- Galiceno
Infobox Horse
name= Galiceno
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country= Mexico
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std1=The Galiceno is a
horse breed fromMexico , bred from horses brought from Spain byHernán Cortés . They are used mainly for riding and pack work. Although small in stature, they are generally considered a horse, and are ridden by both children and adults. The breed is known for their athleticism and smooth gaits.Characteristics
The Galiceno stands between 12 and 13.2 hands high, and weigh between 620 and 750 lbs. They are usually bay, black, or chestnut, while pinto colorings are not allowed. They have a nicely proportioned head with a straight profile. The neck is short and muscular. The breed is narrow in the chest, though deep, the shoulders are straight, and the withers pronounced. The back is short, the croup sloping, and the legs long and strong, with small hooves. "Simon & Schuster's Guide to Horses and Ponies". Bongianni, Maurizio. Simon & Schuster, Inc., 1988, pg. 90. ISBN 0671660683]
The breed has good stamina, and a fast, ground-covering, running-walk gait, which is said to be smooth and comfortable to ride. They are strong, able to carry a person all day in heat and over rough terrain, despite their small size. [http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/galiceno/ "Galiceno"] . "Oklahoma State University". Referenced January 7, 2008.]
History
The Galiceno developed in Mexico from horses imported to
South America by Hernán Cortés, mostly thought to be PortugueseGarrano and theGalician Pony ofSpain . It is thought that someSorraia blood was added at some point in history. [http://www.equinekingdom.com/breeds/ponies/galiceno.htm "Galiceno"] . "Equine Kingdom". Referenced January 7, 2008.] The ancestors of the Galiceno were among sixteen horses landed by Cortes during his Mexican invasion in 1519. The breed was introduced to the United States in 1958. In1959 , a breeders association was formed in the United States to maintain the breed. Although the popularity of the breed in the US is growing, numbers are still quite small.Uses
The Galiceno is used in Mexico as a riding and pack pony, as well as for light draft and farm work. In the United States they are used as a riding pony for children, and has proved to be a good jumper for younger competitors. Their quickness and agility make them a good cutting horse, and also good for reining classes and timed events.
References
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