Horse breeds / Campolina
Photo: Amazona01 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Campolina
The Campolina is a Brazilian breed developed in the state of Minas Gerais in the late 1800s, when Tropeiro-type horses were crossed with Thoroughbred, Arabian, Standardbred and other imported stock. It was bred as a versatile saddle and harness horse suited to the rugged terrain and long working days of Brazilian ranch life, and it was recognized as a distinct breed in the twentieth century.
Campolinas are known for a smooth, comfortable gait, and many are gaited naturally with a four-beat lateral walk or a running walk that is easy to sit. Most are calm, willing and people-oriented, which makes them a good fit for beginners and for riders who enjoy long trail rides. They tend to be sensible under saddle and tolerant of the unexpected, though individual temperaments vary.
Day to day, a Campolina needs regular turnout to stay sound and mentally settled, along with consistent riding or ground work. They do best with daily contact and companionship, and they should not be left isolated for long periods. Regular hoof care and a balanced routine will keep them comfortable through the seasons.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, pleasure riders
| Size | medium |
| Weight | 882–1102 lb |
| Height | 57–63 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Brazil |
Keep your Campolina lean and active, since easy-keeping horses are prone to weight-related problems.
Living with a Campolina
Exercise
Most healthy adults benefit from daily turnout and regular work, typically several hours a week of riding or in-hand activity at minimum. With too little exercise, a Campolina can become overweight, stiff and restless, which increases the risk of behavioral and joint problems.
Grooming
Campolinas usually have a fine, glossy coat that is easy to keep clean with regular brushing. Mane and tail should be detangled gently and trimmed as desired. Hooves need trimming or shoeing every four to eight weeks, and clipping is only needed for horses in heavy work during cold months.
At home
Campolinas are generally hardy and adapt well to a range of climates, so they can live outdoors with a shelter that protects them from wind and rain. Turnout is best for both physical and social health. They usually do well in a herd or with a compatible pasture companion. Many are easy keepers, so pasture and a modest amount of hay often cover their needs, though body condition should be checked regularly.
Training
Campolinas are typically quick to learn and responsive to clear, patient handling. They are well suited to trail riding, pleasure and endurance-style work, and many take readily to driving. Green horses often show a steady, cooperative attitude, though they may need time to develop balance and collection for more advanced disciplines.
Health
Like many horses, Campolinas can be prone to metabolic concerns such as obesity-related conditions, especially when they are overfed or under-exercised. Ask your veterinarian about body condition scoring, diet and any breed-specific screening relevant to your horse.
- Obesity-related metabolic issues
- Laminitis
- Hoof problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Campolina
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 Campolina 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.
Recent research
Bayesian Recursive and Structural Equation Models to Infer Causal Links Among Gait Visual Scores on Campolina Horses
Journal of animal breeding and genetics = Zeitschrift fur Tierzuchtung und Zucht · 2025
Genomic association using principal components of morphometric traits in horses: identification of genes related to bone growth
Animal biotechnology · 2023
Reduced rank analysis of morphometric and functional traits in Campolina horses
Journal of animal breeding and genetics = Zeitschrift fur Tierzuchtung und Zucht · 2022
Veterinary papers that mention the breed, from PubMed.
Rescue a Campolina
Shelters and breed rescues list Campolinas and Campolina mixes every week. Search adoptable Campolinas on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Campolina right for you?
- Yes if you want a smooth-riding horse for long trail miles
- Yes if you are a beginner who values a calm, sensible temperament
- Think twice if you need a horse for high-level competitive jumping
- Think twice if you have limited time for daily turnout and work
- Yes if you want a versatile horse for saddle or harness
Questions owners ask
Is the Campolina good for beginners?
Yes, many are calm, sensible and willing, which suits first-time owners. Look for one with good ground manners and some riding experience.
How much does a Campolina cost?
Prices vary widely by region, age, training and bloodlines. Expect a range from a few thousand dollars up, and get a pre-purchase exam before buying.
How tall do Campolinas get?
Adults typically stand about 145 to 160 centimeters at the withers, roughly 14.2 to 15.3 hands, though individuals vary.
How long do Campolinas live?
With good care, Campolinas commonly live into their mid-twenties or later. Diet, dental care, hoof care and regular veterinary attention all play a role.
Are Campolinas easy keepers?
Many are, so they can gain weight on good pasture alone. Monitor body condition and adjust feed to avoid obesity and related health problems.
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.