Brazilian Campolina
Breed Description

The Campolina horse, also known as the Brazilian Campolina or simply Campolina, takes its name from Cassiano Campolina, the Brazilian rancher who developed the breed in the late 19th century on his fazenda (ranch) in Entre Rios de Minas, Minas Gerais state, Brazil. In Portuguese, the breed is called "Cavalo Campolina" (Campolina Horse), with the name universally recognized throughout Brazil where the breed enjoys significant popularity as a gaited riding horse. The breed is registered with the Brazilian Association of Campolina Horse Breeders (Associação Brasileira de Criadores do Cavalo Campolina, abbreviated ABCCC), which maintains studbook standards and promotes the breed both within Brazil and internationally.

The Campolina is sometimes informally called "Campolina" in casual conversation, with the name recognized by equestrians familiar with Brazilian gaited breeds. Outside Brazil, the designation "Brazilian Campolina" is often used to distinguish it from other breeds and clarify its origin, though "Campolina" alone is generally understood in gaited horse circles. The breed should not be confused with the Mangalarga Marchador, another Brazilian gaited breed that shares some common ancestry but represents a distinct breed with different characteristics and breeding standards. While both are Brazilian gaited horses, Campolinas are generally larger and display different conformation and gait characteristics.

Campolina horses are characterized by their smooth, comfortable four-beat gaits called "marcha," with two variations recognized within the breed: "marcha batida" (a diagonal four-beat gait with moments of triple support) and "marcha picada" (a lateral four-beat gait with moments of triple support). These natural gaits, performed without special shoeing or training aids, provide the comfortable riding experience that makes Campolinas highly valued as pleasure riding and trail horses. The breed name forever links these horses to their founder Cassiano Campolina, whose vision and selective breeding created one of Brazil's most successful gaited horse breeds. International recognition of the Campolina has grown as riders worldwide discover gaited horses and seek comfortable alternatives to trotting breeds, with Campolinas gaining appreciation for their exceptional size, elegant appearance, comfortable gaits, and gentle temperaments that make them appealing for riders seeking horses combining beauty, comfort, and willing dispositions in impressive packages suitable for riders of all experience levels.

Campolina horses are notably large for gaited breeds, standing between 14.2 and 16.2 hands tall, with many individuals exceeding 15.2 hands, creating substantial, impressive horses with the size and presence to carry large riders comfortably while retaining the comfortable gaits characteristic of Brazilian gaited breeds. They typically weigh between 1,000 and 1,200 pounds, displaying moderate to substantial bone and muscling appropriate to their size. The breed displays a distinctive head often showing a convex or "ram" profile that is considered desirable breed characteristic, with expressive eyes showing intelligence and kindness, and ears of moderate size that are alert and mobile. The overall head expression is gentle and noble, reflecting the breed's calm temperament while showing the quality and presence that makes Campolinas visually striking.

The neck is long and well-muscled, typically arched and elegant, rising from defined withers that provide secure saddle placement. The neck shows good top-line development and flexibility allowing the movement and collection natural to gaited horses. The shoulder displays moderate slope providing the range of motion necessary for comfortable gaited movement, with the angulation contributing to the breed's characteristic smooth, ground-covering strides. This shoulder conformation combined with the breed's size creates horses with impressive presence and movement quality that attracts attention whether on trails or in show rings.

The body of a Campolina is deep and well-proportioned with considerable depth through the chest and well-sprung ribs providing substantial lung capacity for sustained work. The back is medium to long in length with strong muscling supporting rider weight during extended riding, while the loin is well-coupled connecting to a gently sloped croup. The hindquarters show good muscling appropriate for pushing power during gaited movement without excessive development, creating horses that are powerful yet elegant. This balanced, substantial build creates horses that are imposing in size while maintaining the quality and proportion that distinguishes well-bred riding horses from coarse types.

