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See Asturian. This and the
Galician were essentially the same pony, but sadly, the Galician is now
extinct. It originated from the province of Galicia.
The Galician
Pony is found in Galicia, in the northwest of Spain. This is a region with a
very wet climate and numerous low mountains. This breed is used for meat
production and for riding. Its size is between that of a pony and a normal
horse. These animals are very rugged and hardy. A herdbook was formed in
1994. This breed was used in the development of the Galiceño.
According to the 1973 study by Pedro Iglesias there were more than 20,000
Galician ponies free in the mountains in the northwestern region of Spain.
However, it is thought that this number has decreased because of sanitary
problems and low economic returns.
The Galician Pony belongs to a wide family of ponies which live on the
Atlantic coastal area from Portugal to Scotland. In the past, the main use
of this animal was the hair of the mane and tail used to make different
kinds of brushes. Today synthetic fibers have replaced this natural material
and meat production is the principal production destination.
The Galician Pony is a mix of Celtic horses, Roman horses and horses
brought to Spain by the Suevos. More recently they have crossbred with other
breeds. It is short-bodied and strong-legged. Despite their ethnic
heterogeneity (three types of Galician ponies can be found in different
parts of Galicia) the main characteristics are its straight profile, linear
proportions, height of between 1.20 and 1.30 meters, and a chestnut coat. An
interesting characteristic of one of the three types is the long mustache
which appears on the upper lips of the older mares.
In addition to meat production, they have a tourist value. One of the
most traditional and popular festivals in Galicia is the "curros." * This
festival consists in getting the semi-wild horses from the Galician
mountains once a year, usually in summer, to brand, cut their manes and
tails and sell them in the "curro." In this fair everyone participates in
bringing the horses to the curro. Afterwards people buy some of the horses
and the rest are set free again. This festival attracts a lot of tourists
and generates financial resources for the region. *The "curro" is a closed
area where the horses are exhibited during the fair.
Check out these websites offering
information about the Galician Pony breed!
http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/galician/
http://www.equine-behavior.com/Breeds%20of%20the%20Horse/Breeds%20F%20&%20G.htm
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