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Unfortunately, this site cannot be completely
translated into English, but still, we would like to offer you some
general information on this wonderful breed.
The Pottok pony is in fact a small
horse, native of the southwest of France.
Its origins are not well known..
One thing which is sure is that this
pony bred has been living in the Basque mountains since a very long
time.
Prehistoric engravings were found
in caves of the Basque country, as well in France as in Spain.
In France, some breeders think that
the Pottok is at the origin of the color horses of América. They
would have been imported by Spanish navigators during the 16th and
17th century, as pack-horses.
The légend of Chincotaegue Island
ponies might have issued from this reality.
Another thing which is sure is that,
in France, part of these ponies were used for smuggling goods between
France and Spain.
Some others were used to pull waggons in
coal - mines in Italy or northern France.
But most of these ponies remained
free in the Basques mountains.
This wild life has given them a hardiness,
and robustness which makes them capable to manage for themselves
in the most extreme conditions.
The many uses of this bred proves
its great faculty of adaptation.
Since 1970, the Pottok pony is recognized
by the French administration, and a stud-book was created.
His particularity is to be double.
The A-book for the thoroughbred,
and the B-book for the ponies issued from a crossing between a Pottok
mare and an arabian stallion or Welsh pony B.
Horda by Lebeau
and Griza (photo above) is a good morphological example of Pottok
A.
This Dam was second (of mares class) on the National
Pony Show in 1977.
Breeder : Mr
Vonné
The characteristics of the Pottoks
registered in Stud - book A are the following :
POTTOK : Very resistant pony.
Conformation :
Head - shape : Common head,
sometimes slight tendency of the forehead toward sheep´s profile
.
Ears : Short, high - set and
orientated to the front.
Eye : Vivid and intelligent,
sometimes two - coloured.
Neck : Rather short with mane
down to the withers.
Shoulder : Slightly sloping
shoulder.
Breast : Wide breast.
Loins : Long loins.
Croup : Short and sloping
croup.
Tail : Low - set and
very thick tail.
Formation of the legs
: Correct.
Front- and hindlegs :
Lean and strong.
Colours : Chestnut, bay,
skewbald, brown, piebald, piechestnut, piebay.
There are no grey Pottok !
Hoofs : Small and firm.
Size females and geldings is from
11.31 hand to 14.46 hand, and for colts and stallions : from 11.81
hand to 14.46 hand.
But most of the Pottok registred
in the Stud-book A, and which are living in the mountains, are about
12.78 hand high (and less).
The tallest Pottok ponies are registred
in Stud-bookB, especially when their sire is an arabian stallion.
They also have a more athletic morphology.
Helios de la Noue
Stallion - Stud-book B - (Priskioa et Primavera / Iratzia)
Breeder : Haras
de la Noue
Today, the pottok are being bred
by many breeders all throughout France.
These ponies are mainly used for
pleasure riding, but some breeders take their favourite ponies to
show - jumping or dressage competitions, to driving, cross country
or long distance rides... with sucess and honour! .
Falster de la Noue and Marion
Verdure
Stud-book B . by Priskioa
et Laura / Voyou
With a long history, kind, resistant
and easy-going if raised by a conscientious breeder, the Pottok
is a real " Family " pony.
All breeders presented on this site
select their ponies to give you full satisfaction whatever your
needs may be.
They will be happy to answer any of
your questions and proud to show your their wonderful Pottok.
D'ont hesitate to call them.
If you know any Pottok - Ponies in
your environs, just let us know! We´d be happy to hear about them.
Translation : Corinne Bourdin et Jenny
Rätz
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