The Criollo - a native of Argentina - is though to be a relative of the Barb, Andalusian and Arab. Its ancestors were brought to South America by Spanish soldiers in the 16th century. In the fighting that followed their invasion some horses escaped into the wild, grassland areas called the 'Pampas'.
The conditions there are harsh. The weather is extreme, with prairie fires, dust storms, floods and dramatic temperature changes. Only the toughest horses survived and, over 300 years of breeding naturally they developed into the modern Criollo.
The breed is not only found in Argentina: there are variations all over South America. In Brazil it is known as the Crioulo; in Peru the Costeņo; in Chile the Caballo Chilero; and in Venezuela, the Llanero.
Nowadays the Criollo is a popular ranch horse. It is most valued for cross-breeding with Thoroughbreds, combining its hardy, athletic nature with the Thoroughbreds' speed to produce some of the finest Polo ponies in the world.
APPEARANCE
The head is broad with wide set eyes and alert ears. The neck is muscular and the chest is wide. Its back is short and deep and the quarters are well developed. The legs are relatively short but strong and the feet are small and hard.
HEIGHT
13.3 to 15.1hh
COLOUR
Dun with dark points and a dorsel stripe is the most usual colour. This blends in with the dry, sandy countryside of the Criollos homeland, and is a natural camouflage.
PERSONALITY
Criollos are tough and intelligent. They are well known for their powers of endurance, and their quick, agile movement has made them popular with South American cowboys (gauchos) for herding cattle. They are also used for general and long distance riding and pack work.
Back to Breeds.
Best viewed using a 17 inch (640 x 480) monitor.
