The Criollo horse
This Argentine saddle horse, also known as the Criolla or Creole, is descended from horses imported by the Spanish in the 16th century. Of the Andalusian type (a mixture of Iberian bloodlines, including Sorraia, and oriental bloodlines, i.e., Arabian and Barbe), these horses multiplied freely in the pampas. From then on, the Criollo developed slowly, without human intervention. Rigorous selection was only introduced when the Studbook was opened in 1918. It consisted of endurance tests (750 km to be covered in 15 days with a 110 kg load and a horse fed only on grass found) and a 48 km race.
Criollo is found in slightly different forms in other South American countries. Brazil’s Crioulo, Chile’s Chileno and Peru’s Costeno and Morochuco are just a few examples.
Caractère et aptitudes du cheval
Calm and long-lived, these hardy, energetic and agile horses have legendary endurance. Its gaits are fast.
Utilisations du cheval
The favorite mount of Argentine gauchos, this versatile saddle horse is sought after for long rides and excellent polo ponies.
Morphologie du cheval
Short, broad head with straight or slightly convex profile. Broad forehead. Medium-sized ears. Wide-set eyes. Strong, compact body. Very muscular, powerful neck. Prominent withers. Shoulder long, sloping. Well-opened fore chest. Deep chest. Short back. Powerful loins. Well-developed hindquarters with round, muscular croup. Short limbs with strong bones. Small feet with very hard horn. Low set tail. Coat: most often Isabella, mouse, light bay, with black manes and tips and a mullet stripe; possibility of lists and barnacles as well as welts on the limbs. Size: 1.40 to 1.55 m.
