Asturian
Origin
Spain
History
Centuries ago the existence of a small horse breed originating in the northwest of Spain was recordes. History does not seem to record much about this little horse. It is suspected to have a direct link to the ancient Celtic pony.The Romans referred to these horses as „asturcones" and thought well of them. They were very popular with the French during the Middle Ages.
The ambling gait was natural for this small horse, and done in such a way that it gave a comfortable ride. As a result, they became popular as ladies´mounts.
The Asturian is found high in the Asturian mountains such as the Sierra de Sueve, but the largest and most important group is now concentrated in the western part of Asturia. Living in a feral state for the most part, under difficult conditions, the breed was facing extinction, but recently breed associations have been formed to protect it.
Description
- Head:
small with a straight profile, small ears and large eyes - Conformation:
-neck, long and quite thin with a flowing mane
-shoulder, well sloped
-withers, moderately high
-back, straight and strong
-croup, sloping with a low tail-set
-feet, well shaped and very tough - Average height:
11.2 to 12.2 h.h. - Colour:
black or bay with no white markings - Temperament:
gentle, calm - Today:
when tamed and broken to ride, they give many years of usefulness and joy to children.
