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The Pottok, a small and ancient breed of horse, originates from the Basque Country in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain. Esteemed for its hardiness and adaptability, the Pottok has lived in these mountains for centuries, embodying the rugged beauty and spirit of the region. With a history steeped in tradition, this breed has been an integral part of Basque culture, used for a variety of tasks from agriculture to celebrations.
The Pottok’s history is believed to date back to prehistoric times, as evidenced by cave paintings in the region that depict horses resembling the modern Pottok. This breed has maintained its genetic purity thanks to its isolated habitat in the Pyrenees. Over the centuries, the Pottok has been revered by the Basque people, playing a crucial role in their daily lives and cultural practices.
Pottoks are distinguished by their small stature, typically standing between 120 to 147 cm tall, with a sturdy build that reflects their mountainous upbringing. They possess a thick mane and tail, with coat colors ranging from bay and black to chestnut and grey. Their resilient nature and sure-footedness make them exceptionally suited to the rugged terrain of the Pyrenees.
Historically, Pottoks were used by the Basque people for a range of tasks including agriculture, transportation, and as riding animals for children. In modern times, they are appreciated for their versatility, participating in competitive sports, leisure riding, and conservation grazing, helping to maintain the biodiversity of their native habitats.
The Pottok is currently classified as a vulnerable breed, with conservation efforts in place to protect its population in the Pyrenees. These initiatives aim to preserve the breed’s genetic diversity and traditional habitat through sustainable management practices. The Pottok’s unique heritage and ecological role underscore the importance of these conservation efforts.
France, Spain
regional, Basque Land
Endangered: ca. 2.000
115-147 cm
Bay, black, painted
tbd
Rare and endangered
Feral and semi-feral; free roaming in the mountains
Pottoka — Basque Pony
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Here are some places where you can see where you can support the rare and endangered breed. Above all I want to thank everybody who works with me.
Take part in my projects Forgotten Horses and Free Horses and consequently make an impact that matters. By photographing rare and endangered horses we can raise awareness to disappearing horse breeds and therefore preserve equine diversity.
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Are you looking for professional photos of wildlings, rare breeds, horses in different countries and amazing locations? You will find a small selection of my pictures on my website, but you may ask for more specific photos directly. All my pictures can be licensed for private, editorial and commercial usage.
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