Ariegeois Pony
Also known as Cheval de Mérens, this breed originates in the mountainous
region of France along the Eastern Pyrenees and takes its name from the river
Ariege. A very ancient breed, it could possibly be in a direct descendent of the
horses depicted in the wall paintings of Ariege some 30,000 years ago. The
Ariegeois have been influenced by infusions of oriental blood, which has
contributed towards their spirit, stamina, and energy. They have been
selectively bred since 1908 in an effort to maintain their true qualities, and
in 1948 their studbook was opened by the Syndicat d'Elevage du Cheval de Merens.
As recently as 1971 there were infusions of Arab blood to improve and upgrade
the quality of the stock, which is regulated by the French National Stud at
Tarbes.
Incredibly tough ponies, they are very well suited to the mountainous region of their homeland. They are seemingly totally resistant to cold, although suffer in the heat, and are able to traverse the most slippery and treacherous of mountain paths with ease. They are rarely shod, having hard hooves with dense horn and are extremely frugal feeders, surviving on minimal rations. They are popular as pack, riding, draft, and farm workers in the mountainous, steep areas, where tractors and vehicles are unable to function, and they are also increasingly being used for pony trekking. They have very kind and forgiving temperaments and are suitable for children and novices.
In appearance, the Ariegeois is very similar to the English Dales and English Fell pony, while also bearing a resemblance to the black Friesian horses. They have an attractive head, with small alert ears, an expressive face and an abundance of thick coarse forelock and mane. The neck is short and muscular but carried well. They are stocky through the body with a deep and wide chest, reasonably straight shoulders, a long and muscular back, flat withers, a sloping croup, and a low-set, thick tail. The legs are short and muscular, and they are often cowhocked behind, which is a feature of mountain bred horses and ponies. The coat is always black, usually without any white markings, and the hair is thick and coarse. They stand at between 13.1 and 14.3 hh.