Argentinian Horses

Intro

The Argentinean Ranch Horse originated during the mid 16th century when animals who escaped from Buenos Aries bred with local Argentinean stock.

Origins

The breed encompasses a variety bloodlines and Iberian-French, Dutch, Spanish & Portuguese animals have all had influence over the breed. Later, even Percheron blood was added, making them a popular choice for the gouchos.

Features

A compact, medium sized horse
Movement can be somewhat choppy

Physique

Head is medium sized and wedge shaped
Body is massive with a long back
Legs are short and muscular
Hooves are hard & strong

Traditional Colors

All colors

Temperament

Easy to care for
Loyal and true
Strong and intelligent

Use

Ranch work
Agriculture work
Pleasure horse

Argentine Polo Pony

Intro

Although the Argentine Polo Ponies are not considered a breed, Argentina is recognized the world over for their fine polo horses, a cross between Thoroughbredand Criollo blood.

Origins

These animals are bred to be quick, strong, agile and to handle the rigorous life of a polo horse with ease. Combining the speed and grace of the Thoroughbred with the tireless work ethic of the Criollo creates an animal who looks forward to and thrives on hard work.

Breeding is controlled closely by Argentine breeders and only proven horses are bred to retain their good qualities. These animals are bred to retain their type rather than to preserve pure bloodlines.

The Association of Poly Pony Breeders was founded in 1984 in an attempt to preserve bloodlines.

Features

Average height 14.2 – 15 hands
Fast and able to turn sharply
Athletic and bold

Physique

Long neck
Short, strong back
Deep girth
Strong, muscular hindquarters
Legs are short with strong bones and joints

Traditional Colors

Found in all common colors

Temperament

Sensitive and responsive
Highly energetic and tireless
Eager to please and intelligent

Use

Polo sport horse

Helpful Links

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Polo Argentino
Federation of International Polo

Where to Buy

Argentina Polo
Polo Services

Video

Argentine Criollo

Intro

The Corillo breed has overcome a great deal of adversity and intense living conditions during its existence and the resulting animal is tough as nails and can cover astonishing distances.

Origins

Native to Argentina and its bloodlines come from Barb, Arabian and Andalusian stock. The horses that were shipped from Spain to explore South America were the hardy and solid, but not of the finest stock.

Often crossed with Thoroughbred for speed and size, the Argentine Criollo possesses an inherant endurance that is unmatched in the horse world

Features

Average height 14 hands
Strong and hardworking
Incredible endurance
Robust and thick

Physique

Head is straight and usually has concave profile, although Barb influence can create a convex head
Short, strong back
Solid bone structure and sound feet
Thick mane and tail

Traditional Colors

Most colors except for pinto white pattern
Dun coloring favored because it is said to be the mark of a strong animal

Temperament

Hardworking and agreeable
Tenacious, fearless and tireless
Independent yet once trust is gained they are very affectionate

Use

Working cow horse
Endurance racing
Pleasure riding
Rodeo horse

Helpful Links

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Video

Argentine Anglo

Intro

The Argentine Anglo was developed through a need for a sport horse, lighter than the Criollo for sport in the country.

Origins

Their breeding began about 50 years ago and they were created by crossing Argentine Criollo mares with English Thoroughbred stallions and are only bred in Argentina.

The resulting animal is a great sport horse with a special fitness for polo and are known worldwide as exceptional polo ponies.

Features

Average height 14.7 – 15.7 hands
Tend to be large and Thoroughbred in apperance

Physique

An expressive, mid-sized head
Long neck
Sloping shoulders
Back is long and elastic with a long muscular croup
Legs are solid with good bones & joints
Hooves are small and hard

Traditional Colors

sorrel | grey | bay

Temperament

Hardy and true
Spirited and high energy

Use

Show horse
Pleasure horse
Polo pony