Criollo Horses

 

By Kristy McCaffrey

The Criollo is a native of the Pampas, a low grassland area in South America. The breed is famous for its hardiness and endurance capabilities. They have a strong body with a broad chest, and are intelligent, willing, and sensible creatures.

The history of the Criollo dates to 1535 when a shipment of 100 purebred Andalusian stallions were brought from Spain to South America. In 1540, the Spaniards were forced to abandon Buenos Aires and released anywhere from 12 to 45 horses. By 1580 that feral horse population had increased to 12,000, producing an extremely hardy horse able to survive extreme heat and cold, consuming low amounts of water, and living off the dry grasses of the area.

During the 19^th century, many of the breed were crossed with imported European Thoroughbred, coach, and draft horse stallions, resulting in a larger animal with a longer stride. This nearly ruined the characteristics of the native Spanish horse. In the 1900’s, a concerted effort was made by Argentine breeders to restore the animal closer to its Chilean origins.

Today Criollos are used mainly as cow horses, but they are also excellent rodeo and endurance horses. 

In my upcoming book, two Criollo mares are brought as a gift to repay an old debt.

The Falcon by Kristy McCaffrey
Wings of the West: Book 12

Coming July 3, 2026

Mexico

December 1899 

Josie Ryan’s connection to Texas runs deep, from the land to an almost preternatural kinship with the animals in the wild. This bond has led her to the edge of life and death, from saving a boy caught in a fire when she was eleven years old to being struck by lightning to a mountain lion attack that almost ended her life. The discovery of an abandoned falcon chick leads to a fierce attachment, but with only intuition to guide her, Josie struggles to train the wildest creature she’s ever encountered. When she learns of a man who could help, she’s determined to gain an introduction. 

Mateo Almirón, El Halconero—The Falconer—and Argentine gaucho, is tasked with delivering two prized purebred Criollo mares to Matt Ryan, a man whose reputation casts a long shadow. Years ago, Ryan saved the life of Mateo’s father, and the horses will settle the longstanding debt, but when the exchange goes wrong, Mateo is entrusted with protecting Ryan’s daughter, Josie. Now Mateo and Josie must hide in the mountains of Northern Mexico where stories abound of Josie’s mother, a woman who lived among the Comanche and rose from the dead. 

But in a place alive with superstition, Josie and her untamed falcon will give rise to a new legend …

Josie is the youngest child of Matt and Molly from THE WREN.

* * * * *

Available for pre-order from Amazon, Nook, and Apple Books.

(It will also be available at Kobo, Google Play Books, and in paperback on release day.)

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