Horse
Pronunciation:
gə 'lish ən ō
Breed Description:
The Galiceno breed of horse is a very rare breed of small gaited horse that originated from northwestern Spain. They are agile and smooth and make excellent all-around mounts -- particularly well suited to trail and endurance riding -- and family horses. They are speedy enough to use in contest sports and make above-average cutting and reining horses. They are strong with great stamina, and have an unusual running walk that is distinctive to the breed. The head of the Galiceno breed of horse has a straight profile, large eyes, and pointy ears. It has a slightly arched neck, prominent withers, and well muscled legs. Its back is short and straight, with a sloped croup and low set tail. The tail and mane of the Galiceno breed of horse are both thick and full: manes often lie on both sides of the neck, and tails usually sweep the ground. Galicenos' feet are hard and open at the heel. All solid colors other than albino may be registered. White markings are acceptable, but Pintos are not accepted for registration. There are 7,000 Galicenos registered in North America.
Temperament:
The Galiceno breed of horse has a gentle temperament, and is reported to form particularly strong bonds with their owners and human companions. They are considered a wonderful all-around horse and family horse.
Height:
The Galiceno breed of horse stands 12 to 14.1 hands high.
Health Problems:
The Galiceno breed of horse is known for being hardy and resilient.
Living Conditions:
The Galiceno breed of horse is regarded as an economical and relatively easy keeper.
Grooming:
The Galiceno breed of horse has routine grooming requirements. Routine grooming includes cleaning the horse's coat, combing out its mane and tail, picking out its hooves, and keeping its dock, eyes, muzzle, and nostrils clean with damp sponges. A hard-working, stabled Galiceno may require a thorough grooming each day, while a horse that is kept in the pasture may require only a light going over with a dandy brush.
Origin:
The Galiceno breed of horse originated in Galicia in northwestern Spain; probably by crossing Garrano Mountain ponies and the Sorraia of Portugal with horses native to Galicia. Because of the style and beauty of the Galiceno breed of horse, some observers believe that there is Andalusian blood in the Galiceno. More likely, however, it was the Sorraia that gave both the Andalusian and the Galiceno their distinctive good looks and bearing, their tendency for lateral gaits, and their talents for cow herding.
The Galiceno breed of horse came to the New World in 1519 when Cortez invaded Mexico. Over time, Galicenos were used in silver mines, as pack animals, and in herding cattle. Some Galicenos became part of the vast herds of Mustangs that roamed the Great Plains. The first recorded Galicenos that were intentionally imported from Mexico to the United States were a herd of 135 brought to Texas and New Mexico in the 1950s. These horses attracted the attention of ranchers and horsemen alike, and the Galiceno Horse Breeders Association was formed in 1959.