Limbs on Campolina horses display correct structure with good bone substance, clean joints, and well-defined tendons essential for soundness in horses expected to carry riders for extended periods in gaited movement. The bone is substantial relative to body size, with the strength necessary to support their larger frames while maintaining the refinement appropriate for riding horses. Hooves are typically medium to large in size, well-formed, and strong, requiring regular farrier attention but generally sound when properly maintained. Pasterns are moderate in length and slope, providing adequate shock absorption during the moments of contact characteristic of gaited movement. The overall limb conformation creates horses with good movement quality and soundness potential essential for gaited horses whose value lies largely in their comfortable, sustainable gaits.

Coat colors in Campolina horses are notably diverse, with the breed accepting virtually all colors and patterns including gray, bay, chestnut, black, brown, dun, roan, palomino, buckskin, and pinto patterns of various types. This color diversity distinguishes Campolinas from some breeds with restrictive color requirements, reflecting the breed's emphasis on gait, conformation, and temperament over cosmetic appearance. Gray is particularly common, with many Campolinas born dark and progressively graying with age. Pinto patterns including tobiano, overo, and tovero occur and are fully accepted within breed standards, creating strikingly colored individuals. White markings on the face and legs are common and acceptable in any extent. The coat is short to medium in length, practical for warmer Brazilian climates while developing adequate protection in cooler weather. Mane and tail are of moderate to good thickness, neither particularly sparse nor excessively heavy, with some individuals displaying particularly luxuriant manes and tails that enhance their already impressive appearance.

The overall impression of a Campolina is of a large, elegant, well-balanced gaited horse displaying substance and quality in equal measure – horses that command attention through their size and presence while moving with the smooth, comfortable gaits that make them pleasure to ride. Their distinctive convex profile, substantial size, and diverse colors create visually striking horses, while their conformation reflects careful breeding for horses that are functionally capable as comfortable riding horses suitable for all-day trail riding, ranch work, showing, and pleasure riding. The breed's combination of size, comfort, and versatility makes them appealing for riders seeking horses that can accommodate larger riders, cover ground efficiently in comfortable gaits, and serve multiple purposes from competitive showing to casual trail riding while maintaining the gentle, willing temperaments that make them suitable for families and riders of all experience levels who appreciate horses offering both beauty and utility in impressive, eye-catching packages.

Campolina horses are universally celebrated for their extraordinarily gentle, calm, and willing temperaments that make them among the safest, most trustworthy horses for riders and handlers of all experience levels. These horses display remarkable patience and tolerance, particularly with children and novice riders, showing calm responses to mistakes or uncertainty that would make some horses nervous or resistant. Their gentle natures reflect generations of selection for family-safe horses that could be ridden by ranch owners' families, worked by hired hands of varying skill levels, and handled safely by anyone regardless of horse experience. This emphasis on temperament alongside practical working abilities has created horses that are genuinely trustworthy and safe while remaining willing, capable workers.

The breed demonstrates notable intelligence combined with strong desire to please, creating horses that are highly trainable and responsive to patient, consistent handling. Campolinas learn quickly, remember lessons well, and show willingness to try understanding what handlers want even when communication isn't perfectly clear. They rarely show stubborn or resistant behavior when treated fairly, instead approaching work with cooperative attitudes that make them enjoyable partners. This intelligence manifests in their ability to work cattle when asked, navigate challenging trail terrain, and adapt to various activities from pleasure riding to showing, demonstrating versatility that makes them valuable for diverse equestrian pursuits.

Social behavior in Campolina horses reflects typical equine herd dynamics, with these horses generally integrating peacefully with others without excessive dominance or aggression. They benefit from companionship and show contentment when kept with other horses, displaying normal social behaviors including mutual grooming and play. Many Campolinas display particular affection toward people, showing interest in human activities and seeking interaction beyond basic care requirements. This people-oriented nature makes them rewarding companions who actively enjoy human company rather than merely tolerating handling, contributing to their appeal as family horses where relationship quality matters as much as utility.

