Horse breeds / Burguete horse
Photo: buztanki · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Burguete horse
The Burguete is a small, hardy horse from the Burguete valley in the Navarre region of northern Spain, in the western Pyrenees. It developed in rugged mountain country where it was used for farm work, carrying loads, and travel over steep, rocky ground. Its compact build and sure footing suited that life well.
Burguetes are known for being calm, steady, and willing. They are sturdy, surefooted, and generally sensible on the trail, which makes them a practical choice for riders who want a dependable mountain companion. Because of their size and temperament, they can suit confident beginners who want an easygoing ride, though they are not a fast or showy breed.
Day to day, a Burguete needs regular turnout, steady work, and company of its own kind. Its hooves and feet need routine care, and it does best with a consistent schedule of riding or handling so that it stays fit and content.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, mountain work
| Size | small |
| Weight | 882–1102 lb |
| Height | 55–61 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | heavy |
| Origin | Spain |
Burguetes are easy keepers, so watch your horse's weight and diet closely to avoid laminitis and other metabolic problems.
Living with a Burguete horse
Exercise
A healthy adult Burguete should have daily turnout and regular riding or in-hand work, ideally most days of the week. Plenty of movement keeps its joints, hooves, and weight in good shape. With too little work, it can become overweight and bored, which can lead to weight-related problems and unwante
Grooming
The Burguete has a dense winter coat that sheds out in spring, so regular brushing helps during shedding season. Its mane and tail are typically kept natural and tidy. Hooves need regular trimming or shoeing and routine checks, and clipping is usually only needed for horses that work hard during col
At home
Burguetes are hardy and do well with turnout in most climates, adapting comfortably to cold and rough ground. They usually cope well with a mix of pasture and shelter. They are herd animals and are happiest with a companion, so keeping one alone is not ideal. Most are easy keepers that do well on good pasture and forage, with only modest supplemental feed.
Training
Burguetes tend to learn steadily and calmly, responding well to patient, consistent handling. They are well suited to trail riding and light farm work, and they can be useful in carriage or driving. A green Burguete will usually be steady and forgiving, though it may take time to build the confidence and fitness needed for more demanding disciplines.
Health
Like many easy keepers, Burguetes can be prone to weight-related conditions such as laminitis if their diet and workload are not carefully managed. Owners should work closely with a veterinarian on feeding, hoof care, and routine health checks. Ask your vet about breed-specific concerns and the best preventive care for
- Laminitis
- Obesity
- Hoof problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Burguete horse
Forage and water, adult
15–25 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 882–1102 lb, and 9–16 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$2,950–$5,050
Hay about $1,752, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Burguete horse is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Burguete horse
Shelters and breed rescues list Burguete horses and Burguete horse mixes every week. Search adoptable Burguete horses on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Burguete horse right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, sure-footed trail companion
- Yes if you have room for turnout and a companion horse
- Yes if you enjoy steady work over fast or showy riding
- Think twice if you want a fast, athletic performance horse
- Think twice if you plan to keep one alone with little daily time
Questions owners ask
Is the Burguete good for beginners?
Yes, many Burguetes are calm and steady, which suits confident beginners. Their sure-footed, easygoing nature makes them a sensible choice for trail riding, though a knowledgeable mentor is still helpful.
How much does a Burguete cost?
Prices vary by age, training, and breeder. Because the breed is fairly rare outside Spain, check with breed associations and reputable breeders for current listings and expected costs.
How tall is a Burguete?
Burguetes are generally small, typically around 140 to 155 centimeters at the withers. Their compact build is well suited to mountain terrain and carrying riders on long, steady rides.
How long do Burguete horses live?
With good care, Burguetes often live around 25 to 30 years. Regular veterinary care, proper diet, and consistent exercise help support a long, healthy life.
What is the Burguete used for?
Burguetes were traditionally used for farm work, carrying loads, and travel in mountainous terrain. Today they are often ridden on trails, used for light work, and sometimes driven.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.