{"id":254,"date":"2010-08-09T00:25:17","date_gmt":"2010-08-09T00:25:17","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.theequinest.com\/breeds\/?p=254"},"modified":"2025-02-05T21:11:10","modified_gmt":"2025-02-05T21:11:10","slug":"basque-pony","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/theequinest.com\/breeds\/basque-pony","title":{"rendered":"Pottok"},"content":{"rendered":"

Intro<\/h3>\n

Also called Basque Ponies, Poney Vasco and Pottoka, Pottoks are left to live wild in the Pyrenees of the Basque Country in Spain and France. The last Wednesday of January they are rounded up, their numbers cut for market and the remaining animals are branded, then released again.
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Origins<\/h3>\n

This is a small ancient pony breed that has roamed wild in the Pyrenees for centuries and may date back 10,000 years. They are thought to be descendant of the Magdalenian horses of 14,000 – 7,000 B.C. Rapid growth to maturity helps these animals survive the harsh climate in which they live, they are fully grown by the time they are 2 years of age.<\/p>\n

Early in the 20th century Basque ponies were used as pit ponies in French and British mines. Later, their mild temperament and easy nature made them popular as children’s mounts. Arabian<\/a> and Welsh pony<\/a> blood has been introduced to the breed for further refinement as riding ponies.<\/p>\n

Modern Basque Pony<\/h3>\n

Today these sturdy ponies are protected and efforts are being taken to preserve their ancient bloodlines. They were the first Basque horse breed to be included in the list of indigenous Basque breeds requiring conservation efforts in June 1995. Sadly, their status was classified as endangered.<\/p>\n

There are several reserves dedicated to protect the pony in its native environment, although there is debate about how best to grow their low numbers. Purists don’t want to add outside blood, while others want selective crossbreeding to build numbers. Although there is some cross-breeding, the French plan to preserve the breed and keep a number of stock that is to remain of pure blood.<\/p>\n

Features<\/h3>\n

Average height 11.2 – 13 hands
\nHardy and easy to care for<\/p>\n

Physique<\/h3>\n

Large head with short ears and lively eyes
\nNeck is short
\nBack is long
\nLegs are strong
\nHooves are small and hard<\/p>\n

Traditional Colors<\/h3>\n

black<\/a> | bay<\/a> | brown<\/a> | pinto<\/a> <\/p>\n

Temperament<\/h3>\n

Docile and kind
\nWilling and even-tempered<\/p>\n

Use<\/h3>\n

Performing ponies
\nRiding pony
\nCompetition pony<\/p>\n

Helpful Links<\/h3>\n

Pottock, Association fran\u00e7aise du poney Pottok<\/a>
\nBasque Pottoka Association<\/a>
\nSpanish Official Breeds Catalogue<\/a><\/p>\n

More Images<\/h3>\n
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\n\"Basque\n<\/div>\n
\n\"Basque\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Video<\/h3>\n