Our First Breed: The Galiceno

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Galiceno

The Galiceno made its North American debut when Hernando Cortes invaded Mexico in 1519. It has endured cruel treatment in the Mexican silver mines and devastating droughts in the unforgiving Central American heat to become one of the hardiest, friendliest ponies the world has ever seen.

Origin

The Galiceno was created by crossing Spanish Galicians with Portuguese Garranos. Some believe that it is a descendant of the Sorraia because of it's unusual running walk.

History

The Galiceno has been present in Central American culture for over 580 years. During their conquests in modern-day Mexico, many Galicenos escaped from the Conquistadors. They were captured by the native people, who let them roam the land, semi-wild.

Eventually, the ponies wandered far enough north so that American Mustangs and Galicenos ran side-by-side. The Florida Cracker Horse and the Kiger and Spanish mustangs are all distantly related to the Galiceno.

The Galiceno was officially imported into the United States in 1958, and the Galiceno Horse Breeders Association was created a year later.

Today

The Galiceno has evolved to become one of the greatest children's pony of all time. It is intelligent, beautiful, and has a wonderful disposition. Still, this tough little pony is strong to carry a grown man over rocky terrain all day. Galicenos are used by ranches for anything from cutting cattle to light draft work.

Sources

• A Pocket Guide to Horses and Ponies, by Corinne Clark. Paragon Books, 2007.
• Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America, by Judith Dutson. Storey Publishing, 2005.
• The Ultimate Guide to Horse Breeds, by Andrea Fitzpatrick. Chartwell Books, 2008.
• The International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds, by Bonnie Hendricks. University of Oklahoma Press, 1995.