Ariègeois Ponies, also known as Merens ponies, are a
pure-black rare mountain pony native to the Pyrenees and Ariègeois mountains of
Northern Spain and Southern France. Thought to be of prehistoric ancestory,
these ponies were originally domesticated for use in mines and hauling timber.
These handy ponies were also indispensable to the mountain farmers of the area
and valued as hardy war mounts.
They are robust, kind, and easy to care for. Physically they
are very similar to Dales ponies or Friesian horses. It is believed that during
the Muslim invasion local stock was also enhanced by Arabian blood.
Ariègeois breeders generally raised their animals by
allowing them to graze freely in herds. Foals are born in the spring 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.
Perhaps due to their rather extreme geographical isolation,
the Ariègeois animals tend to be similar physically. They are black, seldom
even with white markings. 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.
On
average they are 13 – 14.3 hands high. They have a strong constitution and able
to thrive in poor conditions. They are well built to handle severe weather and
are surefooted on mountainous terrain. They have a small, refined head; short,
strong neck; a long back and rounded hindquarters; and a thick mane and tail.
Traditionally they are pure black, sometimes they have white marking but that
is unusual.
About Ariegeois Pony Horses
