Horse breed
Campolina
The Campolina breed was developed starting in 1870 by Cassiano Campolina, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It originated from the crossbreeding of a local Barb-type mare with an Andalusian stallion.
The breed at a glance
The Campolina is a horse with a gentle, intelligent, and docile temperament, making it easy to train and pleasant to ride. It is also courageous and enduring, with a good learning ability and a strong willingness to work.
- Category
- saddle horse
- Origin
- Brazil · Late 19th century
- Height at withers
- 145–165 cm
- Weight
- 450–600 kg
- Lifespan
- 25-30 years
- Common coats
- bay, chestnut, grey, black, dun, palomino
- Disciplines
- equestrian trail riding, working equitation, light dressage, driving
Origin and history
The Campolina breed was developed starting in 1870 by Cassiano Campolina, in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It originated from the crossbreeding of a local Barb-type mare with an Andalusian stallion. Bloodlines from Mangalarga Marchador, Anglo-Arab, and Thoroughbred were subsequently used to refine the breed. The studbook was officially established in 1938, and the breed is now one of the most popular in Brazil.
Conformation and physique
The Campolina is a large, elegant, and harmonious saddle horse, with a solid bone structure and well-developed musculature. It exhibits a mesomorphic to longilineal build, with a noble and powerful silhouette.
The head is distinctive, with a convex (Roman) profile, a broad forehead, large expressive eyes, and medium-sized, well-set ears. The nasal bone is often Roman-nosed.
The neck is long, muscular, and arched, well-set into the shoulders. The withers are well-defined and extended.
The back is short and strong, and the topline is harmonious. The chest is broad and deep, and the ribs are well-sprung. The croup is long, muscular, and slightly sloped.
The limbs are solid, with large and well-defined joints. The cannons are short, and the tendons are well-defined. The hooves are strong and well-formed. Feathering is generally sparse.
- Common coats: bay, chestnut, grey, black, dun, palomino
Temperament and aptitudes
The Campolina is a horse with a gentle, intelligent, and docile temperament, making it easy to train and pleasant to ride. It is also courageous and enduring, with a good learning ability and a strong willingness to work.
The Campolina is renowned for its comfortable and regular gaits, particularly the 'marcha batida' or 'marcha picada', which are four-beat intermediate gaits, very smooth for the rider.
- Uses: saddle horse, trail riding, cattle work, light driving, parade
- Disciplines: equestrian trail riding, working equitation, light dressage, driving
Feeding the Campolina
The Campolina is generally a horse with a rather efficient metabolism, capable of effectively utilizing forage. It tends to maintain good body condition with a quality basic diet. A sufficient supply of forage (hay or grass) is essential. Concentrates are only necessary in cases of intense work or specific needs (growth, lactation), taking care not to overfeed to avoid obesity.
There are no documented specific predispositions to dietary sensitivities or particular metabolic risks (such as laminitis or EMS) for the Campolina breed. However, as with any horse, a balanced diet adapted to its activity level is essential to prevent these conditions.
With Equio, every feed, supplement or treat is read against the horse's real profile (age, weight, Body Condition Score, conditions) — useful for a Campolina as soon as a metabolic or digestive sensitivity is known.
Health and points to watch
The Campolina breed is known for its robustness and good general health. It is important to monitor the condition of the hooves, which require regular care, and to ensure good dental hygiene. Particular attention should be paid to weight management to prevent obesity, especially in less active individuals.
Care and grooming
Campolina care is similar to that of a classic saddle horse. Regular hoof trimming is essential. The mane and tail, often abundant, require regular brushing to prevent tangles. The coat is easy to maintain, and clipping is generally only necessary for sport horses in intense work.
Did you know?
- The Campolina is one of the most popular horse breeds in Brazil, where it is highly valued for its versatility and comfort.
- The convex head, or 'ram's head', is a distinctive and sought-after characteristic in the Campolina, inherited from its Barb and Andalusian ancestors.
- The breed's name pays homage to its founder, Cassiano Campolina.
The Campolina and how to track it
The Campolina breed is very poorly represented in France. A few rare individuals may be present, but there is no significant breeding or active studbook on French territory.
Equio lets you build a complete profile for a Campolina: identity, weight, Body Condition Score, feeding, conditions, care reminders (vaccines, worming, trimming) and an exportable health log. The breed sets the identity; everyday decisions still depend on the real horse and your vet's advice.
- Record the activity level: rest, leisure, sport or breeding
- Add known conditions or sensitivities
- Scan feeds, plants and care products
- Keep reminders (vaccines, worming, trimming)
- Prepare a PDF export before a vet appointment
Frequently asked questions
What is the average price of a Campolina horse?
The price of a Campolina varies considerably depending on its age, training level, lineage, and conformation. In Brazil, prices can range from a few thousand to several tens of thousands of Reais. Outside Brazil, they are rare, and their price may be higher due to import costs.
Is the Campolina a good horse for beginners?
Yes, thanks to its gentle, docile, and intelligent temperament, the Campolina is often considered an excellent horse for beginner riders or those seeking a reliable and comfortable mount. Its patience and willingness to cooperate make it a pleasant partner.
What is special about the Campolina's gaits?
The unique characteristic of the Campolina's gaits lies in its four-beat intermediate gaits, called 'marcha batida' or 'marcha picada'. These gaits are very comfortable for the rider because they minimize shock, offering a gliding sensation rather than a bounce.
Is the Campolina suitable for leisure riding and trail riding?
Absolutely. The Campolina is particularly well-suited for leisure riding and trail riding thanks to its endurance, surefootedness, calm temperament, and comfortable gaits. It can cover long distances without excessive fatigue for the rider.
Can Campolinas be found in Europe?
Campolinas are rare in Europe. The majority of the population is found in Brazil. It is possible to find a few through specialized imports, but they are not commonly bred or available on the European market.