Horse
Breed Description:
The Asturcon breed of horse, also known as the Asturian Pony is a very rare and ancient breed of small horse or pony which originated in Northern Spain. These ponies are primarily feral but have been used for riding and packing. These ponies have historically faced near extinction and were on the verge of disappearing as recently as the 1970’s. This is a small but strong horse with pony-type proportions. They are usually muscular with well arched ribs, wide chest and a short back. The coat is usually black or dark bay or brown, occasionally with a small star on the forehead. The head is middle or small sized with a straight profile, very defined with large expressive eyes. The ears are small and high set and the forelock is very thick, usually falling over the eyes, especially in the males. These ponies have very small tough black feet. They are a gaited horse and do not trot. Instead they move in an easy lateral ambling gait which is very comfortable to sit.
Temperament:
The Asturcon breed of horse is primarily a feral horse at this time to temperament is largely unknown. When domesticated these ponies exhibit a generally calm temperament.
Height:
The Asturcon breed of horse stands between 11.2 to 12.2 hands high.
Weight:
The Asturcon breed of horse weighs between 300 and 500 pounds.
Health Problems:
The Asturcon breed of horse is primarily a feral horse so health problems are unknown.
Living Conditions:
The Asturcon breed of horse is primarily a feral horse living in the traditional manner in which the herd stays all year round in the mountains, only moving down to the grasslands in times of extreme weather conditions. This breed lives in the mountains of Pedroriu and the Sueve. There are some individual breeders who also maintain small herds all year on their own grasslands.
Exercise:
The Asturcon breed of horse is primarily a feral horse so its exercise needs are unknown. A very few have been used for agrotourism, packing and as children’s ponies so when domesticated they require the same exercise as any other pony.
Life Expectancy:
The Asturcon breed of horse is primarily a feral horse at this time so life expectancy is primarily unknown. However, since they are feral, it would be safe to assume that they have a shortened life span due to the extreme environment they survive in. While the average horse can be expected to live 25-30 years, one would expect that these feral ponies would do well to survive 10-15 years in such harsh conditions.
Grooming:
The Asturcon breed of horse is primarily a feral horse at this time so grooming requirements are unknown. When domesticated, they would need the same regular grooming and hoof care as any other horse.
Origin:
The Asturcon breed of horse is primarily unknown but it is thought that it developed as a result of a cross between the Garrano pony of northern Portugal and Spain and the Sorraia which was an Iberian saddle horse known for a calm temperament. Interestingly, the ambling gait seen in these ponies also indicates strong ties to the ancient ambling horses originally found in Turkey, Mongolia, China and Siberia. So this is an ancient breed indeed! 