Lavradeiros galloping
The Lavradeiro or Lavrado horse is the name given to a population of feral horses native to the state of Roraima, in Brazil. Its name is in honor of a biome in the region known as Lavrados, a region of tropical savanna in the middle of the Amazon.
History[]
The Lavradeiro is believed to be descended from criollo or Spanish colonial horse types, types that were brought by Portuguese colonizers. Naturally, their presence in nature is synchronized with that of the colonizers, around the 18th century.
Habitat[]
The Lavradeiro horse inhabits the Lavrado do Maruai, an area of approximately 300,000 acres located between the Surumu and Parimé rivers in northern Roraima, Brazil. The region has a pronounced dry season and a rainy season that floods the grasslands. Lavradeiro horses are well-adapted to these conditions, possessing small, tough hooves suitable for both hard and wet terrain.
Population[]
Estimated population: 1,260–1,680 individuals. Threats: Crossbreeding with other horse breeds and infectious diseases such as EIA. Conservation status: At risk (endangered). Conservation and research efforts are led by Embrapa Roraima.
Morphological characteristics[]
The Lavradeiro is a small, hardy horse with strong adaptation to tropical savannas.
- Average height at withers: 1.40 m
- Average weight: ~280 kg (in the field)
- Coat colors: Predominantly brown and dark gray; also found in roan (rosilho), sorrel, and bay. Albinism or depigmentation of the skin and eyes is not accepted.
- Ears: Small to medium
- Neck: Straight, wide, and muscular
- Mane and tail: Thick and abundant
- Back: Short and strong
- Croup: Slightly sloping
- Forelimb angulation: Regular and well-aligned
- Hindlimb aplombs: Regular
- Hooves: Small, hard, and typically black or brindled
- Temperament: Active and docile
- Gait: Predominantly trot-type
- Breed traits: Exceptional hardiness and endurance
- Use: Primarily for livestock work and rural tasks