The Eriskay Pony

Introduction

The Eriskay Pony is unique in that it is often born black or bay, changing to grey as it matures. A few individuals might remain black or bay. It grows to a sturdy 12 - 13.2 hh, and has a short coat, thick but not long in the winter, and clean legs to cope with the wet winters of its native habitat.

Characteristics

The Eriskay Pony is very human-friendly, willing and versatile - just as one might expect from stock that were originally family working ponies.

Brief History

The Eriskay Pony originated as a native pony of the Western Isles of Scotland. They were used by the crofters to carry peat and seaweed crops, often in basketry creels carried over their backs. They would also have been used to pull carts, harrow the land and carry the family members to and fro. Natural selection slowly created a pony that was able to exist on poor and meagre grazing, and survive the harshness of the cold, wet and windy winters off of Britain's coldest shores. Human selection caused unsuitable ponies to be culled. The crofters needed animals that were strong, hardy, willing and able to work hard, and eager to live around and with people.

As farming became more organised and larger scale, so larger ponies were required. In many areas the crofters ponies were cross-bred with Norwegian Fjords, Arabs, Clydesdales , producing lines of stronger, larger ponies, but on the remote Island of Eriskay in the Western Isles, other breeds were not introduced, leaving a stock of pure bred ponies - only about 20 in number by the 1970's. A dedicated team of individuals struggled to keep the breed alive, and as a result, there are now about 420 ponies held by breeders around the British Isles.

The Eriskay Pony remains on the critical list of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, but the work of the Eriskay Pony Society and its members will undoubtedly ensure its continued survival and success! Their site tells you everything you need to know about this unique animal, along with news and plenty of sound advice if you own an Eriskay, might be considering buying one, or would simply like to learn more.