Garrano
The Garrano is a breed of Portugese ponies that are rapidly declining in population. This very primitive pony is one of the oldest breeds that originated in Portugal. They are generally used for trotting races, packing, trekking, in harness, light farm work, and pulling small carts.
Garrano Pictures
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- Garrano do Minho
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- Garrano Foal
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- Garrano Horse
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- Garrano Images
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- Garrano Mare
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- Garrano Pictures
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- Garrano Pony
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- Garrano
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- Minho Horse
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- Garrano Stallion
Quick Information
| Alternative Names | Minho, Garrano do Minho, Trás os Montes |
| Physical Characteristics | The head is small but can be heavy with a slightly concave to straight profile with a long, muscular neck, large and lively eyes, short and straight back, deep and wide chest; all the legs are solid and long with broad joints, while the feet are tough having a good shape; the tail and the mane is dense |
| Temperament | Well mannered, intelligent, easy going, willing to learn |
| Type | Riding Pony, Racing Pony, Working Pony, Sport Pony |
| Colors | Bay, brown, dark chestnut, grey |
| Height | 12-13 hands (average 12.3 hands) |
| Weight/Size | 364 pounds (male and female adults) |
| Blood Type | Warm blooded |
| Common Uses | Pack animals, Military use, Transportation |
| Health Problems | No known breed specific issues; healthy |
| Gaited | Yes (quick) |
| Popular Traits | Dependable, loyal, multi-talented, hardy |
| Feeding/Diet | General equine diet including hay, grass, grains, etc. |
| Country of Origin | Portugal |
| Time of Development | 20th century |
Video: Garrano Ponies
History and Development
Researchers have opined that the Garrano pony was developed from the primitive Celtic equines, from which the former has got its size and structure. However, this theory is not confirmed. Despite the fact that, these animals have some Arabian equine features, Northern Iberian Paleolithic cave paintings suggest that, the concave trait that these small horses display is not because of any Arabian influences. However, in the 20th century, this pony breed had been infused with Arabian blood under order of the Portuguese Ministry of Agriculture.
The Galacian horses from Northern Spain, the Austrian horses, and powerful Andalusian horses at times display similar concave features like the Garrano, from which it can be theorized that, these horses carry the blood of the Garranos, or have some genetic connection.
Interesting Facts
- The population of the breed has gone down mainly by wolf predation, since these equines is one of their favorite preys.
- Since these horses seemed to be not suitable for agricultural work, they have been crossbred with other breeds for meat production.
- As of 2010, the total estimated number of these horses is approximately 2,000.
- The sex ratio of the Garrano is 1 stallion : 13 mares.
