Sorraia

The Sorraia is a rare breed of horse indigenous to the portion of the Iberian peninsula, in the Sorraia River basin, in Portugal. The Sorraia is known for its primitive features, including a convex profile and dun coloring with primitive markings. Sorraia horses have bi-colored manes and tails with lighter-colored hairs that fringe the outside of the longer-growing black hair. Some authors have put forth the hypothesis that the Sorraia is descended from primordial horses found in Southern Iberia's naturally occurring wild fauna as an explanation for its beginnings. Research is being done to determine the Sorraia's link to several wild horse species as well as other breeds from the Iberian Peninsula and Northern Africa.

The breed's members are little but tough and well-suited to severe environments. A Portuguese biologist discovered a small colony of these virtually extinct horses in the early 20th century after they had been sporadically caught and used by local farmers for decades. Currently, the Sorraia is the subject of preservation efforts, with European scientists taking the lead and enthusiasts from many nations organizing programs and creating herds to help restore this breed from its current endangered state.