Intro
The Mangalarga Pulista is a breed that was developed from the Mangalarga Marchador breed in Brazil, so their history is very similar.
Origins
At the turn of the 20th century a Mangalarga Marchador brought a herd of his animals to Sao Paulo, hoping to use them for hunting. The Marchador is a handsome animal and they were quickly adopted by locals who wanted to use them for ranch work. While comfortable to ride, the Marchador is not a particularly good cow horse.
Local breeders crossed them with Thoroughbred, Anglo-Arabian, American Saddlebred and to a lesser degree Arabian, Hackney and Lusitano animals. From these crosses they developed a new type of Mangalarga. While presumably the influence of other animals created a type better suited to work cattle, Marchador blood was diluted enough to sacrifice the smoothness of their gaits.
Separate Studbooks
Essentially these crossed created a new breed, leading breeders to insist on separate studbooks to preserve pure Marchador bloodlines. Types for each breed were established and the Paulista studbook no longer accepts outside bloodlines. In the 20th century, they are very rare and considered endangered, according to the DAD-IS as of 2022 there are 3561.
Features
Average height 14.2-16 hands
Physique
Head is well proportioned with a straight profile
Withers are prominent
Legs are long and lean
Traditional Colors
All colors (double cream diluted animals are not allowed to register)
Temperament
Calm and good natured
Intelligent and docile
Use
Cattle horse
Riding horse
Sport mount