[4]: 24  Horses of this type are thought to have been introduced to the north-western Iberian Peninsula by migrating Celts in the sixth or seventh century BC; these people probably had trade relations with other Celtic populations in Brittany and Ireland.

[8]: 179 In 2019 the population registered in the herd-book included 335 stallions and almost 2000 breeding mares, in the hands of approximately 700 breeders.

[10]: 468 The horses are almost invariably managed extensively, as a self-sufficient semi-feral population in the mountains of the North Region.

They naturally form independent harems usually consisting of one stallion and a number of mares – approximately twenty on average.

The comparatively limited number of stabled horses may be used for farm work, or raced at the pace or canter.