Intro
The Cavall Pirinenc Català or Catalan Pyrenean Horse is a heavy draft type that comes from the Pyrenees and Catalan pre-Pyrenees.
Origins
The origins of this breed is old enough to be unsure, however they are thought to have already been domesticated by the 3rd century BC. This would make them descendants of animals left on the Iberian Peninsula by the Romans. For many centuries, they have been used for transportation of goods and people on mountain roads.
After the Spanish Civil War there was a shortage of food in Catalunya, so the goal of this breed changed to meat production. In fact, just after the Spanish Civil War their meat became an important subsistence food for the area. During the mid 20th century, French draft breeds were brought in to provide a bit of improvement into the bloodlines (many of the French draft breeds are also bred for meat). This crossbreeding has diminished the number of pure animals that exist today.
In 2004, an attempt was made to recognize and preserve the Catalan Pyrenean Horse, defining characteristics of its population. As a result it was determined that they are different from other breeds found on the Iberian Peninsula. By 2007 they were recognized as a breed and an official standard was approved, with a studbook established the following year.
While crossbreeding almost sent them extinct, the breed has not lost its fine original qualities. Raised outside most of the year, they graze mountain pastures in the summer and stabled over the winter.
Features
Average height 14.4-15.7 hands
Physique
Head is medium to large
Ears are medium in size
Eyes are expressive
Nostrils are large
Neck is sturdy and arched in males
legs are stocky and robust
Traditional Colors
chestnut | brown | bay | black
Temperament
Use
Agriculture
Pack animal
Riding
Transportation
Helpful Links
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Official Breeds Catalogue
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