The Mangalarga horse
This breed was created from a single Alter-Real stallion imported to Brazil in the mid-19th century by Emperor Peter II. Later, Andalusian and Alter-Real stallions bred to Criollo mares were added to the breed. Brazil has another light saddle and draft horse, the Campolino, but it is heavier than the Mangalarga. There are two types of Mangalarga: the marchador, which is the most important breed in Brazil with over 400,000 horses to date, and the paulista, which is a sub-breed of the first. There are around 35,000 paulista horses, but this equine census dates back over 20 years and is therefore not necessarily up to date.
Caractère et aptitudes du cheval
This docile, cooperative horse is very hardy, enduring, and vigorous. Its feet are sure-footed. A special gait; marcha or marchador, useful for working with livestock, fast and balanced, halfway between trot and canter. Both the marchador and the paulista make good sport horses.
Utilisations du cheval
Saddle horse used for farm work and herding.
Morphologie du cheval
Slightly heavy, long head. Straight profile. Open nostrils. Ears of medium length. Neck carried high. Prominent withers. Strong, sloping shoulder. Short back. Strong loins. Round, muscular croup. Long, robust, solid limbs. Very hard feet. Tail set low. Coat: mainly bay, chestnut. Height: approx. 1.50 m.
