Pottoka Ponies Observations.csv

Pottoka, or Basque Ponies (Equus ferus caballus), are an endangered, semi-feral breed endemic to the Basque Country of Spain and France. We conducted observations of privately owned Pottoka ponies living in the Gredos mountains in Northern Extremadura, Spain. The ponies are free-roaming across 1200 hectares, where they are unhandled and minimally managed. The subjects were 8 male ponies between the ages 1 yr – 10 yrs, across four distinct bands. Three bands had one mature harem stallion each, one pony was a yearling in his sire’s band, and the fourth band was a bachelor band of four young stallions ages 2yrs - 4yrs. The study was conducted from May 17-May 21st 2015. During the study, the weather was sunny or overcast, with no precipitation. Daytime temperature ranged
from 15◦
- 33◦
87 C. Observations were made between 8 am and 8 pm, dependent on when we could find the ponies in the mountains. We used continuous focal sampling to record behavior that occurred within 60 seconds before, concurrently, and within 60 seconds after bouts of erection or masturbation (E/M). Behaviors were identified according to "The equid ethogram: a practical field guide to horse behavior" by Sue McDonnell.
No ethical approval was sought for this observational study of privately owned ponies. We did not interfere with, harm, or harass the ponies. The observations were conducted in the same manner that the owner uses regularly to observe and check on the health of the ponies.