Origin
Scotland (Eriskay Island)
History
The Eriskay pony is one of the last pure surviving native ponies of the Western Isles of Scotland known as the Hebrides. This pony is of ancient origin with Celtic and Norse connections. Related to other northern breeds such as those on the Faeroes and Iceland, the ponies of the Hebrides may have been as much of the prototype of these ponies as the other way around.
In previous centuries, this pony was quite numerous, but numbers were reduced rapidly around the nineteenth century due to increased crossbreeding. Breeding was directed at producing larger, heavier ponies for field work. Heavy horses from the mainland were used to produce what became known as the "cross", while a variety of horses including the Norwegian Fjord were used to produce the present-day Highland pony from smaller island ponies.
Eriskay is the most southerly island of the Outer Hebrides now inhabited and was the last place where people knowingly, deliberately, and lovingly went on breeding what we have good reason to believe was once the unique and original Scottish horse.
In February of 1972, an association, the Eriskay Pony Society, was formed to snatch the Eriskay ponies from the brink of the abyss. The immediate crisis that faced them was the death of the only purebred stallion on the island. This was resolved by the fortunate discovery of a purebred stallion on South Uist, two islands to the north of Eriskay.
Description
- Conformation:
in general, very similar to that of the Exmoor except that the Eriskay is shorter in the back. In winter, the ponies have a dense coat that is notably waterproof, and the forelock, mane and tail are substantial, indicating their importance as a survival strategy in a fierce, hostile climate. - Average height:
12 to 13 h.h. - Colour:
the commonest colour is variable grey, never chestnut, piebald, skewbald, or with white marks on head or feet. Foals are born dark, brown or black, and turn in degrees as they mature to grey - Temperament:
they are noted for their equable temperament. They are easy to train, extremely capable and willing to work - Today:
the action of Eriskays is comfortable, making them particularly suitable as mounts for children.. They are useful on small agricultural holdings such as the Highland crofts. They also have success in driving competitions.
