Horse breeds / Asturcón
Photo: fagf · Public domain · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Asturcón
The Asturcón comes from the mountains of Asturias and neighboring parts of northern Spain, where it has lived for centuries alongside the rugged terrain it was shaped by. It is one of the old native pony types of the Iberian Peninsula, closely related to the Garrano and the Sorraia, and was traditionally used as a working animal for carrying loads, herding, and light farm labor on steep, difficult ground.
Asturcóns are small, sturdy, and calm, with a surefooted, comfortable gait that suits trail riding well. They are known for an even, willing temperament and a patient attitude, which makes them a good fit for beginners and children who want a dependable mount. Many are easy to handle on the ground, and their hardiness means they rarely fuss about weather or rough conditions.
Day to day, an Asturcón needs regular movement, ideally daily turnout where it can graze and walk, plus steady work to keep its mind and body engaged. It also benefits from the company of other horses, since it is a herd animal and does best with companionship rather than long periods alone.
Good for: First-time owners, trail riders, families
| Size | small |
| Weight | 551–772 lb |
| Height | 49–55 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 45 min a day |
| Shedding | moderate |
| Origin | León Province, Spain |
Asturcóns are easy keepers, so manage their diet carefully to prevent weight gain and laminitis.
Living with a Asturcón
Exercise
Most Asturcóns benefit from daily turnout and regular ridden or in-hand work, typically around 30 to 60 minutes a day. Without enough movement they can become overweight and bored, which may lead to weight gain and less desirable behavior.
Grooming
The Asturcón has a dense, weather-resistant coat that is typically dark bay, brown, or chestnut, often with a thick mane and tail. Regular brushing keeps the coat clean, and hooves need trimming or shoeing every 6 to 8 weeks. Clipping is rarely needed unless the horse is working hard in cold conditi
At home
Asturcóns are hardy and do well outdoors with access to shelter from wind and rain, so full stabling is rarely necessary. They tend to cope well with varied climates and rough pasture. They are often easy keepers, so good forage and careful portion control are usually enough, though owners should monitor body condition closely. They are happiest in a herd, and a small group or a paddock buddy is strongly preferred over isolation.
Training
Asturcóns are generally quick to learn and respond well to patient, consistent handling. They are well suited to trail riding, and many also take to light western or driving work. A green Asturcón is usually calm and honest under saddle, though it may take time to build confidence and refinement in more technical disciplines.
Health
Asturcóns are generally sturdy, but as easy keepers they can be prone to weight-related issues such as laminitis if their diet is too rich. Ask your veterinarian about metabolic risk, appropriate feeding, and routine care suited to your horse.
- Laminitis
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Asturcón
Forage and water, adult
10–17 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 551–772 lb, and 6–11 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$2,400–$4,250
Hay about $1,183, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Asturcón is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Recent research
ProAKAP4 as a predictor of semen freezability in Asturcon ponies
Journal of equine veterinary science · 2026
In vitro assessment of horse-isolated strains of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Ligilactobacillus equi species for fecal microbiota modulation in horses
Journal of equine veterinary science · 2025
Founder and present maternal diversity in two endangered Spanish horse breeds assessed via pedigree and mitochondrial DNA information
Journal of animal breeding and genetics = Zeitschrift fur Tierzuchtung und Zucht · 2012
Veterinary papers that mention the breed, from PubMed.
Rescue a Asturcón
Shelters and breed rescues list Asturcóns and Asturcón mixes every week. Search adoptable Asturcóns on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Asturcón right for you?
- Yes if you want a calm, dependable trail companion
- Yes if you are a beginner looking for a steady mount
- Yes if you have space for turnout and a second horse
- Think twice if you need a fast or highly athletic competition horse
- Think twice if you keep a horse alone in a small stall
Questions owners ask
Are Asturcóns good for beginners?
Yes. Their calm, steady temperament and sure-footed movement make them a good choice for first-time riders and owners who want a reliable horse.
How much does an Asturcón cost?
Prices vary by region, age, and training. Contact breeders or registries in Spain and the US for current listings and expected costs.
How tall do Asturcóns get?
Asturcóns are small horses, typically around 125 to 140 centimeters at the withers, roughly 12 to 14 hands.
How long do Asturcóns live?
With good care, Asturcóns often live into their mid-to-late twenties and sometimes beyond, as they are generally hardy.
Are Asturcóns easy keepers?
Yes, they often gain weight on modest feed, so controlled grazing and careful feeding are important to keep them healthy.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.