Intro
The Galiceño comes from Mexico and is relatively newly found in the US (since 1958). Like many of the horse breeds from the Americas, they owe their bloodlines to Spanish animals.
Origins
In the 16th century as the Spanish came to explore the new world, they brought mounts with them, not just Andalusians, but the Galician pony of northern Spain as well. The Galician along with the Garrano of Portugal were the foundation for this breed, passing along with gaits and an extreme hardiness.
These animals quickly became prized by the coastal regions of Mexico, they were small animals, although incredibly strong for their small stature. A Galiceño is robust enough to carry a man all day over rough terrain. While their cousins made their way up into North America, the Galiceño bloodlines remained south of the border until recently.
The US Galiceño Horse Breeders Association was formed in 1959 to protect and preserve this versatile breed, just one year after the first animals were imported into the US. Today their numbers are low, but the DAD-IS provides no population numbers, in fact they don’t list them as a breed in Mexico or the US.
Features
Average height 12-13.2 hands
Some animals do not have chestnuts on their legs
Physique
Head is refined
Eyes are large and lively
Ears of medium size, crescent shaped
Neck slightly arched
Chest is narrow or medium in width
Sloping shoulders
Back short and straight
Croup slopes slightly
Tail is well set
Hindquarters are set under the body
Legs are sturdy and well defined
Feet are shapely and hard
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Gentle and easy to handle
Use
Riding horse
Cow pony
Driving
Long distance
Pack animal
light agriculture
Helpful Links
US Galiceño Horse Breeders Association
US Galiceño Horse Registry