Asturcon

The Asturcon, also known as the Asturian Pony, is an ancient breed of small horse local to Asturias, 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. Also known as the Asturcon, this breed originated in Northern Spain. It is... more

The Asturcon, also known as the Asturian Pony, is an ancient breed of small horse local to Asturias, 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. Also known as the Asturcon, this breed originated in Northern Spain. It is used for riding and packing and stands 11.2 to 12.2 hands high. Centuries ago the existence of a small horse breed originating in the northwest of Spain was recorded. The Romans referred to these horses as Asturcons and thought well of them - and they were popular with the French during the Middle Ages. Pliny (23-79 A.D.) described them as a small breed that did not trot, but moved in an easy lateral ambling gait by alternately moving both legs on one side. The ambling gait was natural for this small horse, and done in such a way that it gave... less