History of the Minorcan horse
Very little is actually known about the arrival of the horse on the Balearic Islands, other than that small black horses were already there when the Catalan settlers arrived in the XIIIᵉ century. What we do know with some certainty is that the Menorcan Thoroughbred -caballo de Pura Raza Menorquina in Spanish, also known as Menorquín - whose breed has been officially recognized as such since 1988 by the Jefatura de Cría Caballar (the authoritative body in terms of horse breeds, an emanation of the Spanish Ministry of Defense), is the product of successive cross-breeding and interbreeding. The Menorcan horse is indeed of autochthonous origin, with influences from other equine breeds brought to Menorca by other colonizing peoples and the Direction d'Elevage Chevalin over the years. Studies confirm the genetic proximity between the Menorcan horse and the Spanish Trotter. Extensive genetic studies, the results of which were published in 2006 and 2007, came to the following conclusion: there is an indisputable proximity between the two breeds present on the Balearic Islands (the Menorcan Purebred and the Majorcan Purebred), as well as similarities with the Catalan horse(caballo catalán, a species now extinct). On the other hand, the study shows that these Balearic horses have very little in common with the horses found on Spain's Atlantic coast, five breeds of Celtic origin: the Losino, the Asturcón, the Pottok, the Galician Thoroughbred and the Jaca Navarra.
While it is known that the Arabs used horses for three centuries (902-1287) during their occupation of the island, historical documents also bear witness to the domestication and use of horsepower, particularly for agricultural work, from the beginning of the Catalan occupation (late XIIIᵉ century). As in so many other parts of the world, at a time when the mechanization of agricultural tasks was still non-existent, when the tractor and the car were simply unimaginable concepts, animal traction was absolutely essential to daily life. And in this landscape, the horse played many roles. Its great strength and dexterity made it an ideal ally for working the land and for transport in particular: the horse tilled the soil by pulling the plough, hauled heavy loads, served as a motive force to move men and goods from one point to another on the island...
In addition to its practical function, the horse was also used for strategic and military purposes. Here, as elsewhere, the horse played a very important, if not central, role in the defense of territories. And as Minorca was a coveted island in the middle of the western Mediterranean, invasions were a frequent occurrence. Once the reconquest of Majorca and Menorca was well established, it quickly became essential to establish an effective defense plan to ensure control of these newly won territories. So it was that Jaume II of Majorca (1243-1311), the Catalan king, decided to build up a war cavalry. To obtain agile, supple and fast horses, he crossed the famous Spanish genet (the ancestor of the Spanish Thoroughbred) with his native Minorcan horses, small and black in color, but also with Arab Thoroughbreds captured in battle. Later, this mixed breed was again mixed with English Thoroughbreds imported by the British. Jaume II was also responsible for the first chivalric celebrations and jousts still held on the island, with the Menorcan horse as the main protagonist!
Portrait of the Minorcan Thoroughbred
Menorcan breeders, perhaps more by tradition than on the basis of scientific evidence per se, believe that the Menorcan breed, which has been recognized as such for over thirty-five years now, has its origins in four parental lines corresponding to four stallions: Mudaino, Olivaret, Son Quart and Torretrencada. With the advent of the industrial revolution and the mechanization of farming systems, the Menorquin horse went through a period of decline, even to the point of near extinction, but today there are over 4,000 individuals. In addition, there are around 150 births every year!
What are the characteristics of the Minorquin horse? Let's talk morphology first. In addition to its great beauty and nobility, the Menorcan horse is characterized by its deep, uniform black coat, with occasional white patches. The Thoroughbred Menorquin is often described as an eumetrical horse with a subconvex to straight, midline profile and a slender silhouette. Its limbs are rather slender and the whole body is robust and well balanced. Females generally have a more elongated neck, head and body than males, as well as a square rump. According to previous studies carried out on a sample of almost 350 animals of the breed, the average height at the withers is 1.62 m for males and 1.57 m for females. As for character, Minorquins are renowned for being easy to train. Its cooperative demeanor makes it an all-purpose steed suitable for all kinds of riders.