Under saddle, Campolina horses move with extraordinarily smooth, comfortable gaits that make them pleasure to ride for extended periods. Their natural four-beat marcha gaits – whether marcha batida or marcha picada – provide comfort that riders accustomed to trotting horses find remarkable, allowing all-day riding without the bouncing and impact of trotting. The gaits are natural, requiring no special training or shoeing to produce, with horses moving smoothly and efficiently at speeds ranging from relaxed trail riding to brisk covering of ground. Most riders find Campolinas so comfortable they can ride for hours without fatigue, making them ideal for trail riding, endurance activities, or any riding situation where comfort matters. The breed's size accommodates larger riders who might find smaller gaited breeds too small for comfort.

The breed's gentle nature extends to their interactions with other animals and environmental stimuli, with most Campolinas showing minimal spookiness or reactivity to novel situations when properly introduced. They typically coexist peacefully with farm animals, tolerate dogs and other pets, and adjust well to various housing and management situations. This adaptability and unflappable temperament makes them suitable for diverse environments from active ranches to suburban boarding facilities to therapeutic riding programs where exposure to unusual equipment or activities is routine. They generally handle trail riding obstacles including water crossings, bridges, and challenging terrain with calm confidence when properly introduced.

In showing and competition, Campolina horses typically maintain composure in busy environments, focusing on their work despite distractions when properly prepared. Their smooth gaits and impressive appearance make them competitive in breed shows and gaited horse exhibitions, while their temperaments make showing relatively stress-free for both horses and handlers. They typically transport well and adapt to new environments with minimal difficulty, making them practical choices for riders interested in showing or clinic participation.

The breed's working heritage means many Campolinas show aptitude for cattle work when introduced to livestock, displaying calm responses to cattle and willingness to position themselves appropriately for working livestock. However, their primary value today lies in their role as comfortable, versatile pleasure horses rather than specialized working horses. Their combination of gentle disposition, comfortable gaits, substantial size, intelligence, and people-oriented personalities creates ideal all-around horses capable of serving as pleasure trail mounts, family horses, show horses, and beloved companions while remaining safe, enjoyable, and trustworthy for owners of all experience levels who appreciate horses offering exceptional comfort and temperament alongside impressive appearance and versatile capabilities that make them suitable for virtually any non-jumping equestrian pursuit where smooth, comfortable riding is valued above athletic performance in trotting or galloping gaits.

Campolina horses require facilities appropriate for their larger size, scaled between average riding horses and heavy breeds in most requirements. Stalls should be spacious, measuring at least 12x12 feet with 12x14 feet preferred for larger individuals or horses spending extended periods confined. Standard stall construction suffices, though doorways and barn aisles should accommodate their size comfortably. Adequate ventilation is essential as with all horses, with windows or vents providing fresh air circulation without creating drafts affecting respiratory health. Natural lighting from windows supports healthy circadian rhythms, while artificial lighting should provide sufficient illumination for evening care and thorough health observations.

Stall flooring should provide cushioning and traction, with rubber mats over well-draining bases offering ideal combinations of comfort, traction, and ease of cleaning. Deep bedding on top provides additional comfort and absorbs moisture, maintaining hygiene and comfort. Straw, shavings, or pelleted bedding all work well, with regular stall cleaning essential for maintaining health and allowing daily monitoring of manure and urination patterns indicating digestive function. Clean, dry stalls prevent hoof problems and respiratory issues that can develop when horses stand in dirty, damp bedding.

Turnout facilities are important for Campolina wellbeing, with daily access to safe paddocks or pastures strongly recommended for maintaining physical and mental health. One to two acres per horse provides adequate space for exercise and grazing, though these horses' size means they benefit from generous turnout areas when available. Fencing must be secure, standing at least 5 feet tall and constructed of visible materials including wood board, vinyl, or properly tensioned smooth wire that horses can see clearly. Four or five-rail fencing works well, providing adequate strength and visibility for horses of their size. Avoid barbed wire which can cause serious injuries.

