The name Criollo varies from country to country. In Argentina it is known as a Criollo, in Brazil, a Crioulo, in Peru a Costeño or Morochuco, in Chile a Corralero and in Venezuela it is known as a Llanero!

Tough as nails

The Criollo's hardiness is the pride of Criollo breeders, who organize competitions of endurance over distances up to 465 miles! This is a huge feat and the distance is covered in only 14 days!

The Criollos are heavily loaded, carrying approximately 110kgs of tack and rider. They are only allowed to feed on the grass they find, and the horse who finishes without being eliminated wins.

Traditional, too

The traditional Argentine saddle, known as a recado, comprises many layers of blankets, pieces of leather and sheepskins placed on the horse's back in a particular order. The last layer of sheepskin serves as a seat for the rider, making it very comfortable to ride on.

The Criollo is used for a wide variety of sports in Argentina, including polo, endurance riding, rodeo and herding cattle.

What else do you need to know?

Do you know whether you could cut it as a riding instructor? Or how Duggie and Co brought a criminal to justice?

Can you tackle every kind of show jump exactly how it should be tackled and make a fantastic lungeing set for your model ponies?

Are you wearing the right clothes for your class and can you give yourself a confidence boost when you need

Yes, yes, YES!

The answer will be yes, yes,YES! when you’ve read PONY: The Annual 2010 cover to cover.

Over 100 all-new pages are crammed full of riding and pony care features, stories, breed files and real life experiences as well as makes, puzzles and quizzes.

It’s a Christmas reading fest no pony-mad person should be without! It’s PONY Magazine – with knobs on!

Find out even more in PONY: the annual, by buying your copy today from www.ponymag.com!