{"id":176,"date":"2010-08-08T23:38:57","date_gmt":"2010-08-08T23:38:57","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=176"},"modified":"2025-02-03T23:11:23","modified_gmt":"2025-02-03T23:11:23","slug":"asturcon","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/asturcon","title":{"rendered":"Asturc\u00f3n Pony"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

A breed from the Northwest of Spain, the Asturc\u00f3n or Asturian pony is among the oldest and purest breeds of pony in the world.
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Origins<\/h3>\n

Dating back to 80 BC there have been mention of small Asturc\u00f3n 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).<\/p>\n

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

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 Asturc\u00f3n del Sueve (ACAS) was established to protect these important genetics. <\/p>\n

Hardy by nature, Asturc\u00f3ns 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. <\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height, under 14.5 hands
\nMane and tail are abundant<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Small but heavy head with straight profile
\nStrong jaw, sometimes with a beard
\nNeck is medium length and thin in mares, crested in stallions
\nProminent withers
\nChest is deep
\nBack is straight and long
\nHindquarters are sloping
\nLegs are straight and strong
\nFeet are small, round and dense<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

Usually black<\/a> (sometimes bay<\/a> or brown<\/a>) with no white markings<\/a><\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Once tamed they have a fine temperament and make great children’s mounts
\nCalm and intelligent<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Riding<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

Association of Ponies of Asturc\u00f3n Race (ACPRA)<\/a>
\nOfficial Breeds Catalogue<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
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\n\"Horse\"\n<\/div>\n
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\n\"Horse\"<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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\n\"Horse\"<\/p>\n
Image from Luis Lafuente Agud\u00edn<\/a> under the CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a> license<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Horse\"<\/p>\n
Image from Adolfobrigido<\/a> under the CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a> license<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Video<\/h3>\n