The Mangalarga originated in the south of the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. The breed was developed in the mid-19th century by crossbreeding the native Brazilian stock with the Alter. In 1934 the Mangalarga breed society was formed. There were two types of the Mangalarga, the Marchador or Mineiro and the Paulisto, which was a lighter horse more recently developed. The Mangalarga is intelligent, easy to train, with an excellent temperament. This is a lightweight medium-sized horse breed with a strong well-muscled body. The Mangalarga is adaptable to its environment and can travel long distances. .