Intro
Also called Wild Horses of Roraima, the Lavradeiro comes from Roraima in the north of Brazil, near the Venezuelan border. They are the descendants of Spanish Colonial Horses.
Origins
During the 19th century a number of Portuguese and Spanish horses were imported to Brazil and bred to create a variety of breeds and types. Roraima is home to vast grasslands and found to be a great place for developing horses during colonization. The breed was left to run feral for the most part, being tamed and used from time to time.
Their numbers have fluctuated over the years, but by 1992 there was a healthy herd of 1200 animals. Unfortunately they were the subject of hunting, likely because they were competing with domestic livestock for resources. This culled their numbers to around 200 in a decade.
Keeping Them Alive
Their dwindling numbers raised the alarm and the Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária is taking action to preserve their unique bloodlines. Including creating a dedicated place for the breed with the nucleus of a new herd.
Features
Average height 13.5-14 hands
Mane and tail is thick
Physique
Head is smart with a straight profile
Ears are small
Withers are well defined
Back is short
Croup is slightly inclined
Legs are lean
Hooves are small
Traditional Colors
Generally chestnut, grey, bay or roan
Temperament
Docile once broken
Intelligent and calm
Use
Cattle horse
Light agriculture
Riding