Palomo (horse) facts for kids

Simón Bolívar on horseback during a battle.

Palomo was the famous white horse of Simón Bolívar, a very important leader in South American history. Palomo was with Bolívar during many of his campaigns to free countries from Spanish rule. This tall, white horse had a tail so long it almost touched the ground. It was a special gift from an older peasant woman in Santa Rosa de Viterbo, Boyacá Department, just before the Battle of Boyacá in 1819.

How Bolívar Met Palomo

Local stories tell us how Bolívar first heard about Palomo. In 1814, Bolívar was traveling to Tunja. His horse was very tired and couldn't go on. He asked a local guide to help him get to town.

Casilda's Dream and a Special Promise

During their walk, the guide told Bolívar about his wife, Casilda. Casilda had a dream that she would give a newborn colt (a baby horse) to a famous general. The guide didn't know he was talking to Bolívar! When Bolívar left, he smiled and told the guide, "Tell Casilda to keep the colt for me."

Palomo Joins the Fight

Five years later, Bolívar returned to New Granada. True to Casilda's dream, he received the young horse during the Battle of Vargas Swamp. Bolívar named the horse Palomo, which means "cock pigeon," because of its light, almost white color. Later, on his way back to Venezuela, Bolívar visited Casilda in Santa Rosa. He wanted to thank her personally for her amazing gift.

Palomo's Final Journey

Palomo was a brave and strong horse. Bolívar once lent Palomo to one of his officers. The horse became very tired after a long and difficult journey. Palomo sadly died from exhaustion at a place called Hacienda Mulaló, near what is now Yumbo, Valle del Cauca Department.

Where Palomo Rests

Palomo was buried next to the chapel at the hacienda, under a large, old ceiba tree. Today, you can see Palomo's horseshoes and other items belonging to Bolívar at the Museum of Mulaló. They are a reminder of the special bond between a great leader and his loyal horse.

See also

• List of historical horses
• List of equestrian statues of Simón Bolívar [fr]