|
|
The Galician pony is a breed of pony developed in northwestern Spain that has had an influence on the Galiceno breed in Mexico. It is thought to have developed partly from the Garrano pony of Portugal. The ponies are hardy and rugged. They have a size between a pony and a normal horse, and have a short body and a strong-legged. They have a straight profile, and usually are chestnut in color. The ponies are currently used for riding and meat production, although it was originally used to produce brushes from its mane hairs. A herdbook was formed in 1994. A 1973 study by Pedro Iglesias estimated more than 20,000 Galician ponies are free in the mountains of Northwestern Spain. However, it is thought that their numbers have probably decreased. Once a year, the semi-wild herd is driven from the mountains to the "curro," where they are branded and their manes and tails are cut. Some are sold; the rest are set free. |
