I purchased two geldings nine years ago to ride and grew to appreciate the dedication and compassion of the breeders, and the affectionate and intelligent nature of these horses. On retirement, I found a home at the Galiceños of Suwannee. The preservation of this endangered breed gives my life a new purpose. These are horses for children and small adults, but they are capable of any horse activities and outperform with their attitude and sturdiness. The breeding program is based on careful and scientific selection of traits of sires and mares. The ranch is open to visitors and welcomes introducing the breed to people who want to know more. This non-profit takes its education mission seriously.
I first learned about the Galiceño breed of horses in 2006. I did not know then how rare they are, but I quickly became interested in their history. As I learned more, the more I wanted to learn about them. Their intelligence, their stamina, their desire to please their human companions endeared them to me and I found myself passionate about their survival. The Galiceños of Suwannee Ranch was born that same year. We contacted The Livestock Conservancy and they became interested in the breed. After placing the Galiceño “under study” for their status, they then listed the breed as “Critically Endangered.” The Equine Genetics lab at Texas A&M gave us the interesting news that our Galiceños were most closely related to the Garranos of Portugal, rather than the more common “Colonial Spanish” horses! This information sparked an interest in the history of the first Spanish explorers, especially Cortes because of his exploits in Mexico where he brought the Galiceños first for conquest, then for settlements. My passion for the breed became a dedication. Galiceños of Suwannee, Inc. became a 501(c)3 and will be able to continue with its Mission Statement to promote and preserve the Galiceño horse breed.