Pasture management for Campolinas requires attention to preventing overweight, as these easy keepers maintain condition well on moderate forage. Lush spring pastures may require restricted access using grazing muzzles, time-limited turnout, or rotation to prevent excessive intake leading to obesity or laminitis. Rotational grazing helps maintain pasture quality while reducing parasite loads, with fields needing periodic rest and maintenance. Provide adequate shelter through three-sided run-in sheds protecting from rain, wind, and intense sun, sized appropriately for the number and size of horses using them.

Riding facilities for Campolinas can be relatively straightforward, as these horses don't require specialized arenas or equipment beyond standard riding spaces. Basic arena areas prove useful for training during inclement weather, though Campolinas truly excel on trails where their comfortable gaits, sure-footedness, and steady temperaments shine. Access to varied terrain including hills, water crossings, and different footing types provides excellent conditioning while engaging horses mentally and allowing them to demonstrate the comfortable, efficient movement that makes them valuable as trail horses.

Safety considerations for Campolinas are relatively minimal given their calm, sensible temperaments and lack of spooky behavior. Standard equipment including secure gates, properly maintained fencing, and safe cross-tie areas suffice. Their gentle natures make them safe around children and novice handlers when properly trained, though supervision and appropriate safety practices including wearing helmets when riding remain important with any horse. Grooming areas should accommodate their size comfortably, with adequate space for handlers to work around horses safely.

Management routines for Campolina horses follow standard equine practices including daily feeding, water checks ensuring constant access to clean water, stall cleaning, and turnout schedules supporting physical and mental health. Many horses are brought in overnight or during extreme weather, with turnout during day allowing exercise and grazing. The breed's relatively minimal grooming needs and generally sound constitutions reduce daily maintenance time compared to higher-maintenance breeds. Their adaptable, calm temperaments mean they typically tolerate various management styles and routine changes reasonably well, though consistency still benefits them. Environmental enrichment through varied activities, social interaction with other horses, and interesting riding or work maintains mental health in these intelligent horses. Overall, Campolina management combines standard horse care practices with attention to providing adequate exercise, appropriate feeding preventing obesity, and regular interaction maintaining the human-horse partnerships these people-oriented horses value, creating management routines that keep these impressive horses healthy, sound, and content throughout long, productive lives.

Campolina horses require carefully balanced nutrition that meets their moderate needs as larger gaited horses while managing their tendency toward easy keeping and potential weight gain. These efficient horses typically maintain condition well on quality forage with modest concentrate supplementation, reflecting their practical breeding emphasizing horses that could work reliably on available feed without requiring expensive supplementation. Understanding their nutritional needs while preventing obesity represents the primary feeding challenge for Campolina owners, as excess weight stresses joints, increases laminitis risk, and compromises the health and comfortable movement that makes these horses valuable.

Forage forms the foundation of appropriate Campolina diets, with horses consuming approximately 1.5-2% of body weight daily in hay or pasture. For a 1,100-pound Campolina, this translates to roughly 17-22 pounds of forage daily, provided through combination of pasture access and supplemental hay. Quality grass hay or mixed grass-legume hays work well for most Campolinas, with mature grass hay providing appropriate nutrition maintaining condition without promoting excessive weight gain. Hay should be clean, free from dust or mold, and stored properly maintaining nutritional value and palatability. Avoid excessively rich hay that can contribute to obesity in easy-keeping horses.

Pasture access for Campolinas requires management preventing excessive intake on lush improved pastures. Many Campolinas maintain ideal condition on limited pasture access, with time-restricted grazing, grazing muzzles, or rotation between rich pastures and sacrifice paddocks helping prevent obesity. Spring grass poses particular risk as fresh, rapidly growing forage contains high sugar content potentially triggering laminitis in susceptible horses. Monitoring body condition and adjusting pasture access maintains appropriate weight throughout seasonal grass quality changes.

Concentrate feeding for Campolina horses should be conservative for most horses not in regular work, with many individuals thriving on forage alone or with only vitamin-mineral supplementation ensuring balanced nutrition. Horses in active riding may need modest concentrate supplementation providing additional energy, typically 2-5 pounds daily of balanced feed designed for easy keepers or moderate-activity horses. Never feed more than 5 pounds of grain in a single meal, dividing larger amounts into multiple feedings preventing digestive upset. Select feeds appropriate for easy-keeping horses, avoiding high-calorie performance feeds designed for hard-working sport horses.

