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HORSES OF THE WORLD
SORRAIA
Origin:
Europe - Portugal
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History:
It is believed that the Sorraia is a descendant of the ancient Asian Wild
Horse and the Tarpan. Living in the region between the rivers Sor and Raia in Portugal
tributes to its name. The primitive looking Sorraia was formerly used for farm and riding
work. It is a tough and hardy little horse. The Sorraia is believed to be related to the
Garrano pony of northern Portugal.
Some selective breeding has started to preserve the original type.
Characteristics:
primitive looking
Head: large, primitive looking head; convex profile, high set
eyes, fairly long ears
Neck: long, slender
Shoulders: straight, long; well defined, prominent withers
Body: straight, medium length back; deep, narrow chest;
sloping croup; poor hindquarters
Legs: long limbs, lacking in bone, well defined tendons
Feet: hard, sound
Tail: low set
Color: predominantly dun, often black eel stripe down the
centre of the back; frequently zebra markings on legs and occasionally on body
Height: 12 to 13hh
Temperament: good, kind
Qualities: very tough; hardy, able to exist in extreme
climate and on poor pasture
Today:
The Sorraia exists today mainly in small semi-feral herds.
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