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Coudelaria de Rincão Combines Centuries-Old Tradition, Biotechnology, and Specialized Training to Provide Military Horses to the Brazilian Army, Keeping the National Cavalry Alive
In the heart of the Pampa Gaucho, the Coudelaria de Rincão keeps the tradition of military cavalry alive in Brazil. Located in São Borja, far west of Rio Grande do Sul, the unit is the country’s largest and most strategic breeding ground for military horses. With 15,000 hectares of native fields, the farm supplies mounted troops with genetic excellence, cutting-edge technology, and specialized training.
Founded in 1922, the Coudelaria de Rincão has withstood the test of time and changes within the Armed Forces. Previously, nine military farms produced horses for the Army.
With mechanization and the reduction of mounted troops, only Rincão remains in operation. Today, it plays a fundamental role in maintaining the operations and ceremonial protocols of the Brazilian Army.
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Reactivation and Modernization
The official reactivation of the unit occurred in 1988. Since then, the Coudelaria de Rincão has established itself as a reference in the breeding of military horses in Latin America. Combining tradition and biotechnology, the unit’s horse breeding and selection program is considered one of the most modern on the continent.
Reactivation and Modernization
The term “coudelaria” refers to rural establishments dedicated to the systematic breeding of horses for specific purposes, such as sports, services, or military use.
In the case of the Armed Forces, the coudelaria fulfills a strategic and zootechnical mission: to select, breed, recreate, and train animals with a high performance standard.
The military unit subordinate to the Brazilian Army annually delivers between 150 and 170 horses ready for service.
The production cycle can last up to five years, from genetic planning to final training. The entire process is conducted by specialized military teams that rigorously monitor each stage.
Currently, the Coudelaria de Rincão houses about 1,000 horses of different breeds: Brazilian Sport Horse, Crioulo, PSI, Breton, and Argentine Polo.
Breeding occurs in open fields. Foals are weaned, recreated, and broken in on-site, under constant supervision.
One of the highlights of the program is the use of Breton mares as surrogate mothers in the embryo transfer process. This technique accelerates genetic improvement, taking advantage of the docility and milk production capacity of these mares.
Destinations of the Horses from Rincão
The horses trained in Rincão have various destinations. Many participate in state ceremonies and official parades, such as the September 7th parade in Brasília.
Others are used in patrolling military areas and providing logistical support in hard-to-reach locations where vehicles cannot access. Additionally, they serve in the Army’s equestrian schools and in equestrian and military pentathlon competitions.
Part of the production is also allocated to state military police that maintain mounted troops. In some cases, the horses are sent for international cooperation with armed forces from neighboring countries.
Even in the digital age, the horse maintains its value for the Army for being silent, efficient, and resilient in challenging environments.
The work of the Coudelaria de Rincão goes beyond military production. The unit also plays an important role in environmental preservation and genetic excellence. It preserves native fields of the Pampa biome and maintains the largest herd of the Brazilian Sport Horse breed in the country.
The quality of the breeding is recognized in competitions and technical fairs, where the Coudelaria de Rincão competes with the main civilian breeders in Brazil. These events validate the level of excellence in the work carried out by the gaucho military.
Tradition and Innovation in 2025
In 2025, the Coudelaria de Rincão remains a symbol of tradition and innovation. Its horses parade in Brasília, patrol borders, and compete in equestrian events with distinction.
Each animal represents the result of silent, technical, and dedicated work conducted in the fields of far west Rio Grande do Sul.
The maintenance of this unit ensures that Brazil continues to have an elite mounted troop, prepared to fulfill operational and ceremonial duties in any scenario. Thanks to the Coudelaria de Rincão, the Brazilian Army keeps alive the history and functionality of the national cavalry.
With information from Compre Rural.
Sabem para que servem estes equinos? Eu respondo: Para tanger manifestantes políticos de esquerda e só. Vocês não vão levar cavalos para uma guerra ultra-ultra-ultra moderna, mas como diz o ditado popular: “Quem não tem cão, caça como gato”.