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Mangalarga Marchador Breed
04/19/2009 - By Lynn Kelley
The National Horse of Brazil is now here in North America! Never heard of the breed? That's understandable - there are only 200 or so here. They are a wonderful breed - Expect to be impressed!
The Mangalarga Marchador
The Mangalarga Marchador (MARCH A DOOR) is a breed that descends directly from
ancient Iberian blood. This outstanding saddle horse is known and bred for its smooth
step – the marcha – and is the National Horse of Brazil. It has Iberian beauty, a gentle
temperament, intelligence, stamina and a comfortable ride.
History
In 1807 Napoleon invaded Portugal, forcing Portugal’s Royal Family to flee to the
Portuguese colony of Brazil. They took their best horses with them, Andalusians from
the Royal Alter Stud Farm. One young stallion named “Sublime” went to the Baron of
Aldenas, owner of the Brazilian breeding farm, Campo Alegre. The stallion was bred to
local gaited mares of Spanish Jennet and Barb blood and produced offspring with a
smooth rhythmic gait.
Inspections
In Brazil, all Marchador horses must undergo an inspection by the ABCCMM (Brazilian
association) breed technicians to be approved for permanent registration and breeding, a
process similar to PRE Andalusian horses and European warmbloods. Horses must be
three years old and are inspected for conformation, gait and temperament. Approved
horses are branded with the horseshoe M brand of the ABCCMM. The inspection
process contributes to the quality of the breed.
Breed Description
The Mangalarga Marchador stands between 14.2 and 16 hands, averaging 15 hands and
weigh between 850 and 1100 pounds. Gray is prominent, but chestnuts, blacks, bays,
buckskins, palominos and pinto horses may also be found. A versatile, sure-footed horse
with plenty of cow sense as well as stamina, this breed holds the Guinness book of World
Records Endurance Ride of 8,694 miles in 1994.
The Mangalarga Marchador is strong and well proportioned, with agility, vigor and
soundness. The skin is fine and smooth. The coat is smooth and silky, as is the mane.
This horse has an active but very docile temperament. It has a small fine muzzle, large,
dark eyes which are set wide apart and display much energy and ears with tips turned
inward.
The Marchador horse is easy to train, gentle and kind. Small children in Brazil commonly
ride them. Because of its easygoing nature, it is a perfect mount for beginning riders or
aging riders who want to relax and enjoy their mount.
Gait
The Mangalarga Marchador’s two special gaits are “marcha picada” (picada – like the
sauce) and ‘marcha batida” (batida – BA CHEE DA). Both are four beat gaits and
provide moments of triple hoof support. The picada is a lateral gait and the batida is
diagonal. Personal preference and riding terrain determine which one is better. The
Marchadors all possess a wonderful canter, which does not disturb their natural marcha.
For more information, visit http://usmarchador.com - the US Mangalarga Marchador
Association.
Photo Gallery - Mangalarga Marchador Breed
Click here for Slideshow. You can also click on any of the photos to start slideshow.
