Galiceno Horse
The Galiceño horse developed in Mexico and was later brought to the United States. Known for their extravagant stamina, high energy level, and untiring ability to travel long distances, this breed is highly prized as a riding horse, as well as for competing in some sports events, including jumping. Despite being short in size, with a pony gene pool in the bloodline, they are considered more of a horse, rather than a pony.
Galiceno Horse Pictures
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- Galiceno Horse Images
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- Galiceno Horse Mare
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- Galiceno Horse Photos
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- Galiceno Horse Pictures
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- Galiceno Horse Stallion
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- Galiceno Horse
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- Galiceno Horses
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- Galiceño Pony
Quick Information
| Other Names | Galiceño Horse, Galiceño Pony |
| Behavioral Characteristics | Willing, gentle, lively, easy to handle, adaptable |
| Physical Traits | The shape of the head is refined with an arched neck, large and bright eyes, and a short but straight backside; all four legs are well-defined and sturdy with the hoofs being hard and in proper shape, and the hindquarters set under the body |
| Coat Colors | Available in all common equine colors |
| Height/Size | 12.2 – 14.1 hands (adult horse) |
| Weight | 685 pounds (approx. average) |
| Common Uses | Riding, driving, jumping, pack animal, work horse (pulling carriages, light agriculture) |
| Health Problems | Usually healthy, with no known health issues specific to the breed |
| Type | Riding horse, Workhorse |
| Blood Type | Warm |
| Ancestors and Bloodlines | Portuguese Garrano Horse, Galician Pony |
| Popular Traits | Excellent in riding, tireless, easy trainability, durable |
| Feeding/Diet | Standard horse diet including hay, grass, grains, fodder, etc. |
| Country of Origin | Spain |
| Associations and Registries | Galiceno Breeders Association Facebook: GHBA |
Video: Galiceno Horse Pulling Carriage
History and Development
The Galiceno horse in the modern day Americas have their bloodline dating back to the Spanish breeds. The Spanish explorers landed in the North and the South Americas in the 16th century. Along with them, they brought the Andalusian horses, as well as the Galician ponies from the north of Spain in order to use them as mounts to the new world.
It was during this time that the Galician horses were crossed with the European Garrano horses that belonged to Portugal, which acted as the foundation for the then new breed Galiceno (that combines the name Galician and Garrano).
With its characteristic hardiness, the resultant breed proved to be a success, having a fast and impressive running-walk gait that was smooth and comfortable for riding purposes. Though these horses were relatively shorter in stature, they were strong enough to carry a rider for long hours without rest over the rough terrains.
For all these reasons, it didn’t take much time for the new breed to become popular among the residents alongside the Mexican coastal regions. In 1958, it was introduced to the United States by the Spanish Conquistador and Governor of Spain, Hernán Cortés, who landed into the country along with other people in the crew.
Soon after, in 1959, the GHBA (Galiceño Horse Breeders Association) was founded in the US with an aim to preserve and protect this multi-talented horse breed.
