Intro
Cuba has no indigenous horses, which means that the breeds ‘native’ to the country were all brought there by Spanish and perhaps Portuguese settlers.
Origins
Once the Spanish had conquered the area their horses were left to become feral. Over the years the habitat and natural selection shaped these animals in isolation. The Cuban Paso or Cuban gaited horse began to show the lateral gait of the Jennet. This breed is characterized by their smooth four-beat gait which they can maintain over long distances.
Due to their isolation this breed has maintained many of the characteristics of their Iberian ancestors. These same ancestors are shared by many different breeds throughout the West Indies, Central and South America. Each one specifically bred and prized for their localized confirmation, rarely are they crossbred.
Features
Average height 13.3 – 15 hands
Harmonious confirmation
Physique
Head is small and refined with a straight profile
Ears are small, eyes are large and expressive
Neck is medium in length, arched and muscular
Back is moderate in length
Chest is wide and well muscled
Legs are short and muscular with large knees and well defined tendons
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Energetic and animated
Use
Riding Horse
Work Horse
