2008-09-25

This territory was chosen for the next Championship because it is the place where the extintion danger is the highest

Short legged and wide body, with astute character and an extraordinary capacity to adapt to the environment, such are the Pottokas. This ancient Basque horse breed is diminishing in numbers in Alava. For this reason, the danger of extinction, the Pottokas will fill the Mendizabala site this coming Sunday morning. For what has been said, the Basque Pottoka Federation has chosen to celebrate de first Pottoka Championship of the Basque Country (Euskal Herria), on Alava's ground.

According to Narciso Arrillaga, president of the Federation: "the situation is critical in Alava, there are only four Pottoka breeders" Among all four there are 15 individuals. A very small amount compared with the 535 individuals that the Gipuzkoa and Bizkai breeders have. Furthermore, the tendency in Alava is not very promising.

With the use of machinery the use of Pottokas in the traditional Basque "Caserios" has been drastically reduced. Today, the Pottokas are used for leisure riding. In fact, this activity will be the main attraction of the Championship, any child -or adult- that comes to Mendizabala will have the opportunity to ride in one of the more than 100 Pottokas that will be at the parking site. There will even be two carriages available for short drives.

On Sunday the contest will be held with morphological certifications for individuals of over 3 years and aptitude test. This section of the Championship is especially interesting; the young foal's character and disposition will be tested by touching and caressing them with branches, loading and unloading from a parked trailer, and the simple and beautiful activity of asking them to yield their hands and feet at the request of the handler. The goal is to evaluate their noble character and natural disposition that make them the best friends for children with no danger involved.