The Criollo horse is used mainly as a working-cow horse, but it is also considered a pleasure and trail horse which contributed a great deal to the Argentine polo pony.They are also excellent rodeo and endurance horses.The national rodeo competition or "paleteada" involves a paired team of horses and riders that approach a steer from both sides at a full run.The steer is sandwiched in between the two horses that lean onto the bovine, practically carrying it down a 60 m long delineated path.