English
The Criollo horse is a South American breed from the Pampas, a vast grassland extending between Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay. The name “Criollo” is derived from the Spanish term for “native” or “local,” and it reflects the horse’s origins in the region.
This breed descends from Iberian horses brought to the continent by Spanish explorers. Once used by the gaucho horsemen and cowboys of the Pampas, Criollo horses are famous for their hardiness and endurance.
Today, Criollos are still one of the most popular horse breeds throughout South America, with several countries operating registries for the breed. All Criollo horses share similar temperaments and physical traits that make them versatile mounts.
This breed profile will discuss the history, characteristics, health problems, and nutritional needs of the Criollo horse breed. Keep reading to learn more about feeding and caring for Criollo horses.
Criollo Horse History
The Criollo horse has a long history in South America. These horses played a significant role in shaping civilizations in the Pampas. Many are still used for the agriculture work that the breed was first developed for by colonial farmers.
Origin
Modern Criollo horses trace their ancestry back to a shipment of 100 Spanish horses that arrived in Rio de la Plata in the year 1535. Imported by Pedro de Mendoza, the founder of Buenos Aires, these horses served as foundation stock for early local breeding programs. [1]
Many of these horses were left behind to form feral herds a few years later when the Spaniards abandoned Buenos Aires. Horses that withstood the region’s temperature extremes went on to reproduce, leading to a population of thousands of wild horses when settlers returned in 1580.
Over time, through natural selection and adaptation to the often harsh environments of South America, these horses evolved into the resilient breed we know today.
Native horses were crossed with imported Thoroughbreds and draft horses throughout the 19th century. The cross-breeding nearly erased the breed’s classic Spanish characteristics until breeders in Argentina developed a new breed standard to restore the traits of the original Criollo. [1]
Historic Use
Settlers brought horses to the Americas as working animals to explore the land and establish homesteads. Natural selection shaped the breed’s feral ancestors, ensuring that they adapted to their new environment. [2]
Indigenous people in the region captured feral horses to establish selective breeding programs incorporated these horses into their cultures. When Spanish settlers returned to the area, they also captured the horses for riding, packing, and farm work. [2]
Criollo horses gained popularity with the gauchos (cowhands) of the 18th and 19th centuries. These nomadic skilled horsemen used the Criollo horses to herd cattle on the grasslands, a now famous part of the region’s cultural heritage. [1]
The original Criollos had remarkable endurance abilities, allowing them to work long days with the gauchos. To improve the breed, breeders once evaluated horses for breeding in La Marcha endurance events that tested horses over a 750 km course. [1]
Professor Aime Felix Tschiffely famously trekked his two Criollo horses Gato and Mancha over 21,500 kilometres from Buenos Aires to New York City between 1925 and 1928. Both horses went on to live past the age of 35.
Today, Criollos are used for various equestrian disciplines, including endurance riding, polo, and traditional South American rodeo events.
Breed Registry
Argentine breeders founded a purebred Criollo breed registry in 1918. Dr. Emilio Solanet took leadership of the country’s breeders association in 1934, establishing new breed standards for Criollo horses and incorporating bloodlines from Chilean horses. [3]
Other countries in South America and Europe operate their own Criollo breed registries. There is no official breed registry for Criollo horses in North America.
Breed Characteristics
Modern breed standards for Criollo horses emphasize their Spanish ancestry and the physical traits that allowed these horses to survive in feral herds on the Pampas. Criollo horses are still used as working cow horses in South America, but the breed can also excel in equestrian sports.
Conformation
Criollos are sturdy, compact horses with an average height of 14.3 hands. Today, they display a distinct Spanish type, evident in their sloping croups and slightly convex necks. Their overall conformation should appear well-balanced and harmonious.
Their heads have straight or convex profiles, broad foreheads, tapered muzzles, prominent cheeks, expressive eyes, and small ears. These horses are strong for their size, with short backs, wide chests, sloping shoulders, and round haunches.
Criollo horses have relatively short, strong legs with good bones and strong feet. Their gaits are loose, agile, and active. While most Criollo horses only have standard gaits, some can perform a lateral gait.
Colours
Nearly all coat colours occur in the breed, and some Criollo horses have primitive markings. Dun is the most popular colour for Criollo horses.
The complete list of coat colours represented in the breed include:
- Dun
- Brown
- Black
- Bay
- Chestnut
- Buckskin
- Grullo
- Palomino
- Roan
- Gray
- Pinto
Their manes and tails are typically thick and long.
Temperament
Criollos are intelligent horses with a willing work ethic. While these horses are often confident and independent, most owners find they are eager to please and learn new things quickly in training.
The breed is also known for its bravery and calm temperament. One study found Criollos had more parasympathetic nerve activity associated with calm behaviour than Thoroughbreds. However, individual personalities can vary in horses regardless of breed. [4]
Disciplines
Their easy-going temperaments make Criollo horses wel