Intro
Also called Gallego, Faca Galizana, Jaca Gallega, Poney gallego, Poni Galaga and Cabalo de Pura Raza Galega, the Galician Pony comes from the northwest of Spain, which is a wet region with low mountains.
Origins
These ponies have traditionally been bred for meat production, riding and a source of hair for brushes. A difficult natural climate makes them rugged, hardy animals usually the size of a small horse or large pony. Their bloodlines are the foundation for the handsome Galiceño breed found in Mexico.
The ancestry of the Galician pony is similar to that of many pony breeds who live on the Atlantic coast from Scotland down to Portugal. In each different place the animals evolved to suit the specific geographical and climate conditions. However, they all come from a mix of Celtic and Roman horses, as well as those brought to northern Spain by Germanic tribes.
An official herd book was established in 1994 and today this pony is a tourist attraction and source of revenue for locals. There is a yearly festival for rounding up the heard, branding them, cutting their manes and selecting a few animals to sell.
Features
Average height 12.2 – 13.2 hands
Can have a mustache and a beard
Mane and tail hair is abundant
Physique
Head has a straight or slightly concave profile
Ears are small and hairy
Protruding eye sockets with large expressive eyes
Chest is deep
Back is slightly sloping
Hindquarters are slightly sloping
Belly is rounded
Legs are thin, short and strong with hard joints
Hooves are small, dark, round and hard
Traditional Colors
Temperament
Amiable and kind
Use
Meat production
Tourism
Helpful Links
Galician Purebred Horse Breeders
Official Breeds Catalogue