Also called Pottok & Pottoka, the Basque Ponies are left to live wild in the Pyrenees of the Basque Country in Spain & France. The last Wednesday of January they are rounded up, their numbers cut for market & the remaining animals are branded, then released again. Read more →
Well-suited for desert climates, Donkeys became an integral part of the transport in Australia up until the 1930’s. In fact, these animals do so well in the Australian climate that their feral numbers have grown to the point of becoming a nuisance. Read more →
The main objective for breeders of the American Spotted Paso horse is combining the smooth gaits of the Peruvian Paso with the colorful coat patterns of the pinto. Read more →
This is the smallest of the donkey breeds and they are known for their incredible strength and willing attitude.
Origins
The American Miniature Mediterranean Donkeys originated in southern Europe on the small islands of Sardinia & Sicily. In the 18th century they were primarily used indoors for grinding grain and as pack animals for mountain shepherds.
The breed was introduced to the US in 1929 when the first imports were received by Robert Green on his stud farm in New Jersey.
“Miniature Donkeys possess the affectionate nature of a Newfoundland, the resignation of a cow, the durability of a mule, the courage of a tiger, and the intellectual capability only slightly inferior to man’s.” – Robert Green
Today these tiny animals are almost extinct in their native lands, luckily they have become popular pets in the states where their numbers continue to grow.
The paint is a performance type color breed & are often bred exclusively for their spotted pattern. Crosses to gaited, pony or draft breeds are not recognized by the registry, only Thoroughbred or Quarter Horse bloodlines are allowed. Read more →
*Update – sadly in 2015 the Abaco Barb blog posted that the last mare of the breed had died. Thankfully they have preserved her genetics and the government of the Bahamas approved a plan to restore the breed.