Continent: America
Country: Brazil
Weight: 500 – 650 kg
Height: 150 – 160 cm
The Campolina is a horse breed originating from Brazil, more precisely from the state of Minas Gerais, in the 19th century. It was created at the initiative of Cassiano Campolina (1823-1904), a wealthy landowner and passionate breeder.
Breeding began in 1870 with a Barb-type mare, Medeia, crossed with an Andalusian stallion given by a friend. Later, bloodlines from the Thoroughbred, the Arabian, the Mangalarga Marchador, and even the Clydesdale were introduced to improve size, gait, and riding comfort.
The goal was to create an elegant, robust saddle horse with smooth gaits, well suited for long distances and the varied landscapes of Minas Gerais.
The Campolina quickly became a symbol of prestige for the fazendeiros (Brazilian landowners), and later one of the main national breeds, officially recognized in 1934 with the creation of the studbook.
Today, it represents the Brazilian cultural heritage, combining European and local influences in a refined, comfortable saddle horse, widely appreciated in its country of origin and beyond.
Minas Gerais, in southeastern Brazil, is the historic heart of Campolina breeding. It is where the breed was created and where most of the specialized stud farms are still located today, notably around Sete Lagoas, Belo Horizonte, and their surroundings.
Gradually, Campolina breeding extended to other southeastern states, such as Rio de Janeiro, Espírito Santo, and São Paulo dynamic regions for equine breeding where the breed is highly present in competitions and shows.
Beyond the southeast, the Campolina spread to other parts of Brazil, especially the Central-West (Goias, Mato Grosso do Sul), where it is valued for its versatility and ability to work across vast territories.
Although breeding remains mainly concentrated in Brazil, the breed has gained international recognition, with some horses exported to other Latin American countries and even to North America, for cultural and sporting purposes.
The Campolina represents one of the main equine creations of Brazil, the result of carefully selected crosses in the 19th century. Its genetics include contributions from the Andalusian, Thoroughbred, Arabian, Mangalarga Marchador, and Clydesdale, giving it a rich and diverse genetic base adapted to local needs.
Thanks to its harmonious morphology and comfortable gaits (marchas), the Campolina is considered a valuable genetic reservoir for gaited horse breeding programs in Latin America. It has helped refine riding comfort and the regularity of gaits in several local lines.
As an emblematic national breed, the Campolina plays a role in the preservation of Brazilian equine biodiversity. It is an important resource to maintain genetic diversity in the face of uniformization caused by dominant international breeds.
Its solid bone structure, imposing size, and versatility make it an asset for improving the stature, comfort, and hardiness of other regional lines. For this reason, it remains a strategic horse in Brazilian breeding programs.
The Campolina breed was born in the state of Minas Gerais (Brazil) in the second half of the 19th century. Its creator, the fazendeiro Cassiano Campolina (1823-1904), sought to develop a comfortable, elegant, and enduring saddle horse, suitable for long distances and the hilly terrain of the region.
The story began in 1870, when Campolina crossed a Barb mare named Medeia with an Andalusian stallion gifted by a friend. This cross is considered the founding act of the breed.
In 1934, the official studbook of the Campolina was created, marking the breed’s recognition and the establishment of an organized registry. From that point, more rigorous selection allowed the type to be standardized, fixing the morphological and functional traits that still define the breed today.
During the 20th century, the Campolina established itself as one of the most emblematic Brazilian horses, widely present in competitions, shows, and gait demonstrations. Today, the breed continues to undergo genetic improvement, with special attention paid to the quality of its gaits, riding comfort, and presence.
The Campolina is known for its calm and docile character, making it easy to handle and pleasant for riders of all levels. Its balanced nature allows it to be used both in leisure riding and in gaited competitions.
It is an intelligent and attentive horse, learning quickly and adapting easily to its rider’s demands. This quality makes it suitable for dressage, demonstrations, and equestrian activities requiring good responsiveness.
The Campolina is generally sociable and affectionate, both with humans and with other horses. This disposition makes it easy to keep in herds and to integrate into various environments, whether in breeding farms, equestrian centers, or for family use.
Although naturally calm, the Campolina retains a controlled energy that allows it to cover long distances with endurance. Its smooth marcha gaits make it especially appreciated for trail riding and long journeys without excessive fatigue.
The Campolina is expected to retain its role as a Brazilian equestrian symbol, particularly thanks to the active work of the national breeders’ association (ABCCCampolina). This organization promotes the breed at agricultural fairs, gait competitions, and cultural events, ensuring its place in Brazil’s heritage.
Recent breeding programs focus on the quality and regularity of the marcha gaits, optimizing rider comfort. The aim is to compete with other Brazilian gaited breeds such as the Mangalarga Marchador, while reinforcing the distinct identity of the Campolina.
While breeding remains concentrated in Brazil, there is growing foreign interest, particularly in North America and some Latin American countries. Exporting breeding stock could expand its presence and strengthen its reputation as an exotic and refined saddle horse.
In the face of globalization of sport and leisure breeds, the Campolina will need to maintain its genetic diversity while incorporating modern selection criteria (health, longevity, competition performance). This combination will be essential to ensure the sustainability and future appeal of the breed.
The Campolina is considered a robust and resistant horse, adapted to Brazil’s varied terrain and climate. Its breeding, from crosses of rustic breeds (Barb, Mangalarga Marchador) and noble breeds (Arabian, Andalusian, Thoroughbred), has given it good longevity and natural endurance.
Like many saddle horses, the Campolina may be prone to joint conditions (arthritis, tendonitis), especially when worked intensively in competition or on rough ground. Its relatively large build can increase these risks if not properly trained and managed.
As a breed selected for its marcha gaits, some individuals may show locomotor imbalances if breeding or training is not rigorous. However, such cases remain limited thanks to breeder oversight and competition judging standards.
