Ariegeois

Other Breeds

Keeshond   |   Palomino   |   Pig – Pot Bellied   |  

Alternative Name

Cheval de Merens

Basic Info

Height : 13.1 - 14.3 hh. Colours : Black. Identifying Features : Light head, upright neck, shoulders, flat wothers, long back, short legs, hard feet, coarse thick mane and tail.

Health

N/A

Habitat

N/A

Behavior

The Ariegeois were originally used as packhorses but has done a variety of work on the upland farms such as plowing, harrowing, and drilling on slopes. These ponies are good for riding and in harness. Some carvings and paintings at Niaux in the Ariege that were made by Cro-Magnon man suggest that this breed is ancient. This pony has a background of eastern blood and it is also likely that there were crosses with heavy pack mares of the Roman legions. Hardy and tough, copes well on rough mountain trakes.

Origin

Pyrenees

History

The Ariegeois, also known as the Cheval de Merens or Merens Pony, originated in the mountains of Pyrenees on the eastern edge, between Rousillon and Catalonia. The Ariegeois gets its name from the Ariege River, which runs nearby. This breed has been heavily crossbred with draft breeds such as the Percheron and Breton and only retains its black coloring to remind it of its ancient ancestry. The old breed may still be found on the Spanish border in high valleys toward Andorra in the area of relatively inaccessible villages. The Ariegeois are very hardy and manage well on poor quality food. These ponies are resistant to the severe weather conditions.

Common Foods

grass