Sorraia Horse

by Lisa Selvaggio

Published: January 12th, 2018

About Sorraia Horse

Height

Weight

882 lb

Physique

Short but strong, hardy

Lifespan

25-30 years

Best Suited For

All levels of horse owners and riders

Temperament

Calm, willing, trainable, intelligent

Comparable Breeds

Lusitano Horse, Andalusian Horse

Sorraia Horse Breed History

The Sorraia Horse is an ancient breed that naturally developed on the Iberian Peninsula. These horses, which are found mainly in Portugal and Germany, are rare today, and they are considered nearly extinct. They are also one of the few original wild equines that still exist, and ancient cave art has even been found that seems to depict horses that resemble the Sorraia.

It is believed that the Sorraia is an ancestor of the horses of Lusitania and Andalusia, as well as other breeds throughout the Americas and Europe, including the American Mustang. Evidence even points to the fact that the animals were brought to the Americas by Spanish conquistadors. Also, according to experts, it was a Portuguese scientist named Ruy d’Andrade who actually found and named these horses around 1920, even though they had been around for centuries.

The Sorraia is an ancient breed from the Iberian Peninsula.

Those wild Sorraia horses that have been captured have been taught to tolerate riders, and they are often utilized for herding purposes. However, these multi-talented horses are also known for doing well in everything from endurance riding and general riding, to work and dressage.

As a domestic equine breed, the Sorraia does not have any history. However, recently, the Sorraia has been dubbed an actual breed by the Portuguese National Stud, which hopes to help keep these horses alive through a breeding program. But because they are so rare, getting a Sorraia could be difficult, as there are only a few breeders who are working on maintaining this unique breed.

Breed Traits

Once trained, the Sorraia horse could make a wonderful companion. This breed is known for its great personality, not just its hardy constitution. For example, these animals are considered calm, steady, willing, and intelligent. These horses are also quick, durable, easy to train, and multi-talented. They can work with a variety of riders and help complete a range of tasks, so they are suitable for all levels of horse owners and riders as well.

Sorraia horses will always feature a coat that is grullo or dun in color.

Overall Description

The Sorraia breed is built for withstanding the elements and being hardy and adaptable. These horses are able to survive in extreme climate conditions, including hot and dry weather, and they can also survive on little food. Also, even though these animals are smaller than other breeds, they are not ponies.

A few of the distinguishing features of the Sorraia horse include a head that is a bit long and features a convex profile, ears that will be fairly long, and the eyes that will be set high. You will also notice that this horse has a long neck that is slender, and the straight back will be a medium length, while the withers will be well defined and prominent. Also, the chest will be narrow and deep, the shoulder will be long, and the legs will be straight and long with hard hooves. Finally, the tail of a Sorraia will not be obviously low or high, but it will not be held especially high even when the animal gets excited.

Sorraia horses are considered calm, steady, willing, and intelligent.

Colors

Overall, the Sorraia is a stunning creature. Sorraia horses will always feature a coat that is grullo or dun in color. There will also be a face and muzzle area that is darker, along with black-tipped ears and a black dorsal stripe. There will often be zebra stripes on the horse’s legs, and there may also be a stripe that is found across the animal’s shoulders, or you might note stripes across the back, neck, and shoulders.

On top of that, you will notice that these horses have a beautiful black tail and black mane that are both fringed by hair that is lighter in color and almost white. The hooves will also be a dark color.

Foals are actually born with a pattern like that of a zebra all over their bodies. And pure Sorraia horses will not showcase any white markings.

Grooming Requirements

Even though the Sorraia is a breed that is used to fending for itself, grooming your Sorraia horse will help keep his coat looking beautiful and healthy, and it will also be a wonderful opportunity to bond with your animal. A basic equine grooming kit will be sufficient, but if your horse ever gets too dirty, you could use a gentle equine shampoo to bathe him.

Using a combination of a curry comb, dandy brush, body finishing brush, tail comb, mane comb, and shedding blade, you could effectively remove all of the dirt, debris, and excess hair from your horse’s coat. Then you could use a hoof pick to clean out the hooves, making sure to check for injuries and infections there. And you could use a moistened soft cloth to clean around the delicate eyes and ears. With a regular grooming schedule, your horse will look and feel great.

