Intro
The Terceira Pony or Azores is an ancient breed native to Portugal with very little formal documentation, there is not much known about the Azores breed. These animals are different from most of the Iberian ponies, as their confirmation is more of a small horse than a pony.
Origins
They are thought to have come from Lusitano and Alter Real horses brought to the islands of Azores during colonization. The poor conditions and inadequate nutrition in the area created a smaller animal naturally. It is thought that an influx of Arabian or Barb blood from Morocco had a hand in refining this pony’s confirmation as well.
The blood of the Azores found today is not clearly defined, but is based on the Lusitano.
According to the DAD-IS, the breed is critical and as of 2024 there were between 155 and 162 left.
Features
Average height 11.3 – 12.3 hands
Attractive & perfectly symmetrical in confirmation
Highly spirited
Physique
Varies by animal due to mixed blood
Traditional Colors
Use
Work horses
Riding horses
Bullfighting horses