Other names |
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Country of origin | Basque Country |
Traits | |
Distinguishing features | small, large head, heavy winter coat |
Breed standards | |
The Pottok or Pottoka (/ˈpɒtək, -kə/ or /pəˈtjɒk, -kə/, Basque: pottoka [poˈcoka]), is an endangered, semi-feral breed of pony native to the Pyrenees of the Basque Country in France and Spain.
It is considered an ancient breed of horse, particularly well adapted to the harsh mountain areas it traditionally inhabits.
Once common, it is endangered through habitat loss, mechanization and crossbreeding but efforts are increasingly made to safeguard the future of this breed. It is considered iconic by the Basque people.