Argentine Criollo Horse

Intro

The Corillo breed has overcome a great deal of adversity and intense living conditions during its existence. The resulting animal is smart, loyal, tough as nails and can cover astonishing distances.

Origins

The Argentine Criollo bloodlines come from selective breeding of the Baguales horses, feral horses of the Pampas. These animals were bred for use as cattle and riding horses. Their ancestors came from Spanish stock brought during exploration of the South American continent. Many animals escaped or were left behind to formed feral herds that roamed the Pampas.

The feral animals of the Pampas were influenced by imported animals over the years. This included Portuguese and Dutch breeds, the blood of which distinguishes the Argentine Criollo from the animals found in Peru and Columbia. These herds proved useful to the local tribesmen who began to depend on them & became great horsemen.

Outside Influence

During the early 19th century both the English Thoroughbred and Percheron were introduced to Argentina. Subsequently, their bloodlines were added to the Criollo mix. They were crossed with Thoroughbred for refinement and elegance, with the Percheron for size and strength. Sadly, with all of this cross-breeding the original bloodlines of the Pampas had become diluted and extremely rare by the end of the 19th century.

Preserve Heritage

In 1917, the Sociedad Rural de Argentina was created to preserve the “creole” horse of Argentina. They located a herd of mares with pure breeding, which became the foundation for regenerating the breed. At first the breed was called the Argentinean, then Argentine Criollo, now they are simply Criollo, (the horses of Brazil and Uruguay have been determined to be of the same type/ancestry).

Modern Criollo

Today the Criollo is known for their remarkable endurance and stamina – it is said to be unmatched in the horse world. Every year The Criollo Breeders Association organizes an endurance ride or which tests the stamina of the purebred Criollo. The ride lasts covers 465 miles, 14 days and must be completed in less than seventy-five hours. Horses carry a minimum of 250 pounds and are allowed no food other than what is found along the trail. This trial is what determines quality breeding stock to keep the robustness of the breed.

Features

Average height 14 hands
Strong and hardworking
Incredible endurance
Robust and thick

Physique

Head is straight and usually has concave profile, although Barb influence can create a convex head
Short, strong back
Solid bone structure and sound feet
Thick mane and tail