Photo credit: Lynne Gerard/Wikipedia; Andreas Konopka/Wikipedia

Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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Lusitano Horse

Lusitano Horse Breed History Both the Andalusian Horse and the Lusitano Horse can be traced back to the Sorraia Horse of the Iberian Peninsula. The Sorraia dates back to 20,000 B.C., making it a primitive breed, and it is even found on cave paintings. When the Celt and Phoenician traders brought horses to the Iberian Peninsula from northern Africa around 900 B.C., those horses bred with the Sorraia. Despite their common ancestry, the Lusitano and the Andalusian are quite different. In the 17th century, the Spanish no longer used horses in bullfighting, so they began breeding the Andalusian Horse for pleasure riding instead. Lusitano horses are filled with a lot of energy, so they need to be exercised regularly. On the other hand, the Portuguese continued to use the Lusitano Horse in bullfighting, so they wanted to maintain the characteristics of the breed that were already popular at the time. These features included agility, calmness, and bravery, particularly when it came to moving towards a threat. In addition to bullfighting, the Lusitano Horse was also utilized as a workhorse for pulling carriages, as well as for farm work, but it was even used as a cavalry mount. The Lusitano Horse and the Andalusian Horse shared the same registry until the 1960s, when breeders of the Lusitano wished to emphasize the unique features of this breed. Portuguese breeders created a studbook in order to set Spanish Andalusians apart from their Andalusians. Therefore, in 1966, the official Lusitano registry was formed, and the breed’s official name became Puro Sangue Lusitano. Breed Traits

What to Know About Cat Reproduction

With a better understanding of feline reproduction, you can take steps to prevent unwanted litters, and you’ll know what to expect if you have an intact female or male.What does it mean when a queen (intact female cat) is in heat? How long does a pregnancy last? And why does it seem that cats are so good at reproducing? Below are the basics to help you get started.  There Are Multiple Stages in the Cat Heat CycleA cat’s estrous cycle, also known as her heat cycle, consists of multiple phases. Also, females are seasonally polyestrous, so they can go into heat more than once throughout the breeding season.The stages of a cat’s heat cycle are:Proestrus – During this phase, which will last about a day or two, you probably won’t notice any obvious changes in your cat.Estrus – During this phase, which lasts about a week on average, a female cat will behave in a way that lets males know that she wants to mate.Interestrus – If a cat doesn’t mate, she’ll go into this phase, which can also last about a week on average, until she goes into proestrus again. If a queen mates, ovulates, and becomes pregnant, she will enter diestrus.If a queen isn’t in a heat cycle at all, she’s in anestrus, which can last months.Cats Can Get Pregnant When They’re a Few Months OldCats become sexually mature around 6 months of age, on average, but it can happen even sooner than that. For example, a female can go into heat when she’s a mere four months old.This means that even kittens can mate and get pregnant. If you have intact male and female kittens, this is definitely something to be aware of. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to spay or neuter your feline companions to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Cat Pregnancy Is Roughly Two Months LongA cat’s pregnancy can be shorter at 60 days or longer at 71 days. On average, a cat will give birth in about nine weeks, or 63 to 65 days. In other words, the pregnancy will be roughly two months long.On average, a cat will have four kittens, but she might have just one or she might have six or more. A queen’s age may affect the size of her litter—for example, a cat who’s pregnant for the first time is more likely to have a smaller litter, as is an older queen.After giving birth, a cat might go into heat again sooner than you think. It might even happen while her kittens are still nursing. So, if you’re caring for a mother and her litter, it’s important to prevent another pregnancy by keeping her safe indoors and away from intact males. Cats Are Induced OvulatorsWhat’s interesting about cats is that they’re induced ovulators. Put simply, when cats mate, the female ovulates, releasing eggs from her ovaries. And since the eggs are released with mating, it times out in a way that boosts the odds of pregnancy.A queen typically needs to mate multiple times before eggs are released, and she could mate with more than one male while she’s in heat.  A Litter of Kittens Can Have Different FathersAs mentioned above, a queen will mate more than once while she’s in heat. Well, another interesting fact about cats is that they can mate with more than one male while they’re in heat, so they could end up with kittens that have different fathers.In other words, a single litter of kittens could have two or more fathers. This is known as superfecundation.There Are Several Signs of Pregnancy in CatsHow can you tell if a cat is pregnant? Even though there are going to be several signs as the fetuses develop, you might not notice anything right away.You might first notice the queen’s nipples becoming more obvious. This is followed by weight gain that will eventually cause her belly to be big and round. Changes in behavior are also often seen in pregnant cats. Her appetite will increase, she may become more needy and affectionate, and she’ll look for a nest where she can give birth safely and comfortably.If you are caring for a pregnant cat, consider getting a product like the Sport Pet Pop Open Pet Kennel, which features two entryways, has a waterproof bottom, and comes with a removable, machine washable pad. She might view this as the perfect nesting box, and you’ll feel good knowing she’ll be secure in there with her kittens.

