Origin
France
History
This pony has apparently existed in the Ariègeois mountains of the Pyrenees since prehistoric times. A breed with marked Oriental features, the Mérens pony is distinguished from other equine breeds in the area due to strong influence from the Arab invasion. The remarkable homogeneity of this breed may be explained by its isolation during several millennia.
Selective breeding of the Mérens began about 1908. In the past it was used in the southwest of France for hauling minerals and timber.
Although most of these ponies are still to be found in their native breeding grounds, the Mérens has overflowed the Riviera-Pyrenees region to reach the natural park of the Cevennes, the Alps, and the central region.
Description
- Head:
fine and distinguished, with a flat forehead, straight jaw, small ears and wide nostrils - Conformation:
-strong neck
-well shaped withers
-open breast-long but well coupled back
-round croup
as a whole, the Mérens is harmonious in conformation and built low to the ground. In general appearance the Mérens strongly resembles the fell ponies, and bears a striking similarity to the black Friesian. - Average height:
13 to 14.1 h.h. - Colours:
black and white markings are the exception - Temperament:
easy to school because of its gentle character, it gives confidence to young or inexperienced riders - Today:
the Mérens is still used in its native territory for some agricultural work. It is a very surefooted pony over rough terrain and, because of this, is ideal for trekking in the mountains. Very solid, this pony can also easily carry adults.
