Corriente cattle can be traced back to the first cattle
brought to the new world by the Spanish as early as 1493. They were hardy
breeds chosen especially to withstand the ocean crossing and adapt to their new
land. They were brought to the West Indies and south Florida, as well as to
Central and South America. Over the centuries the descendants of these cattle
were bred for different purposes - milk, meat, and draft animals.
They also adapted through natural selection to the various
regions in which they lived. Eventually, their descendants spread across the
southern U.S. and up the coast of California.
Corriente are small, narrow, lean, agile cattle with well
attached medium length, curved horns. They are the favorite of ropers and
'doggers at rodeos. The North American Corriente Association was established in
1982.