently bred to imported stallions, most commonly the French Trotter or Orlov Trotters, in order to create Trotador Español, sometimes known as the Spanish Trotter.
Even though Mallorca is home to almost 85% of the Spanish Trotter population, genetic research has shown that the Mallorquín had very little recent impact on that breed.
Cross breeding and agricultural automation gradually reduced the need to produce horses, which led to a sharp decline in their population.
Fortunately, a breeders association was established in 1992 with the goal of preserving these beautiful animals, and their efforts are showing results.
This breed is exclusively used as a riding horse by the locals, while agricultural work on the islands was historically done by the Balearic donkey.
In 2003, the official breed standard was adopted.
If you’re interested in learning more about this fascinating breed, keep reading!
Alternative Names
n/a
Temperament/Personality
Calm and docile
Physical Characteristics
The head is somewhat refined with a convex profile.
The neck is short and arched, and the mane is upright.
Colors
They can only be black, and other colors are not permitted.
Small white facial markings are allowed, but white leg markings are not.
Height (size)
14.2 – 15.0 hands high
Stallions
n/a
Mares
n/a
Weight
n/a
Blood Type
Warm
Common Uses
Riding
Health
n/a
Popular Traits
n/a
Feeding/Diet
n/a
Country of Origin
The island of Mallorca in Spain
Ancestors
Unknown