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The Sorraia descended from very ancient stock and is related to the
Tarpan as well as the Asian Wild Horse. This pony has influenced the development of many breeds,
including the indomitable Spanish Horse Breeds - the Andalusian, Lusitano, and Alter Real - and
is in many ways a "mini" version of those particular breeds. They originated in the western region
of the Iberian Peninsula and can be traced to the area between the Sor and Raia Rivers, which
is in-between Spain and Portugal. This is the area from which they derive their name.
*It has recently been brought to my attention
that the above information is incorrect to an extent. Following is what a kind
reader sent in to me. For research purposes, I've left both versions available
on this page.
"Sor
and Raia are two streams that join and form the Sorraia river in Santarém
district, Portugal (the Sorraia river eventually joins the Tagus river), the
Sorraia horse got its name from this river because it was discovered by Ruy
D'Andrade the last remaining wild population in the then isolated Sorraia
valley."
Spanish conquistadors took many Sorraia ponies with them to America,
and their influence is seen in many American breeds. Over the centuries, the Sorraia has undoubtedly
been subject to man's selective breeding, but it still retains some of its primitive characteristics
and bears a striking resemblance to many of the prehistoric cave paintings that have been discovered.
They are extremely tough and hardy and have great powers of endurance and stamina and have a very
long working life.
Traditionally, the Sorraia would have been used for working the land,
and also in light harness, as well as use for riding. For years they were associated with the
cowboys of the regions, because they make excellent cow horses. This pony is known for its calm,
gentle temperament, a trait that is seen in many of the Spanish horse breeds. They are also intelligent,
easy to train, and very willing to serve and eager to please. Sadly, the breed now exists in very
few numbers. It has been maintained largely by the efforts of the d'Andrade family in Portugal,
which keeps a small Sorraia herd in a wild state.
The Sorraia pony has typical Spanish characteristics: a heavy head
with convex profile and very large ears. They have elegant necks with lots of muscles and a nice
arch from the withers to the poll. They are compact through the back with defined withers, sloping
quarters, and a low-set tail. They have deep but often narrow chests and reasonably straight shoulders.
Their legs are short and strong with good joints and hard hooves. They are always primitive colors:
dun with a dorsal stripe, a dark palomino, or grullo. Grullo is a slate gray with brown tinge
and a darker head and legs. These ponies usually do not exceed 13 hands high.
Sorraia Horse Nature Reserve
The Sorraia Horse: A Link To Antiquity
Sorraia Magazine
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