Losino

The Losino breed of horses is bred in the Losa Valley of Burgos, Spain. It's related to many of the breeds that came from the Cantabrian-Pyrenean branch, including the Galician pony, the Portuguese Garrano, the Asturian pony, the Basque Pottok, Merens horse, Sorraia, the Thieldon, the Navarre horse and the Catalan horse, which is now extinct.

As with many horse breeds, the Losino breed experienced alarming decreases in numbers when the farming switched to mechanization, and when meat breeds and donkeys were crossed with Losino breeds.  In 1986 there were only about 30 Losino remaining, but in 1999, thanks to a project for reviving the breed by the Breeding and Selection Center of the Losino Horse, the number had climbed to 200 horses.

The Losino breed weighs between 300 and 350 kg, and have average height of about 137 cm.  Their heads are considered large with fine features and a straight profile.  The Losino have strong necks that are straight, and actually stick out a bit.  Characteristically, the Losino's have abundant manes and tails with long hair, which grows thicker and longer during the winter months as a natural defense against the cold weather.