Horse breeds / Costa Rican Saddle Horse
Photo: Arsdelicata · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Costa Rican Saddle Horse
The Costa Rican Saddle Horse, known locally as the Paso Costarricense or Costa Rican Saddle Horse, developed in Costa Rica from Spanish-derived stock brought by colonists. Breeders shaped it into a comfortable riding horse for long days on rough country roads, farms, and mountain trails, where a rider needed a smooth, reliable mount rather than a fast racer.
Owners tend to describe the breed as calm, willing, and people-oriented. Many horses offer an ambling or smooth gait, which makes long rides more comfortable for the rider. Its size and temperament suit beginners and experienced riders alike, and it is often valued for trail riding and relaxed pleasure work.
Day to day, these horses do best with regular turnout, steady work, and companionship. They are social animals and tend to become bored or unsettled when kept alone for long periods, so a routine that mixes riding, time grazing with other horses, and simple handling will keep them content and easy to manage.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, relaxed 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 | Costa Rica |
Keep your horse with companions and watch its weight, since easy keepers can gain condition quickly on good pasture.
Living with a Costa Rican Saddle Horse
Exercise
Most healthy adults benefit from regular riding several days a week, along with daily turnout to move around. Too little work can lead to excess weight, boredom, and behavior problems, especially in easy keepers.
Grooming
The short coat is easy to maintain with regular brushing, and it sheds more heavily in spring. Mane and tail need routine detangling, and hooves should be trimmed or shod on a regular schedule. Clipping is usually only needed for horses in heavy work during colder months.
At home
These horses are generally hardy and adapt well to a range of climates, though they do best with access to shelter and a dry place to rest. Daily turnout with other horses is ideal, and stabling works best as a supplement rather than a full-time arrangement. Most are easy keepers, so good pasture and measured feed usually suffice; monitor body condition closely.
Training
Costa Rican Saddle Horses are generally quick to learn and responsive to clear, patient handling. They excel at trail riding, pleasure riding, and smooth, comfortable work, and are less commonly used for jumping or competitive sport. A green horse of this breed should be expected to need consistent groundwork and steady progression before taking on longer rides.
Health
As with many riding breeds, owners should be mindful of weight-related conditions such as laminitis, particularly in easy keepers on rich pasture. Ask your veterinarian which health screenings and preventive care are appropriate for your individual horse.
- Laminitis
- Obesity-related metabolic issues
- Hoof problems
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Costa Rican Saddle 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 Costa Rican Saddle 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 Costa Rican Saddle Horse
Shelters and breed rescues list Costa Rican Saddle Horses and Costa Rican Saddle Horse mixes every week. Search adoptable Costa Rican Saddle Horses on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Costa Rican Saddle Horse right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, comfortable trail companion
- Yes if you are a beginner seeking a steady, forgiving horse
- Yes if you can keep your horse with other horses
- Think twice if you want a fast, competitive sport horse
- Think twice if you need a horse to be fully independent
Questions owners ask
Is the Costa Rican Saddle Horse good for beginners?
Yes, its calm and steady temperament makes it a popular choice for first-time riders, though lessons and an experienced instructor are still recommended.
How much does a Costa Rican Saddle Horse cost?
Prices vary widely by breeding, training, and region. Contact reputable breeders or sale barns in Costa Rica or the US for current market information.
How tall is a Costa Rican Saddle Horse?
Adults typically stand about 145 to 160 centimeters at the withers, roughly 14 to 15.5 hands, though individual horses vary.
How long do Costa Rican Saddle Horses live?
With good care, they commonly live into their mid-to-late twenties or beyond, depending on health, diet, and management.
What are Costa Rican Saddle Horses used for?
They are mainly used for pleasure and trail riding, comfortable long-distance riding, and general farm work in their home country.
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.