Country of origin Menorca, Spain Rank Breed | Scientific name Equus ferus caballus | |
 | ||
Other names Cavall Menorquí, Menorquina Similar Menorquina, Mallorquín, Hispano‑Árabe, Losino horse, Barb horse | ||
The Menorquin Horse or Cavall Menorquí is a breed of horse indigenous to the island of Menorca in the Balearic Islands, from which it takes its name. It is closely associated with the doma menorquina style of riding. The Menorquín was officially recognised as an indigenous breed in 1989, and is listed in the Catálogo Oficial de Razas de Ganado de España in the group of autochthonous breeds in danger of extinction. The FAO lists it as Endangered. In April 2011 the total population was reported to be 2995, of which fewer than 200 were outside the Balearic Islands. A breeders' association, the Associació de Criadors i Propietaris de Cavalls de Raça Menorquina, was formed in August 1988.
In some English-language publications, the Mallorquín and Menorquín are not listed, but horses of the Balearic Islands are merged into a breed entry or a grouping called the "Balearic horse" or "Balearic pony." However, authoritative sources, including the Government of the Balearic Islands, the Ministerio de Medio Ambiente y Medio Rural y Marino of Spain and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, do not list a "Balearic" horse or pony and clearly define the Mallorquín and Menorquín as two separate breeds.
Characteristics
The Menorquín may only be black, in all its variations; horses of any other colour cannot be registered. Limited white markings are permitted. It is harmoniously made, tranquil and obedient, noble and elegant. The average height is 1.60 m (15.3 hands), and the minimum permissible height 1.54 m (15.1 hands) for males and 1.51 m (14.3 hands) for females. The profile is slightly convex, the body and limbs long, the eye round and lively. It is strong and energetic, slender, powerful and muscular, and suited to any type of saddle or driving use. Its most valued quality is its suitability for the traditional festivals of Menorca, where it is irreplaceable, and for the elevade and bot movements of the Doma menorquina.
The breed has remained agile and slender as it was not employed for agricultural work, for which the Balearic donkey was traditionally used.
Menorca was under Moorish domination from 903–1287. According some sources, research has shown links between the Menorquín and Arab breeds, while others have shown it to be of Berber origin, and yet others believe that it was brought to Menorca from central Europe by King James I of Aragon. According to the Government of the Balearic Islands, it belongs to the eastern group of indigenous Iberian horses which also included the now extinct Catalan horse.
