The Ariegeois Horse

The Ariegeois horse was used as a war and packhorse by the Gauls of south-west France for many centuries. Though it is called a "horse" looks more like a fuzzy pony than a larger equine. The Ariegeois horse is a hardy, steadfast little equine, and doesn't it need to be! Since it was carrying either a warroir or his belongings the smallest slip or trip could cost the Gauls dearly.

All Ariegeois horses are pitch black, though their coats get a funny reddish tinge in winter. This little horse is amazingly sure footed and so it has to be, for its home is in the high valley of the Ariege River from which it got its name.

It is not an especially big horse and only stands at about 13.1 to 14.3 hands, making it more of a pony than a horse. Though the Ariegeois was bred as a packhorse it can easily be turned into a versatile small riding horse and can reach tricky places that farming machinery can’t get to.