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Home Horse Breeds | First Posted: July 6, 2009 Aug 15, 2010 | |
Ariegeois Pony or Mérens Pony Ariegeois Pony or Merens Pony
Characteristics This pony is very similar to the English Dales Pony. It is always black. White markings are rare, although there is occasionally white flecking on the flanks. During the winter the breed develops a distinctive reddish cast to their coat. The Ariegeois stands at 13-14.1 hands high, and weighs 770-1,100 lbs. The breed has a head that is small and refined, a neck that is strong and short, a long back, a solid shoulder, and well-rounded hindquarters. History The origins of the Ariegeois are thought to be remote, and almost certainly influenced by Arabian bloodlines. The breed is native to the Ariege Pyrenees, and the Mérens name comes from a village high in the mountains near Andorra. Cave paintings at Niaux are strikingly similar to the Ariegeois. The breed was long used by both farmers and soldiers throughout the Middle Ages and later with Napolean during his Russian campaign. Selection for the current breed began in 1908.  Cave paintings strikingly similar to the Ariegeois Pony In the past Ariegeois were used to haul timber and minerals in southwest France, and today they are used for trekking in mountainous areas. They are also popular with native Ariegeois farmers for their hardiness and disease resistance. References
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