- Chilean Corralero -

The Chilean Corralero is originated from the Spanish horse, and possibly is derived from the Spanish horses that arrived with the Spanish conqueror Pedro do Valdivia in 1541. These horses were obtained from southern Peru, and when Garcia Hurtado de Mendoza, the new governor, arrived in Chile with 42 horses of the famous caste of the Guzmanes and Valenzuelas, a new start of the Chilean horse breed was made. A pure Chilean breed appeared at the beginning of the 19th century, but the Chilean Corralero didn't appear until the end of the century.

In Chile, the Chilean Corralero is a work animal, first used by Spanish conquistadors for war and for agriculture. When Chile gained its independence, the Chilean Corralero became and indispensable partner and was used daily in war for the Army, in the plantations for the countryman, and for regular transportation for everybody. They are used a lot in working cattle and are now heavily used in the Chilean rodeo, which had its origins in the countryside as a game of chasing cattle. The Chilean Corralero shows all of its abilities in this modern event.

The Chilean Corralero is known for its very distinguished appearance. It has very good proportions for the work it was bred to do. They have a flat head with small, separated ears, eyes, and nostrils that must go behind the facial profile, and a small, fine muzzle. Their mane must be abundant, and undulated in tufts of hair and tail. Their chests must be broad and deep with a voluminous center and arched ribs, full, short flanks, rounded quarters, short extremities and no more than 14.3 hands in height.

For more information about this breed, check out these links!

http://www.ansi.okstate.edu/breeds/horses/chileancorralero/

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