Other names Asturian Pony Scientific name Equus caballus Higher classification Horse | Country of origin Spain, Asturias Origin Spain Rank Breed | |
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Similar Pottok, Garrano, Sorraia, Galician horse, Bardigiano | ||
The Asturcón is a pony from the Asturias autonomous region of northern Spain. The ancient breed's ancestry is not known, although it is thought to have been from crosses between the Sorraia, Garrano, and the ancient Celtic pony. The breed has historically faced near extinction, but recently activist groups have been formed to protect the pony.
The ponies are hardy and resourceful, 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.
The Asturian pony has a naturally ambling gait that is comfortable for the rider. As a result, a large portion of the population was taken to Ireland to produce the Irish Hobby.
The ponies 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).
