Galiceno

The Galiceno is a small horse breed developed in Mexico from Spanish horses, with traditional links to stock brought from Galicia and other parts of Iberia during the colonial period. It is horse-like in build despite its pony size, commonly standing around 12 to 13.2 hands, with a short back, hard feet, and a quick, ground-covering way of going. Many Galicenos are noted for smooth natural gaits, including a running-walk type gait, and for usefulness on ranches, trails, and in youth riding programs.

Numbers are limited, especially outside Mexico and small North American breeding circles, so preservation-minded owners pay attention to registration and avoiding close matings. The breed is hardy and often economical to feed, but easy keeping can become obesity on lush pasture. Its size makes rider weight and saddle fit important; a well-made small horse can carry more than expected, but it is not a mount for every adult. Handling should develop the Galiceno's alert, practical nature without treating it as a novelty pony.

Colors: Amber Champagne, Bay, Bay Dun, Bay Roan, Black, Blanket Appaloosa, Blue Roan, Brown, Buckskin, Champagne, Chestnut, Classic Champagne, Cremello, Dun, Dun Roan, Fewspot Appaloosa, Flaxen Chestnut, Frame Overo, Gold Champagne, Gray, Grullo, Leopard Appaloosa, Liver Chestnut, Overo, Palomino, Perlino, Piebald, Pinto, Rabicano, Red Dun, Red Roan, Roan, Sabino, Seal Bay, Silver Dapple, Skewbald, Smoky Black, Smoky Cream, Snowcap Appaloosa, Sorrel, Splash White, Tobiano, Tovero, Varnish Roan, White