Pyrenean Mountain Ponies

[Jiouxles]

These are called various names: Pottoks, ponis de Pais Vasco, Navarra ponies etc. Anyone know anything about them? I think they're great. I have been all over the internet in English, French and Spanish but I wondered if anyone had any hands on experience of them?

[ambatt]

All I know is there are Pottocks and Double Pottocks - they are used for trekking and all round ridng stock and are variable in quality.

Never met one in the flesh so to speak, but I am interested in them as a more primitive breed...

[Jiouxles]

A friend of mine in my village (originally from Pais Vasco) has one of them. He's really sweet, if somewhat young and nutty (the pony not the friend). My Spanish is not up to discussing the finer points but I do know that Eko is purebred from excellent stock but considered 'too tall' (by about 1.5cms!!) to be entered in the Pottok A Book. Friend was allowed to buy him on the condition that pony was gelded and not used for breeding. He is definitely not a Double Pottok (they are taller and are often coloured I believe). I know they are popular as children's riding ponies in France and they make cracking driving ponies. I also know a lot of them end up as pies if they don't meet the breed criteria at the annual round up. I will have to brush up my equine Spanish and question friend more closely...

Oh, and I think there is a Pottok B book for ponies bred from Pottok mares and Arab or Welsh stallions. These are supposed to be fantastic riding ponies for kids and are what the French really love as they are much more athleticly built.

[ambatt]

Just had a quick look at the Pottock Pones - some of them are quite nice and they are as cheap as chips! I like the bit about them that says 'Quiet disposition' could live with that!

Have a look at them on the link I sent you...