Asturcón, also known as Asturian, Horses are a pony from the
Asturias region of northern Spain. They are an ancient breed and their ancestry
is not known, although most likely they are a cross between Sorraia, Garrano,
and ancient Celtic ponies. They are usually brown or black, with minimal white
markings. They stand between 11.2 and 12.2 hands (46 and 50 inches, 117 and 127
cm).
Asturcón ponies have a naturally ambling gait that is
comfortable for the rider. As a result, a large portion of their population was
taken to Ireland to produce the Irish Hobby.
These ponies are hardy and resourceful, and able to survive
in the harshest areas. They are obedient and easily domesticated, and are used
for riding, driving, and as pack horses. They tend to have a small but heavy
head, a thin neck with a large mane, low withers, a deep chest, straight
shoulders, and strong legs. They are rounded through the barrel, and have a
sloping croup with a low-set tail.
They historically have faced near extinction, but recently
activist groups have been formed to protect the pony.
About Asturcón Horses