The Thoroughbred Minorcan today
Since the end of the 1980s and the official recognition of the Menorcan Thoroughbred breed, the number of equestrian centers, riding clubs and other tourist and/or sports facilities with horses at their core has multiplied! Each center has its own specificity and objectives, but everywhere, horses are trained all year round with professionalism and passion. Exercises of varying difficulty, classic dressage, typical Minorcan dressage, training pairs to take part in shows and other equestrian demonstrations... There's plenty to do! For several decades now, the Menorcan Thoroughbred has been attracting attention not only off the coast of Menorca, but also beyond Spain's borders: equestrian circles in France, Italy and the Netherlands are acknowledged admirers of the black Menorcan stallion.
It's worth pointing out that in recent years, thanks to increasingly demanding selection and training processes (we're talking here about both horses and riders), we're seeing more and more Minorcan-bred horses in national-level competitions, mainly in the classic dressage category. This adventure began in 2009, with the Spanish Young Horse Championship. On that occasion, the duo made up of the horse named Salvatge and Miquel Company Pons, a rider originally from Menorca, placed 10ᵉ in the final ranking. A fine illustration of the importance of Menorca's place on the national equestrian scene. A place for which the Menorca Horse Breeders' and Owners' Association never stops fighting! In fact, since 1991, the association has organized a major annual competition in which the finest specimens are awarded prizes. It's a way of showcasing the island's heritage and raising its profile nationally... and beyond! The competition attracts many enthusiasts and industry professionals. Another important event is the festive Menorca Breed Horse Fair, held every year in May!
Let's return for a moment to the island's equestrian centers and clubs. These centers are open to the curious and to potential buyers/sellers, and it's here that dressage competitions and equestrian shows with remarkable choreography are often held. For example, the famous "bot" (leap) position, when the animal rises and maintains its balance with its hind legs only... a classic of Minorcan dressage. You can also take part in guided excursions on horseback from these riding schools or by contacting specialized companies (several of which are listed in this guide), an ideal option for soaking up the local authenticity and enjoying an integral discovery of the island in full harmony with nature, beaches, island history, the inland landscape and traditions! The Camí de Cavalls (horse trail) is one of Menorca's most popular attractions. In fact, it's an ancient trail that runs all the way around the island, for a total length of 186 km. Part of the international hiking network, it is known as the GR 223. It can be explored on foot, by bicycle... or on horseback! A memorable experience.
Last but not least, how can we talk about the Menorcan horse without mentioning its central role in the island's patron saint festivals? During the village festivals - Sant Joan in Ciutadella (June 23-24), San Marti in Es Mercadal (third weekend in July), Sant Nicolau in Es Mercadal (second weekend in September) and Maó (September 7-9) being the most famous and celebrated - the best riders parade through the crowded streets (over 20,000 people in Ciutadella!) and dance their best steeds to the sound of island folk songs! Replicas of medieval jousts are reproduced, with equestrian acrobatics each more impressive than the last.
These celebrations are called "Jaleo" and take place between late June and mid-September, in other localities too. This is where you can taste the famous "pomada", a local gin and lemon drink. Here are the dates of each municipality's patron saint's day:
Sant Joan in Ciutadella (June 23-24),
San Marti in Es Mercadal (third weekend in July),
Sant Antoni de Fornells (fourth weekend in July),
Sant Jaume de Es Castell (July 24-25)
Sant Cristòfol de Es Migjorn Gran (fifth weekend in July or first weekend in August)
Sant Gaietà de Llucmaçanes (first weekend in August)
Sant Llorenç d'Alaior (second weekend after August 10)
Sant Climent (third weekend in August)
Sant Bartomeu de Ferreries (August 23 and 24)
Sant Lluís à Sant Lluís (last weekend in August)
Mare de Déu de Gràcia (Our Lady of Gràcia) in Maó (September 7-9)
