The horses are classified as livestock and Javier Alvarez-Blazquez, a retired lawyer who owns ten horses, wants new legislation that recognizes their unique circumstances.

Alvarez-Blazquez said without the besteiros, the horses would die, killed by cars or local farmers angry at them for transgressing onto their crops and tree plantations.

"We are guardians, doing it as a hobby. Our only aim is to preserve this animal that we believe is an ecological jewel," he said.

Agencies Via Xinhua