Protein requirements for adult Campolinas in maintenance hover around 8-10% of diet, with most quality grass hay meeting these needs without supplementation. Horses in growth, pregnancy, lactation, or regular work require higher protein levels, possibly necessitating legume hay or protein-fortified concentrates. However, most recreational Campolinas need minimal protein supplementation beyond quality forage, making expensive high-protein feeds unnecessary.

Vitamin and mineral supplementation deserves consideration for Campolinas eating limited concentrates or hay of uncertain quality. Ration balancers providing essential micronutrients without significant calories work well for easy keepers needing balanced nutrition while managing weight. These products ensure horses receive adequate vitamins and minerals essential for health, hoof quality, and metabolic function without excess calories promoting weight gain.

Feeding management practices significantly impact Campolina health, with consistent meal times supporting digestive health and reducing ulcer risk. Provide forage before or with concentrate feeds buffering stomach acid, ensure constant access to clean water supporting hydration and metabolic function, and introduce all dietary changes gradually over 7-14 days allowing gut microbes to adjust. Weight horses regularly using weight tapes or scales, adjusting feeding amounts to maintain body condition scores of 5-6 on the 9-point scale where ribs are easily felt but not visible. Maintaining appropriate weight is crucial for gaited horses, as excess weight stresses legs and affects gait quality while providing no benefits. Monitor hoof health and coat quality as indicators of nutritional status, adjusting diet when deficiencies are suggested.

Campolina horses are generally healthy, hardy horses when provided appropriate care and management, benefiting from practical breeding emphasizing working ability, soundness, and reliable temperaments over purely aesthetic qualities. The breed's diverse genetic foundation incorporating multiple breeds helps provide genetic diversity reducing risk of hereditary issues that can plague breeds with limited genetic bases. While no breed is entirely free from health concerns, Campolinas show reasonable disease resistance and structural soundness, particularly when kept at appropriate weights and provided regular preventive care supporting long, healthy, productive lives.

Maintaining Campolina horse health requires commitment to preventive care, appropriate nutrition emphasizing weight management, and prompt attention to concerns when they arise. Their general hardiness makes them relatively straightforward to care for, though this doesn't eliminate need for regular veterinary and farrier attention. Weight management represents the most critical health challenge for most Campolinas given their easy-keeper tendencies, making diet control and body condition monitoring essential aspects of responsible ownership. With proper care including balanced nutrition, regular hoof and dental maintenance, appropriate exercise maintaining fitness without promoting obesity, and attention to their overall wellbeing, Campolinas typically enjoy long, healthy, active lives well into their twenties or beyond, rewarding their owners with years of comfortable riding, willing service, and the unique pleasure of partnering with these impressive, gentle Brazilian gaited horses whose smooth movement and wonderful temperaments make them treasured companions for riders appreciating horses that combine beauty, comfort, and versatility in distinctive packages.

Training Campolina horses is generally straightforward and rewarding given their calm, willing temperaments and strong desire to please. These horses respond well to patient, gentle training methods emphasizing clear communication and positive reinforcement. Begin all training with proper groundwork establishing respect, basic handling skills, and confidence before progressing to riding or specialized work. Young Campolinas typically show less resistance to training than hot-blooded breeds, making them suitable for less experienced trainers when basic guidance is available. However, establishing proper manners and expectations from young ages remains important, ensuring horses develop into well-mannered adults safe and pleasant to handle.

Under-saddle training for Campolinas follows standard methods for developing gaited horses, beginning with establishing forward movement in natural gaits without forcing collection or speed that can damage developing gait patterns. Most Campolinas show their natural marcha gaits from early training, requiring handlers to recognize and encourage correct gait rather than teaching it artificially. Their naturally comfortable gaits and willing attitudes make them pleasant to ride from early training stages. Their sure-footedness and steady temperaments mean they adapt well to trail riding even as young horses, building confidence through varied experiences in different environments where their gaits can develop naturally.

