Small But Mighty...With a proud history.
April
The "Big" Little Horse!
May
Although small in stature compared to the average horse, the Galiceno is extremely hardy with an abundance of natural courage and stamina. It is nothing for him to carry an adult for a day's ride and still be less spent than many a larger horse. And, generally, the rider is more rested by the elusive "ease and way of going" possessed by the Galiceno. These horses are VERY intelligent and quick to learn with a naturally mild and gentle disposition. They make a wonderful all around and "all family" horse!
THE GALICENO HORSE BREEDERS ASSOCIATION was organized in 1959 to collect, record and preserve the pedigrees of Galiceno horses. The aim of the association is to help publicize and maintain the breed. It also expects to promote shows and performance contests to give breeders and exhibitors an opportunity to compete for awards.
Galiceno Horse Breeders Association
President: Kit Kirkwood Vice President: Jennifer Williams
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THE GALICENO CAN be best described as the little horse with the big heart and the illustrious heritage. It is believed by many experts that the first Galiceno horse came from Galicia, a province in northwestern Spain . . . and that the breed was in existence even before Columbus discovered the "New World". It is also said that ancient Galicenos were among the first 16 horses that landed on the mainland of America when the famed Spanish Conquistador and explorer, Hernando Cortes, invaded Mexico from Cuba in 1519.
THOUGH ALMOST UNBELIEVABLE, these small herds of island bred Spanish horses became the ancestors of the thousands of Mustangs that thrived on the plains of the great Southwest and of the modern Galiceno. For some reason, the small but spirited Galiceno never migrated north as did his wild Mustang brother but remained for centuries in the coastal regions of Mexico prized by the natives for his riding ease, intelligence, courage, endurance and functional size.
THROUGH THE CENTURIES, the Galiceno became a forgotten breed except for certain parts of Mexico. Though a rare few found their way to the United States, it was not until 1958 that the Galiceno was officially introduced to this country. At that time, two men from Texas were searching for a new breed to satisfy the increasing demand for a small pleasure riding horse that would also double as a good working and contest horse. When they first saw the Galiceno in Mexico, they knew their search was over. It was perfect in every way and they started immediately to import them to this country to breed, train and sell.
THOUGH ITS ANCESTORS once served the proud Conquistadors, the easy, tireless riding Galiceno of today was and will be again the delight of children and grown-ups alike throughout the United States.