Horse breeds / Marajoara (horse breed)
Horse breed
Marajoara (horse breed)
The Marajoara is a small, hardy horse from Brazil, developed on Marajó Island at the mouth of the Amazon. It descends from Iberian stock brought by colonists and was shaped by the island's wet grasslands and harsh conditions. Local ranchers bred it as a working cattle horse, valued for stamina, sure footing, and the ability to handle the demanding terrain of the floodplains.
Marajoaras are known for a calm, willing disposition and a comfortable, smooth way of going under saddle. They are generally considered suitable for beginners and for riders who want a sensible, unfussy companion on trails. Their small size makes them approachable for adults of modest height and for younger riders, though they carry more weight than their frame suggests.
Day to day, a Marajoara does best with regular turnout on good forage, steady work, and the company of other horses. They are social and can grow restless if kept isolated for long periods. Routine handling, regular hoof care, and consistent daily attention will keep them content and healthy.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, ranch work
| Size | small |
| Weight | 661–772 lb |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 60 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | Brazil |
Marajoaras are easy keepers, so managing diet and weight carefully is essential from the start.
Living with a Marajoara (horse breed)
Exercise
Most Marajoaras need several hours of turnout daily plus regular ridden work several times a week. Without enough movement they can become overweight and bored, which may lead to unwanted behaviour.
Grooming
The coat is short and typically easy to maintain with regular brushing. Manes and tails are usually moderate in length and need only occasional tidying. Feathering is not a feature of the breed. Hooves need regular trimming or shoeing according to workload and terrain.
At home
Marajoaras generally thrive on pasture with regular turnout and access to shelter from heat and wet weather. They are hardy and adapt well to varied climates, though they do best where they can move freely. They are social and fare best in a herd or with a paddock companion. Most are easy keepers, so monitor body condition and limit rich grazing to avoid weight gain.
Training
Marajoaras learn quickly and tend to be patient, responsive students who respond well to calm, consistent handling. They excel at trail riding and general ranch work, and many show a natural aptitude for western-style riding. A green Marajoara is usually forgiving and sensible, though they may need time to build confidence with new tasks and environments.
Health
Marajoaras are generally regarded as a hardy breed, but as with many easy keepers they may be prone to metabolic concerns linked to diet and weight. Ask your veterinarian about a suitable feeding and exercise plan, and about routine hoof and metabolic screening.
- Metabolic conditions
- Laminitis
- Obesity-related issues
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Marajoara (horse breed)
Forage and water, adult
11–18 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 661–772 lb, and 6–11 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$2,450–$4,400
Hay about $1,270, 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 Marajoara (horse breed) 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 Marajoara (horse breed)
Shelters and breed rescues list Marajoara (horse breed)s and Marajoara (horse breed) mixes every week. Search adoptable Marajoara (horse breed)s on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Marajoara (horse breed) right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, sensible trail companion
- Yes if you can provide daily turnout and regular exercise
- Think twice if you need a horse for high-level competition
- Think twice if you have limited access to good forage
- Yes if you enjoy a steady, low-drama horse for everyday riding
Questions owners ask
Is the Marajoara good for beginners?
Yes, many owners find the Marajoara calm and sensible. Its steady temperament and comfortable gait suit novice riders, provided they receive regular, knowledgeable guidance.
How much does a Marajoara cost?
Prices vary widely by region, bloodline, and training. Because the breed is rare outside Brazil, buyers should expect to research breeders carefully and budget for transport and quarantine.
How tall is a Marajoara?
Marajoaras are considered a small breed. Specific height ranges are not confidently established, so consult a breed registry or reputable breeder for precise measurements.
How long do Marajoaras live?
With good care, Marajoaras commonly live into their late twenties or beyond. Diet, weight management, and routine veterinary and hoof care all influence longevity.
Are Marajoaras easy keepers?
Generally yes. They tend to gain weight on modest feed, so monitor body condition closely and adjust grazing and rations to keep them at a healthy weight.
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Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.