{"id":3773,"date":"2023-11-21T19:14:13","date_gmt":"2023-11-21T19:14:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/?p=3773"},"modified":"2023-11-21T19:14:15","modified_gmt":"2023-11-21T19:14:15","slug":"asturcon-horse","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/asturcon-horse\/","title":{"rendered":"Asturc\u00f3n Horse: A Deep Dive into This Unique Breed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>The Asturc\u00f3n breed, steeped in historical significance, originates from Asturias, a region in the northern part of Spain known for its rich cultural heritage. This small, yet robust breed of horse, distinguished by its remarkable and rare ambling gait, represents a significant part of the equestrian history of Spain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Asturc\u00f3n&#8217;s enduring presence in Asturias highlights its importance not just as a breed, but as a symbol of the region&#8217;s enduring traditions and natural beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_72 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/asturcon-horse\/#History\" title=\"History:\">History:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/asturcon-horse\/#Physical_Characteristics\" title=\"Physical Characteristics:\">Physical Characteristics:<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/asturcon-horse\/#Temperament_and_Versatility\" title=\"Temperament and Versatility\">Temperament and Versatility<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/asturcon-horse\/#Conservation_Efforts\" title=\"Conservation Efforts\">Conservation Efforts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/asturcon-horse\/#The_Asturcon_in_Modern_Times\" title=\"The Asturc\u00f3n in Modern Times\">The Asturc\u00f3n in Modern Times<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"History\"><\/span><strong>History:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Ancient Roots and Roman Recognition<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Origin in Roman Era: The Asturc\u00f3n horse, with its profound historical roots, first emerges in the annals of history during the Roman times. Its existence and unique characteristics were noted by prominent figures of the era.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Literary Mentions: Notably, the breed finds mention in the works of Martial and Pliny the Elder. In Pliny\u2019s &#8220;Naturalis Historia&#8221;, the Asturc\u00f3n&#8217;s ambling gait is specifically highlighted, showcasing its early recognition for this distinctive trait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Latin Term &#8216;Asturco&#8217;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Etymological Influence: The breed\u2019s influence extended to linguistic realms, where the term &#8216;asturco&#8217; in Latin was coined, derived from the breed&#8217;s name. This term later came to broadly denote similar small horses known for their ambling gait.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Spanish Civil War and Genetic Divergence<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Geographical Split: A pivotal moment in the breed\u2019s history occurred around the Spanish Civil War. This era marked a significant geographical and genetic division within the Asturc\u00f3n population.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Distinct Populations: One group adapted to the sierras of Sueve and La Vita, while another thrived in the western sierras of El Palo, La Bobia, and Tineo. This division led to the development of distinct genetic lines within the breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conservation Efforts in the Late 20th Century<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Formation of Breeders&#8217; Association: Recognizing the need for preservation, the Asociaci\u00f3n de Criadores de Ponis de Raza Asturc\u00f3n was established in 1987, marking a new chapter in the breed\u2019s conservation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Growth in Numbers: Initially, the association registered a modest number of 23 mares. This number grew impressively to 1,181 by 2003, a testament to the dedicated efforts of the 94 breeders involved.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>FAO Recognition: In 2007, the breed&#8217;s conservation status was acknowledged globally when it was classified as &#8220;endangered-maintained&#8221; by the FAO.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Contribution to the Irish Hobby<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Genetic Influence on Extinct Breeds: The Asturc\u00f3n\u2019s genetic lineage is notable for its influence on the now-extinct Irish Hobby. Efforts to revive this lost breed frequently reference the Asturc\u00f3n\u2019s genetic profile.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Role in Equestrian History: This connection underscores the Asturc\u00f3n\u2019s broader significance in the tapestry of equine history, beyond its regional importance in Spain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Conclusion: A Living Historical Legacy<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>More Than a Breed: The Asturc\u00f3n horse represents a living connection to history, embodying the cultural and natural heritage of its region.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Symbol of Preservation: Its journey from ancient times to the present day highlights not only the importance of conservation efforts but also the enduring bond between humans and these remarkable animals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cultural and Historical Emblem: The Asturc\u00f3n&#8217;s story is a vivid illustration of how a horse breed can transcend its role in agriculture and transport to become a symbol of cultural identity and historical continuity.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-full is-resized\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" src=\"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/4-40.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3776\" style=\"width:664px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/4-40.png 600w, https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/4-40-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Physical_Characteristics\"><\/span><strong>Physical Characteristics:<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Asturc\u00f3n horses are small, typically standing between 11.2 and 12.2 hands high. They possess a robust and muscular build, with a thick mane and tail, reflecting their adaptation to the cool, damp climate of northern Spain. Their coat colors range from black to bay, often with a distinctive mealy muzzle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Temperament_and_Versatility\"><\/span><strong>Temperament and Versatility<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Known for their even temperament and intelligence, Asturc\u00f3n horses are highly valued for their versatility. They are excellent for riding, especially for children and beginners, due to their gentle nature. Their agility and sure-footedness also make them ideal for navigating the challenging landscapes of Asturias.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conservation_Efforts\"><\/span><strong>Conservation Efforts<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>By the late 20th century, the Asturc\u00f3n breed faced the threat of extinction due to modernization and a shift away from traditional farming practices. However, dedicated breeders and local communities rallied to preserve these horses. Their efforts led to the establishment of breeding programs and the annual &#8220;Fiesta del Asturc\u00f3n,&#8221; celebrating the breed and raising awareness of its cultural importance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-default is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" data-id=\"3775\" src=\"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/3-69.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3775\" srcset=\"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/3-69.png 600w, https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/3-69-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" data-id=\"3774\" src=\"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/2-68.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3774\" srcset=\"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/2-68.png 600w, https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/11\/2-68-300x200.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:27px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:24px\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Asturcon_in_Modern_Times\"><\/span><strong>The Asturc\u00f3n in Modern Times<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Today, the Asturc\u00f3n horse is a living symbol of Asturian culture and heritage. While still used in some traditional farming practices, they have also found a new role in eco-tourism, offering a sustainable way to explore the Asturian countryside. The breed&#8217;s story is a testament to the enduring bond between humans and horses and the importance of preserving cultural heritage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Asturc\u00f3n horse, with its rich history and enduring spirit, stands as a beacon of cultural pride for the Asturias region and an example of successful conservation efforts, embodying the harmony between human progress and the preservation of heritage breeds.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Asturc\u00f3n breed, steeped in historical significance, originates from Asturias, a region in the northern part of Spain known for its rich cultural heritage. This small, yet robust breed of horse, distinguished by its remarkable and rare ambling gait, represents &#8230; <a title=\"Asturc\u00f3n Horse: A Deep Dive into This Unique Breed\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/asturcon-horse\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Asturc\u00f3n Horse: A Deep Dive into This Unique Breed\">Read More<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":3777,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[14],"tags":[114],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3773"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3773"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3773\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3779,"href":"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3773\/revisions\/3779"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/3777"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3773"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3773"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/horsewildlife.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3773"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}