Has anyone had any experience/owned a Criollo?

Serephin

Serephin

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looking at a Criollo as a possible replacement ned purchase - supposed to have very good temperaments - does anyone have any experience of them?

ideally I want something that is level headed and sane to get my confidence back and have some fun on. Criollos seem to to be very versatile and fit the bill judging from what I have read.

thankies in advance!
 
They have superb temperaments and are tough as sh:t. Generally speaking they are great little allrounders and absolutely unflappable
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Yes, I've had two Criollos and one TB X Criollo - all good tempered beasts. They have great stamina and we use them for polo as they're so easy going. They aren't the most beautiful horses in the world and inclined to be a bit porky given half a chance but they are seriously bombproof. If you're thinking of getting one, I would either get one from a hobby breeder in the UK or you'd do well to buy one from Argentina. They get shipped in to the UK round about now for polo season which starts in April. Where are you based? I bought all mine from an Argentine in Newmarket who I'd recommend.
 
I should probably mention that most Argentine Criollos are ridden Western style, they 'neck rein' and they aren't used to a contact in their mouth. I taught mine to accept a contact and jump but there was a fair amount of head shaking and huffing and puffing before we got there! If you're very nervous and need to have a tight contact all the time to feel safe, you might be better off with a UK one who's done it before.
 
thanks for your replies

I am a light handed rider and don't need a contact to feel secure most of the time! - I am not very good at keeping a contact really, I prefer to ride light and love neck reining although it would be a bit of a change. My confidence has waned a little due to my TB being spooky and silly at times, and I don't think I get on with his nervous energy, so am looking for something far more chilled and relaxed that doesn't make a drama out of things!

I have found a lady outside Leicester that uses Criollos for her riding establishment - from what I can ascertain she does rides out etc, but she also imports from Argentina horses to sell to people who have fallen in love with Criollos - she suggested I went along and rode one out to see what I think.
 
I have a TB X Criollo - stunning looking, as close to bomb proof as you can get (although that said, she is now 26 and seen it all before!). I can't fault her, and having worked with Argentinian polo ponies (usually Criollo), I would strongly recommend them.
 
I know a criollo who is the most laid back equine you could ever meet, almost to the point of being lazy
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As someone else has said, she does have a tendency to err on the side of porky, but is absolutely 100% honest and genuine.
 
my newbie's a criollo - going through some bolshy behaviour at the moment but he's just turned 5 - before that he was a saint. very fast and very quick to learn!
 
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