{"id":165,"date":"2010-08-08T23:31:15","date_gmt":"2010-08-08T23:31:15","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=165"},"modified":"2025-07-06T21:52:20","modified_gmt":"2025-07-06T21:52:20","slug":"ariegeois","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/ariegeois","title":{"rendered":"Ari\u00e8geois Pony"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

Also known as Merens pony, Castillonais, Cheval Ari\u00e8geois de Castillon, Cheval du Biros and Saint-Gironnais, the Ari\u00e8geois is a rare mountain pony native to the Pyrenees and Ari\u00e8geois mountains of Northern Spain and Southern France.
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Origins<\/h3>\n

Thought to be of prehistoric ancestory, these ponies were originally domesticated for use in mines and hauling timber. Robust, kind and easy to care for, these handy ponies were also indispensable to the mountain farmers of the area and valued as hardy war mounts.<\/p>\n

Physically they are very similar to Dales pony<\/a> or the Friesian<\/a> and it is believed that during the Muslim invasion, local stock was also enhanced by Arabian<\/a> blood.<\/p>\n

As Nature Intended<\/h3>\n

The Ari\u00e8geois breeders generally raise their animals by allowing them to graze freely in herds as nature intended. Foals are born in spring snow and in June the herd is taken to the high mountains to pasture. It is thought that this lifestyle lends to their strength and character.<\/p>\n

Perhaps due to their rather extreme geographical isolation, the Ari\u00e8geois animals tend to be similar physically. They are black, seldom even with white markings. <\/p>\n

Modern Ari\u00e8geois<\/h3>\n

Through dilution of the bloodlines over the years, pure-bred specimens are rare and may only be found in the high valleys near Andorra. However their signature black coat continues to bear their mark in the cross-breeds. Luckily their popularity is increasing, both inside of France and throughout Europe.<\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 13 – 14.3 hands
\nStrong constitution and able to thrive in poor conditions
\nBuilt to handle severe weather
\nSurefooted on mountainous terrain<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Small, refined head
\nShort, strong neck
\nLong back and rounded hindquarters
\nFeet are strong and sound
\nThick mane and tail<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

Pure black<\/a>
\nWhite markings are unusual<\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Surefooted and true
\nA willing and able mount
\nAn independent and stubborn spirit but responds well to training<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Trekking in mountainous areas
\nRiding horse
\nAgriculture work
\nHarness<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

Official Merens website<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
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Video<\/h3>\n