Asturcón Pony

Intro

A breed from the Northwest of Spain, the Asturcón or Asturian pony is among the oldest and purest breeds of pony in the world.

Origins

Dating back to 80 BC there have been mention of small Asturcón animals in the Astur nation, appreciated for their hardiness and comfortable ambling gait. This gait produced a smooth ride and in the 15th century they became popular as ladies mounts in England, France and Ireland (were they were later referred to as hobby horses).

As they have been known for so long in the area, there is speculation about their origins. They could be related to Garrano ponies of northern Portugal and Spain or the Sorraia of Iberia. However, neither of these bloodlines produce the ambling gait, so it is thought that perhaps some Celtic blood was added at some point (they were amblers).

The 20th century took its toll on this ancient breed, as the need for larger animals arose. By the 1970s they had reached a critical point. In 1979 the Association for the Conservation of the Asturcón del Sueve (ACAS) was established to protect these important genetics.

Hardy by nature, Asturcóns live outside all year around with very little intervention on steep, infertile mountain slopes. They have survived this way for a very long time, but dedicated breeding farms have been created to preserve the finest speciments.

Features

Average height, under 14.5 hands
Mane and tail are abundant

Physique

Small but heavy head with straight profile
Strong jaw, sometimes with a beard
Neck is medium length and thin in mares, crested in stallions
Prominent withers
Chest is deep
Back is straight and long
Hindquarters are sloping
Legs are straight and strong
Feet are small, round and dense