The Galiceno horse breed is a rare breed of horse originating from Mexico. Standing at merely 12-14hh, this pony is often referred to as a horse as adults frequently ride it.
Galiceño Horse Breed Facts:
Name: Galiceno Horse
Origin: Mexico
Height: 12hh-13.2hh
Color: All solid coat patterns (Albinos & Pintos are not accepted)
Temperament: Friendly can-do mentality. Great family horses
Usage: Trail riding, Low-level English & Western disciplines.
Status: Critical. Only 200-300 Remain in the US today.
Other: Weight-bearing, small adults can ride them.
Photo: Galiceño Horse
Galiceño Horses Origin
The Galiceno breed has left a mark in history; on Christopher Columbus's second voyage to the Americas, he brought horses to "The New World" in 1493. A few years later Hernan Cortes (Spanish conqueror c. 1485-1547) imported the Galician Pony from the Galician province of Northern Spain to Cuba, forming another breeding herd.
These horses were brought over to the mainland of Mexico when Cortes invaded Mexico in 1519. Eventually, wild herds from Columbus and Cortes herds mixed, hence the origin of the Galiceno breed. It is believed to be a Portuguese Garrano horse with the Galician Pony from Spain, with some Sorraia blood thrown in at some point. Due to their small size and hardy bodies (resulting from their years as wild horses and the effects of natural selection), these small horses were used as pack horses and in the mines. 135 Galiceno horses were imported into the United States in 1958, and the Galiceno Horse Breeders Association was established in 1959, when a proper registry was implemented for the first time to organize and document the breeding.
Galiceno Horses Today: The Livestock Conservancy added the breed to the Critical Conservation Priority List in 2015. However, not too many breeders have stepped up to save the breed, and only 200-300 remain in the US today.
DNA evidence from the Texas A&M Genetics Lab shows that Galiceños are very closely related to the Iberian Garrano. Galiceños are, therefore, the earliest “Spanish Colonial Horse” in the Americas and are very pure, showing very little, if any, genetic exchange with other breeds because of their isolation. Livestock Conservancy
Galiceño Horses Appearance
Even though the Galiceno horse is the size of a pony, it still has long strides, strong legs, and an intelligent mind. Many adults in Mexico choose to ride the Galiceno horse over full-size horses as they are weight-bearing (similar to the Icelandic breed) and require less feed and maintenance.
The Galiceno horse breed comes in all solid colors, stands between 12hh-13.2hh, and has a small, delicate head with expressive eyes.
Galiceño Horses Usage
The Galiceno's smooth gate makes them great cutting or reining prospects. Their calm demeanor makes them suitable for both kids and adults. The breed is more popular in Mexico than in the US today, with a total of around 7000 existing in North America.
The Future of the Galiceno Horse
This very rare breed does not have a promising future unless someone steps up to promote it. The Galiceño Horse Breeders Association states their mission on its website:
The Galiceño Breeders Association was started out of passion and pursuit to save and continue the legacy of the Galiceño Horse. We are owners of the breed and stand ready to assist in every way possible so that more people may come to know the joys of owning, riding, and loving the Galiceño!
~The Little Horse With the Big Heart~
This dream can only come true with the help of the public and breeders stepping up to save this small horse breed.
