The Cavall Pirinenc Catal\u00e0 or Catalan Pyrenean Horse is a heavy draft type that comes from the Pyrenees and Catalan pre-Pyrenees.
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The origins of this breed is old enough to be unsure, however they are thought to have already been domesticated by the 3rd century BC. This would make them descendants of animals left on the Iberian Peninsula by the Romans. For many centuries, they have been used for transportation of goods and people on mountain roads. <\/p>\n
After the Spanish Civil War there was a shortage of food in Catalunya, so the goal of this breed changed to meat production. In fact, just after the Spanish Civil War their meat became an important subsistence food for the area. During the mid 20th century, French draft breeds were brought in to provide a bit of improvement into the bloodlines (many of the French draft breeds are also bred for meat). This crossbreeding has diminished the number of pure animals that exist today. <\/p>\n
In 2004, an attempt was made to recognize and preserve the Catalan Pyrenean Horse, defining characteristics of its population. As a result it was determined that they are different from other breeds found on the Iberian Peninsula. By 2007 they were recognized as a breed and an official standard was approved, with a studbook established the following year. <\/p>\n
While crossbreeding almost sent them extinct, the breed has not lost its fine original qualities. Raised outside most of the year, they graze mountain pastures in the summer and stable over the winter.<\/p>\n
Average height 14.4-15.7 hands<\/p>\n
Head is medium to large
\nEars are medium in size
\nEyes are expressive
\nNostrils are large
\nNeck is sturdy and arched in males
\nlegs are stocky and robust<\/p>\n
chestnut<\/a> | brown<\/a> | bay<\/a> | black<\/a> <\/p>\n Agriculture *All links open in a new window<\/small>Temperament<\/h3>\n
Use<\/h3>\n
\nPack animal
\nRiding
\nTransportation<\/p>\nHelpful Links<\/h3>\n
\nOfficial Breeds Catalogue<\/a><\/p>\nMore Images<\/h3>\n
\n\n![\"Catalan](\"\/images\/catalan-pyrenean-horse-1.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n\n![\"Catalan](\"\/images\/catalan-pyrenean-horse-2.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n![\"Catalan](\"\/images\/catalan-pyrenean-horse-3.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n\n![\"Catalan](\"\/images\/catalan-pyrenean-horse-4.webp\")
\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nVideo<\/h3>\n