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The Criollo was developed in Argentine, and dates back to
the 16th century, when the founder of Buenos Aires, Pedro e Mendoza, shipped one
hundred Spanish horses to Rio de la Plata. Although most of theses horses died
during the trip, a few of them survived and went on to form the basis for the
Argentine Criollo. The word criollo means "Spanish horse" and it is
likely that the original Spanish horses taken to South America were a mixture of
Sorraia, Garrano, and Andalusian breeds. The Criollo was developed from
interbreeding between these breeds and possibly Arabian and Barb stock.
Around
1540, when the Indians sacked Buenos Aires, many of the Spanish horses were
released of escaped, and through breeding in the wilderness, the Criollo was
developed. This breed is perhaps one of the toughest, most enduring horses in
the world. Having been influenced by the environmental factors present during
the formation of the breed has created this toughness.
The Argentine climate varies to extremes of hot and cold
weather. Amazingly, the Criollo is able to survive these, as well as a lack of
food or water. They are extremely hardy, frugal eaters, thriving on what little
sustenance they can forage. The Criollo breed society was formed in 1918. This
sets rigorous endurance tests to select the best horses for breeding.
The tests
are run over a 465 mile course, which must be completed in a maximum of
seventy-five hours, split over a period of 14 days. During this time, the horses
are allowed no extra food rations. They are only allowed to eat the grass at the
side of the road, and are consequently inspected at the end of each day by a
veterinarian. They also have good resistance to disease and are long-lived and
resourceful, making them the cowboy's favorite mount. The breed has also had
some influence on the Argentinean polo pony.
In appearance, they look like a small horse, standing
between 14 and 15 hh. They have long heads that show their Spanish influence, a
long, muscular neck, a sloping shoulder, and a broad chest. Generally they have
short, compact backs, with muscular quarters and well-defined withers Their legs
are strong and solid with well-formed bone and very tough hooves. They are
usually dun in color, but can be any color. They have a very willing, biddable
temperament.
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