Mérens - horses for sale

Origin and history of breeding Merens horses

There are numerous intriguing stories relating to the origins of the Merens horse. Some place the origins of the breed in the far past, arguing that it is similar to horses in cave paintings at Niaux. Others say the small black horses of the region were referenced by Julius Caesar. Intriguing myths link the breed with the Cathars of southern France too. Certainly, by Napoleon’s time, these tough little mountain horses were used by the army to draw artillery. Connections with both Iberian and Arab horses have been suggested, as have links to similar breeds elsewhere in Europe, such as the British Fell and Dales, and the Norwegian Dole. It is on record that Mr Roy Charlton, Fell and Dales pony breeder, exported some of his ponies to Spain in the 1920s on the request of the Spanish government. They would certainly have found themselves at home in the mountain environment along with the Merens horses who were so similar in looks and basic nature. The Merens, like the Fell and Dales, were ponies that were vital for all the everyday tasks that needed to be done on upland farms. They worked as pack and harness horses in many trades, including forestry, viniculture, mining coal and metal ores, and were bred to Catalan donkeys to produce the famous Pyrenean mule. The Merens horses were such experts at finding their way safely through the mountains that they were used by smugglers taking goods across the border between Spain and France. The black princes of the mountains continued to be indispensable to the people of the region until after WWII. They were saved by a resurgence in pride in regional breeds, as well as the “back to the land” movement of the hippies in the 1970s.

Merens horses in equestrianism

Many Merens today still live a semi-feral life in the mountains. Others are highly successful riding and show horses. They are instrumental to equestrian tourism and regional heritage. They are very successful at endurance and carriage driving.