Horse
Pronunciation:
chə-ˈlā-ən
Breed Description:
The Chilean breed of horse was bred for its cow-working skills by Chilean cowboys (huesos), who focused on selecting for lateral dexterity, courage and skill in handling cattle, and an even, trainable temperament. The work and the rugged mountain climate has led to the development of a breed that can withstand great fluctuations in climate as well as physical hardships. The Chilean breed of horse is remarkably hardy, with a high pain threshold and a low metabolism. Chilean horses tend to be highly disease-resistant and to recuperate quickly. Their strong hooves and thick double-hair coat enables them to withstand both cold and dry/hot weather. The Chilean breed of horse generally has a square-shaped body, strong hind legs, and relatively short shins, making them unusually sure-footed horses.
Temperament:
The Chilean breed of horse has a very docile but alert temperament, with an enormous capacity for work. It is easy to train.
Height:
The Chilean breed of horse is about 14.8 hands high.
Health Problems:
The Chilean breed of horse has no known breed-specific health problems. It is known for its durability, its high pain tolerance, its immunity to disease, and its fast rate of recuperation.
Living Conditions:
Traditionally, the Chilean breed of horse has endured varying but harsh living conditions. Chileans are known for the little care that they require.
Exercise:
The Chilean breed of horse is hard-working and energetic.
Grooming:
The Chilean breed of horse should be groomed regularly. A hard-working, stabled Chilean may require a thorough grooming each day.
Origin:
The Chilean breed of horse is believed to have originated in New Castile (Peru). Most of the horses came from Charcas (now Sucre, Bolivia). The breed probably started around 1544 when Father Rodrigo González Marmolejo started breeding horses in what was then New Toledo.
The Chilean breed of horse was the first stock horse to be registered in the Western Hemisphere, in 1893. The Chilean Horse is not just the oldest stock horse breed in America, but is also is the only stock horse breed that has maintained a closed registry since its inception. 