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Check Out Giant Dogs On the Free 2024 Calendar of the Portland USACE

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Pregnant Dog Saved from Shipping Container by U.S. Coast Guard

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Neutering Rottweilers May Shorten Their Lifespan, Study Finds

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Hundreds of Cats and Dogs Saved from an Animal Testing Laboratory

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How Do I Help A Dog Afraid of Car Rides?

Do you dream of travelling the world with your best friend by your side, but your dog turns into a nervous wreck every time you approach the car? If so, you’re not alone! Many dogs experience car anxiety to some degree, ranging from those who are slightly unsure of the vehicle to those who experience severe levels of stress. Luckily, there are options to manage your dog’s anxiety and even prevent it from happening in the future. In this article, we’ll explore various ways to improve your dog’s relationship with the car, from gradual desensitization to the use of calming treats and other products to make your next road trip easier for everyone! Is Driving Stressful for Dogs? Whether your dog finds car rides to be stressful will vary from dog to dog. Many pups are excited by simply hearing the phrase “car ride” and love sharing that experience with their human family members. However, for some dogs, the idea of getting into a vehicle instantly triggers feelings of stress and anxiety. As dog parents, the best thing we can do is pay careful attention to our dog's nonverbal communication and body language. Although dogs may not be able to speak English, they do a pretty good job of communicating how they are feeling if we know how to listen. How Do I Know if My Dog is Scared in the Car? Interpreting your dog’s body language often involves noting several different behaviors, as fear and anxiety can easily mimic excitement in many ways. For example, fearful dogs may whine when approaching a vehicle because they are afraid of getting into the car. However, approaching the same way with an excited dog may trigger a whine as they anticipate the fun ahead. Other aspects of their behavior, like their stance (standing tall and confident versus hunched low to the ground with their tail tucked), can help you better translate what your dog is trying to tell you.Some of the common signs that a dog is feeling afraid or anxious include: Excessive panting or yawning Licking the lips Whale eyes (showing the whites of the eyes)Large, dilated pupilsEars pressed forward or back against the headCowering or attempting to hideTail tucked between the legs or up and stuffShaking or tremblingSubmissive urinationStaring intently at the trigger Displacement behaviors like sneezing or itchingRefusal to take treats (even if they are typically food-driven)The most important thing to remember is that every dog is different. Your dog may display any combination of the symptoms listed above. No one knows your dog better than you. Trust your gut if you feel that something is off, even if it doesn’t fit the stereotypical fear response.

Can Counterconditioning Help My Reactive Dog?

Caring for and managing a reactive dog can be incredibly frustrating. Your dog may be a sweet angel at home, but they suddenly evolve into a barking, growling, lunging whirlwind when out in public.Luckily, there is hope!Overcoming reactivity is a process that will not happen overnight. However, dog trainers and behaviorists have seen great success with positive reinforcement techniques like counterconditioning.This article will explore how counterconditioning works, the steps involved in the process, realistic timelines and expectations, and tips for a successful journey toward a calmer, more confident dog. Get started today!What is Counterconditioning for Dogs?Let’s start at the beginning—what exactly is counterconditioning, and why is it recommended for managing and treating reactive dogs?Counterconditioning is a behavioral modification technique that focuses on changing your dog’s emotional response to a specific stimulus.For example, some dogs feel fear and anxiety at the sight of another dog. This could be due to a lack of socialization, meaning they weren’t taught that other dogs can be friendly. It could also be a reaction to a past trauma, like having been attacked by another dog. In these situations, counterconditioning can be used to teach your dog that the sight of another dog leads to a positive experience.Why is this an effective approach for addressing reactivity? Reactivity, by definition, is an overreaction to a trigger. While this is often associated with fear or anxiety, some reactive dogs become overly excited. An overexcited dog may jump all over strangers not because they are trying to cause harm but because they are so excited to see them that they can’t control their response.If you have identified your dog’s triggers, you can use this training approach to teach them to respond in a new (and better) way.What Can Counterconditioning Be Used to Treat?Reactivity isn’t the only behavioral condition that can be treated with counterconditioning. This technique can be used to address a wide spectrum of situations in which a pet may be responding to a situation or trigger in an unwanted way.Some situations where it is commonly recommended include helping dogs overcome specific fears or phobias as well as managing or overcoming behaviors related to obsessive-compulsive disorder.Common fears that may be addressed with counterconditioning include: Fear of car ridesAnxiety when visiting the vetNoises (fireworks, thunder)Babies (especially the sound of crying)Strangers or other dogs in publicAllowing guests to enter their homePhysical triggers like cars or bicyclesDogs who dislike grooming, like brushing or having their nails trimmedIf you believe this approach may be helpful in your dog’s unique situation, we recommend speaking with a behaviorist.You can find professionals in your area by browsing the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists website list or the Animal Behavior Consultants Directory by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency in Cats: The Basics

