- Castillon -

The Castillon horse breed was developed in France, in the Midi-Pyr'n'es area. Their herdbook was officially established in 1996, so the breed is not very old at all. They come from very ancient wild herds, and have been strongly influenced throughout the years by Oriental blood and Iberian blood, with can still be seen today in their distinctive expression. They were greatly threatened  by the over-taking cross-breeding with heavy horse breeds, and particularly by the depopulation of their original breeding ground as well as the loss of traditional outlets such as army, agriculture, and transport. This small, deserving horse would have put an end to his agony had it not been for the urgent intervention of a small group of people in the 1980's.

These are small horses, that stand between 13.2 and 15.2 hands high, which essentially could classify them either as a pony or a horse breed. They are dark bay or chestnut with fire markings on the flanks and a fox's nose. They have medium necks, slender heads, deep, wide chests, and a wide, well-supported back. Their limbs are strong and muscular and they have nicely extended gaits with strong propulsion of the hind legs.

This small horse is perfectly adapted to all forms of pleasure riding, although it does not neglect its ancient vocation as a military horse of diligence or even that of a country horse. It was these traditional functions that have formed its agility, frugality, stamina, and easy-going character. They are familiar and very at-home in the mountains and have been from a very young age. There is nothing to hard for this little horse; steep tracks and bad weather cannot daunt them. Their capacity as carriers and their adaptation to the harsh mountain life is rather incredible. Despite their small stature, they are capable of doing the same tasks as mules, and their harnessing aptitude has never ceased to exist and is a pleasure for an ever growing number of people in this discipline.

For more information about the Castillon breed, check out these links!

http://www.tiho-hannover.de/einricht/zucht/eaap/descript/1604.htm

http://www.haras-nationaux.fr/hn0700/cheval_france/HTML_gb/races_sang.htm#Ancre08

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