The Castillonnais Horse
The Castillonnais Horse, also known as the Castillonais or Cheval Ariegeois de Casillon, is a small and ancient breed of riding horse native to the Ariege department of southwest France. Historically, these horses were used for carriage and equestrian purposes. Because they have an extensive gait, these horses are fast, agile, and comfortable for many different types of riders. Read on to learn more about this unique horse breed.
They descend from Oriental and Iberian horses
The Castillonais is an ancient breed of small, rustic saddle horses. They are also known as the Cheval du Biros or Saint-Gironnais and are found in the Ariege department of south-western France. They are small in stature, standing between 135 and 155 cm high at the withers. Traditionally, they were used for cavalry, driving, and trekking. In fact, they were an almost multi-purpose breed.
The Castillonnais Horse traces its lineage to the Ancient Greeks and Romans. Thousands of horses are used in the Romans’ campaigns, and the Greeks, who conquered and ruled the Iberian peninsula, brought Italian bred horses to Spain. In addition, the Greeks renamed the Iberian town of Saguntum, where they used to trade. Alexander the third invades Persia, holding the Kassite village hostage until the horses are returned to him. He demanded thousands of Persian horses in return.
Philip II of Spain decides to create a perfect Spanish horse. He selects more than one hundred mares for breeding, and crosses them with the finest Neapolitans, which were close relatives to Andalusians during Ferdinand’s time. The Castillonnais Horse is born, and it goes on to develop and prosper for centuries. Its name derives from the fact that it descends from both Iberian and Oriental horses.
They exhibit extended gaits
The Castillonnais Horse, or mountain horse, is a type of breed that is native to the region of Ariege. Originally from the Valle du Biros, this breed has adapted to the rugged landscape by acquiring qualities of the Ariege land. It exhibits an extended trot, with its legs stretched and forehand stepped. Here are some of the most important aspects of this breed.
They are agile
Historically, Castillonais horses have been known as Cheval du Biros and the Cheval Ariegeois de Castillon. These small riding horses are native to the Ariege department in southwest France. The Castillonais are an ancient breed of small, rustic saddle horses. Although they are mostly used for pleasure riding, they are also sometimes used for dressage and driving. Here are some facts about these horses.
The Castillonnais horse is an example of a mountain horse. This breed originated in the Valle du Biros, in the extreme south-west of the Ariege department. The Ariege land gives the Castillonnais horse unique qualities. The Castillonnais horse is highly agile and demonstrates a strong hindquarter engagement. This makes them an excellent choice for riders who enjoy long trail rides and mountain riding.
This ancient breed is largely derived from the horses depicted in prehistoric cave paintings. Although they were originally bred as multipurpose horses, their population declined in the 20th century. Due to a lack of breeding support, many Castillonnais were crossed with draught horses. Luckily, a group of supporters began working to protect the Castillonnais breed in the 1980s. The breed was formally recognized by the French Ministry of Agriculture in 1996.
They are adaptable
The Castillonnais Horse, also known as the Castillo d’Ariege, is a mountain horse from France. This breed was originally bred for its multi-purpose abilities. As the population declined over the 20th century, a group of supporters began to work to protect the breed. In 1992, an association was formed to preserve this unique breed. It was formally recognized by the French Ministry of Agriculture in 1996. Today, the French government shares the breed’s preservation. One of the major concerns of the Castillonnais horse breed is inbreeding.
The Castillonnais horse was originally used for the military, but became increasingly popular for agriculture and carriage work. Despite their adaptability, Castillonnais Horses are still used for harnessing in the Arige mountains. Their coat is seal brown, with distinct pangare genes, and they have similar markings to foxes. As a result, Castillonnais Horses have a rich, multifaceted heritage.
They are endangered
There is a good chance that the castillonnais Horses are already endangered. This is because the wild horses were wiped out more than a century ago, and they are now found in over 30 countries. They are now found in two preserved areas in western Mongolia and northern China. However, it is not clear how many horses are left. This endangered species is listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
This breed was originally bred for cavalry and agriculture, and was used in pulling diligences. Its population declined throughout the 20th century, but the efforts of a small group of supporters eventually resulted in an association. The French Ministry of Agriculture officially recognized the breed in 1996. The French government shares the concern to protect the Castillonnais. The only problem that is a major hindrance to its survival is inbreeding.
Today, the Castillonnais Horse is a rare breed, and has been categorized as an endangered species. It is a small, rugged saddle-horse, but still used for harnessing in the Arige mountains. It is a seal-brown color and has characteristics similar to those of a pangare. It has a clear nose tip, and markings resembling a fox’s nose.
