Eriskay Pony

Intro

The Eriskay pony is one of the last pure pony strains that survives on the Hebrides Isles in Scotland and they are a very rare breed today.

Origins

Thought to come from ancient Celtic and Norse origin, these ponies are related and similar in appearance) to other small northern breeds, like those found in the Faeroes or Iceland. It is unclear which of them developed first.

The ponies thrived in this habitat until the 19th century, when cross breeding began to increase. Due to decreasing numbers of many of the northern pony breeds, in 1972 an association (the Eriskay Horse Society) was formed to manage the Eriskay pony line – which was nearing extinction.

Thankfully the remote island of Eriskay was difficult to access and didn’t have enough natural resources to sustain larger types. Due to this other breeds were not introduced, leaving the island stock to remain pure.

Features

Average height 11.3 – 13 hands

Physique

Head is large, wide and deep
Neck is strong and well muscled
Chest is deep and well sprung
Legs are fine with a tuft of feather behind the fetlock
Feet are small, neat and somewhat upright
Mane and tail are generous and waterproof