Gait training for Campolinas focuses on encouraging and refining natural movement rather than creating artificial gaits through special shoeing or training devices. Handlers must understand correct marcha gaits – whether marcha batida or marcha picada – to recognize and encourage them properly. Poor training, excessive speed, or forcing collection can damage natural gait quality, making knowledgeable trainers important for preserving the comfortable movement that makes these horses valuable. Most Campolinas naturally gait when allowed to move freely and comfortably, requiring handlers primarily to avoid interfering with natural movement patterns.

The breed's gentle nature means they typically tolerate training mistakes or rider errors without becoming resistant, difficult, or dangerous. This forgiving quality makes them excellent teaching horses for novice riders or trainers developing skills, as Campolinas rarely take advantage of uncertainty or punish errors the way some more dominant horses might. However, this doesn't mean training should be careless – all horses benefit from competent, thoughtful training that sets them up for success and prevents bad habits from developing.

Safety during training and handling is straightforward with Campolinas given their calm, sensible temperaments. Standard equipment and practices suffice, with their gentle natures making them among the safest horses for novice handlers when properly trained. Establish personal space boundaries teaching horses to respect handlers without crowding, use appropriate equipment including properly fitted halters and bridles, and maintain basic safety practices. These intelligent, willing horses learn quickly when training is consistent and fair, becoming reliable, trustworthy partners for handlers of all experience levels who provide appropriate guidance and care.

Campolina horses are exceptionally suitable for riders of all levels who appreciate comfortable, smooth-gaited horses with gentle temperaments and impressive presence. Their calm, patient natures make them confidence-inspiring for novice riders and children, while their size, comfortable gaits, and intelligence keep experienced riders engaged. These horses excel as trail riding mounts where their smooth gaits provide all-day comfort, family horses that multiple family members can ride regardless of experience level, therapy horses for programs serving individuals with disabilities, and as show horses in gaited breed exhibitions. First-time horse owners often find success with Campolinas when working with basic guidance from experienced horse people.

Financial considerations for Campolina ownership in Brazil are moderate, with prices varying based on age, training, gait quality, and bloodlines. Outside Brazil, imported horses or their offspring may command premium prices due to rarity. Annual care costs including boarding, farrier work, veterinary care, and feed typically total $6,000-$12,000, varying by region and management style. Their relatively efficient metabolism and generally good health may reduce long-term costs compared to breeds requiring intensive feeding or frequent veterinary interventions.

Time commitments for Campolina ownership parallel other horses, requiring daily care for feeding, turnout, grooming, and exercise. Their relatively minimal grooming needs and sound constitutions reduce daily maintenance time compared to higher-maintenance breeds. These horses need regular exercise maintaining fitness and mental engagement, though their moderate energy levels mean they don't require constant intense work. The long-term commitment spans 25-30+ years, requiring consideration of how horse ownership fits with lifestyle over decades.

Experience requirements for successfully owning Campolinas are minimal given their forgiving temperaments, making them among the most suitable breeds for first-time horse owners. Basic horse handling knowledge, commitment to ongoing learning, and willingness to work with more experienced horse people provide sufficient foundation. These adaptable horses thrive with owners at all experience levels, making them versatile choices for diverse owners from beginners to experienced horsemen.

Facility requirements for Campolinas are moderate, with their size requiring appropriate accommodations but their calm temperaments and easy-keeper metabolisms making them manageable. Properties with 1-2 acres per horse, adequate shelter, and secure fencing accommodate these horses well. The rewarding partnership possible with a Campolina makes them ideal for owners seeking comfortable, versatile, impressive gaited horses offering rich Brazilian heritage, exceptional temperaments, smooth gaits providing rider comfort during extended riding, and the unique satisfaction of owning these distinctive horses whose combination of size, beauty, comfort, and gentle dispositions creates ideal mounts for pleasure riding, trail riding, and family use.