Origin
England (Lundy Island)
History
Lundy is one of several islands in the Bristol Channel with Scandinavian names, as they were used as bases for pirate fleets during the age of the Vikings. This is the highest of the islands and the one nearest the English shore, only a mile off the coast of Devonshire.
Martyn Coles Hardman, the last private owner of the island introduced in 1928 New Forest mares and two stallions. One of them was a Thoroughbred and his progeny could not stand the harsh, insular climate. Influential „outside" sires have been Welsh Mountain, New Forest and one Connemara.
In 1969 on the death of Martin Hardman, the island was sold and passed into possession of the National Trust but was administered by the Landmark Trust. In 1972, the National Pony Society assumed responsabilities for the ponies and introduced a New Forest stallion, Greenwood Minstrel, with successful results. Administration of the National Pony Society lasted until 1980. The present breed society was set up in 1984. The entire herd was moved to Cornwall, and it is there and in North Devon that most Lundy ponies have been bred since then. However, some mares have been moved back to the island , and foals have again been born.
Description
- Head:
neat and pony-like with a broad forehead, sculpted face, fine cheekbones, and a wide, strong jaw; slightly convex or Roman foreface from below the eyes to the muzzle; ears of medium size and neat in appearance; large, gentle and alert eyes - Exterieur:
-strong and muscular neck of medium length, with a shapely crest and no signs of coarseness
-well laid back shoulder
-strong, deep and well ribbed up body
-short, strong back, not slack over the loins
-when viewed from the side, body and legs should ideally describe a square - Average height:
13.2 h.h. - Colour:
the preferable colour of the Lundy Pony is dun with dark points. Roan, bay, palomino and dark liver chestnut are all permissible. Blue-eyed creams are permitted, but will only be registered as mares or geldings. Piebald, skewbald, grey, and bright chestnut are not acceptable colours. - Temperament:
calm, friendly - Today:
it is an ideal pony for children.It is also a good jumper.
We always knew her as Brandy. A breed I would reccommend to anyone, they are so very versatile. I competed and took part in just about all equestrian spheres with her, and she taught me so much. A dear friend and companion, but nature claimed her back in the end at the ripe old age of 28yrs. These wonderful ponies are so generally unknown, maybe I'll just have to write a book one day!