I am sure that most Criollo owners on here didn't know about the breaking techniques, or the fact that many were rescued from slaughter when they bought them. I didn't, but I do now and am not happy about it. I would have liked to have known that before I bought.
While it is noble they were rescued, the worst of their journey was pretty much over, a bullet at least provides pretty permanent relief. Buying these horses supports the trade and transport, which I doubt is any better than any other animals destined for meat.
In my opinion, Criollo's do not stand out when it comes to temprament and as for bonding, this is possible with just about every horse given the right kind of input.
The bond I have with my Criollo is no different than I had with an Arab or a couple of cobs, I trust him as I trusted them and it took a shed load of work to achieve that with all of them.
Keep this discussion in perspective, cruel breaking practices go on all over the world including here, and the way some are looked after isn't much better. Ignorance is as damaging as cruelty.
I know of 3 Criollo's personally and all have leg problems. Not something you would expect for the money paid out for them. In the US where I am soon moving to I will be able to get several top quality horses, without the breaking history for the same price I paid for mine.
But I am pleased I have him, he is a great horse and he will remain with me for life. But I am angry and dissapointed that he and all the others went through so much pain and hardship.
Because of the knowledge I have acquired about these horses, I would not buy another, nor encourage anyone else to. But that is just my opinion for what its worth.