🐴 Horses Along the Sella River
The Sella River, winding through the mountains and valleys of eastern Asturias, is much more than a watercourse: it is a living ecosystem that serves as habitat, refuge, and resource for countless species. For many animals, its banks are home. For horses, it’s a vast natural watering place.
It’s common to see domestic horses near the Sella, especially around areas like Arriondas, Cangas de Onís, and Ribadesella, where they use its banks to drink or graze freely. Their presence reinforces the image of Asturias as a region with deep livestock traditions in perfect harmony with nature.
🔍 Horse Characteristics
The horse (Equus ferus caballus) is a large ungulate mammal belonging to the equid family. It has long, strong legs ending in a single, hoof-covered toe, which provides great stability for walking and running.
It features a long, thick mane along its neck and a dense, striking tail. These characteristics, combined with its nobility and endurance, have made the horse a trusted companion to humans for centuries.
🟢 The Asturcón: The Native Horse of Asturias
Although it doesn’t live directly along the Sella River, very close to its basin lies an ancient horse breed that is part of Asturias’s natural heritage: the Asturcón.
This native horse survives in the wild in the Sierra del Sueve, a mountain range that separates the interior from the Asturian coast and rises close to Arriondas. Thanks to its rugged terrain and relative isolation, the range has allowed herds of Asturcón horses to be preserved for centuries.
📜 Origin and History of the Asturcón
The Asturcón is one of the oldest horse breeds in Europe. It was described by Roman authors such as Strabo, who noted its small size and distinctive gait: the amble. This smooth, lateral movement makes it ideal for navigating rugged terrain like that of the Sueve range.
This breed was once on the brink of extinction, but thanks to breeder associations and recognition of its cultural value, it is now thriving again in the mountains of Asturias.
📐 Characteristics of the Asturcón
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Small size (between 1.25 and 1.40 meters tall).
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Long mane and very dark coat, usually jet black.
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Compact, strong, and agile build.
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Great physical endurance and gentle temperament.
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Natural ambling gait (lateral legs moving in parallel).
📍 Where to See Asturcón Horses
To observe Asturcón horses in their natural environment, you can visit the Sierra del Sueve, especially areas like Alto de la Llama or Espinaredo. In these places, they live in semi-freedom, and during the summer, the Fiesta del Asturcón is held to celebrate and promote this ancient breed.
📝 In Summary
- The Sella River is a place where domestic horses remain part of the Asturian rural landscape.
- The Asturcón, although it doesn’t live right by the river, inhabits the nearby Sueve mountains.
- Both presences enhance the area’s ecological, historical, and cultural value, making the Sella and its surroundings an exceptional destination for lovers of nature and Asturian traditions.
tag: wildlife river sella – horses
