Asturcón
Intro
A breed from the Northwest of Spain, the Asturcón (or Asturian pony) has a natural ambling gait by which they alternate moving both legs on one side. A smooth ride, they became popular as ladies mounts in England and France and were later referred to as hobby horses.
Origins
Thought to be a cross of the Garrano ponies of northern Portugal and Spain (which is a direct descendent of the Celtic pony) and the Sorraia of Iberia.
Neither of these bloodlines produce the ambling gait, so it is thought that perhaps some of the Celtic ponies (which are similar to Icelandic ponies) were amblers and their blood is present in the Asturcón breed.
This breed has faced extinction, due to harsh geographical conditions in their feral habitat. Although their slim numbers created an interest in preserving their bloodlines, the breed is nearly extinct in its pure form.
Features
Average height 11.2 – 12.2 hands
Physique
Small but heavy head with straight profile
Neck is long and thin with flowing mane
Back is straight and long
Feet are well-shaped and tough
Traditional Colors
Usually black (and sometimes bay) with no white markings
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