ON PUMP.FUN
"Bolívar was the mind, Palomo was the wings. Together, they rode through the Andes to carve the destiny of a continent."
The story begins in Santa Rosa de Viterbo, shortly before the decisive Battle of Boyacá. A humble woman named Casilda Zafra had a premonition in her dreams: she was to gift a colt to the Liberator.
The colt was white as Andean snow, with a tail so long and lush it resembled a comet streaking through the sky. Upon seeing the beast's majestic stance, Bolívar named him "Palomo" (The Dove).
"This horse shall carry me to triumph, or we shall perish together in the attempt."
Artistic representation of the Andalusian bloodline that flowed through Palomo's veins.
Described as having tireless endurance. Palomo could traverse the rugged Andean geography for days without losing his spirited gallop.
With his shimmering coat and comet-like tail, his presence on the battlefield boosted the morale of patriot troops instantly.
He served for over 10 years. It is said he could distinguish Bolívar’s voice amidst cannon fire and never flinched in combat.
Where Palomo proved his worth under heavy crossfire, allowing Bolívar to command the decisive charge.
The battle that sealed Venezuela's independence. Palomo toured the victorious field carrying the Liberator.
In the high Andes, Palomo withstood extreme weather and rugged terrain, securing the south.
EQUESTRIAN MONUMENTS ACROSS LATIN AMERICA
Palomo passed away at the Mulaló Hacienda (current Valle del Cauca, Colombia) in 1840, ten years after his master. Locals say he died of old age and sadness, having enjoyed a retirement worthy of a hero.
Today, his horseshoes and other relics are preserved in the Mulaló Museum, revered as sacred relics of the independence crusade.
"In the history of the Americas, there is no rider without a horse, nor Bolívar without Palomo."