![]() Stallions fighting in
Peneda-Gerês National Park | |
Country of origin | Portugal |
---|---|
The Garrano is a Portuguese breed of small horse. It is equivalent to the Faco Galego of Galicia in north-western Spain. [1]: 402
The horse is believed to be an ancient breed, with Northern Iberian Paleolithic cave paintings depicting horses with similar profiles. [1] The similarities between the breed and the depicted animals lead to the conclusion that the breed's appearance has remained stable.[ citation needed] There is genetic evidence that the horse originates in Celtic regions, with additional research suggesting the later introduction of males for breeding from north Europe. [1] In the 20th century, the breed was infused with Arab blood.[ citation needed]
The breed's numbers have been depleted by wolf predation, as they are a preferred prey. They have also declined as they have become less attractive for agricultural work, as a result of which they have been crossbred with other species for meat. As of 2010, the population of Garrano was estimated at approximately 2,000, with a sex ratio of one stallion to 13 mares. [1]
Members of the breed are usually bay, brown or dark chestnut in color, with a straight or concave facial profile, and stand on average 1.3 metres (12.3 hands; 51 in). [1] They are hardy and quick gaited breed and at one time were raced.[ citation needed]
![]() Stallions fighting in
Peneda-Gerês National Park | |
Country of origin | Portugal |
---|---|
The Garrano is a Portuguese breed of small horse. It is equivalent to the Faco Galego of Galicia in north-western Spain. [1]: 402
The horse is believed to be an ancient breed, with Northern Iberian Paleolithic cave paintings depicting horses with similar profiles. [1] The similarities between the breed and the depicted animals lead to the conclusion that the breed's appearance has remained stable.[ citation needed] There is genetic evidence that the horse originates in Celtic regions, with additional research suggesting the later introduction of males for breeding from north Europe. [1] In the 20th century, the breed was infused with Arab blood.[ citation needed]
The breed's numbers have been depleted by wolf predation, as they are a preferred prey. They have also declined as they have become less attractive for agricultural work, as a result of which they have been crossbred with other species for meat. As of 2010, the population of Garrano was estimated at approximately 2,000, with a sex ratio of one stallion to 13 mares. [1]
Members of the breed are usually bay, brown or dark chestnut in color, with a straight or concave facial profile, and stand on average 1.3 metres (12.3 hands; 51 in). [1] They are hardy and quick gaited breed and at one time were raced.[ citation needed]