Like humans, cats can develop a vitamin B12 deficiency. This water-soluble vitamin is needed for a variety of functions, affecting everything from their digestion to cognitive function, so it’s important to address a deficiency in your pet.Here’s some information on the symptoms and causes of vitamin B12 deficiency, along with what you can do to address it.

Research Suggests Longer Nosed Dogs Live Longer

Yes, the flat-faced pooches we know and love have not only myriad health issues but also shorter lives.

Homeless Man Rescues a Litter of Orphaned Puppies During a Storm

An anonymous homeless man has become an internet sensation after rescuing a litter of puppies and taking them to the shelter during a storm. In the wake of a recent storm, the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society in North Carolina discovered that a nameless man had dropped off a litter of five puppies at the shelter’s door. The puppies, estimated to be less than two months old, were left with a touching note. “The note was from a kind soul, a homeless man who, despite his own hardships, took it upon himself to rescue these innocent lives after their mother, a local stray he cared for, tragically passed away,” share the shelter in a Facebook post. The shelter also posted pictures of the note left by the homeless man, who apologized for not being able to care for the puppies himself. “Please help,” he wrote. “I found these puppies sadly after noticing a local stray dog that I would often feed when I could, dead by the road. She had been hit by a car.” The man added that he knew she had a litter of puppies nearby and that he searched the area for them, so they wouldn’t starve and freeze to death waiting for their mom to return. “I’m sorry for leaving them like this, but I myself am homeless and cannot afford to care for them,” the man explained. “My heart shatters for them and their mother. I just want them to be given the chance their mother, like myself, was never given.”“Please do not think poorly of me, but it felt wrong leaving them alone in the cold waiting on a mother that would not be coming home. Sincerely, the nameless man.” Touched by this selfless act of kindness, the shelter thanked the nameless man, saying that his good deed hadn’t gone unnoticed. The shelter promised to honor this selfless gesture by ensuring these puppies get all the love and care they deserve. “Your empathy in the face of adversity gives us hope and inspiration,” the shelter wrote. The staff invited the man to come by the shelter to visit the puppies and get a proper thank you. So far, the Fayetteville Animal Protection Society has not heard from the man but noted that many people have offered to help him get back on his feet if he comes forward. To acknowledge the lucky circumstances of their rescue, the shelter named the puppies Chance, Kismet, Serendipity, Fortun, and Fate. The puppies were extremely malnourished and small when they were rescued, so the shelter couldn’t yet determine their breed.“We are guessing they are lab mixes and will grow to be about 30 to 40 pounds, but again that’s a guess,” said the shelter. According to the shelter, the applications to adopt these cute puppies will open on February 1. The organization explained that they will only consider applicants from Cumberland County, North Carolina because the puppies are going home on a foster-to-adopt basis until they are old enough to be spayed or neutered. In the meantime, the organization is accepting donations and has a wish list available for anyone willing to assist in caring for these puppies. “Unfortunately, we still don’t have any updates about the kind man who brought these puppies to us. While the puppies have names now, their rescuer remains unknown. We continue to hope he’ll come forward,” the shelter wrote. “Thank you for your continued support and love for these animals. Together we’re making a difference in their lives one puppy at a time.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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