Eriskay Pony

Infobox Horse
name= Eriskay Pony


image_caption= An Eriskay pony on Holy Isle, Firth of Clyde
features = Dense, Waterproof coat, large head.
altname=
nickname=
country=Outer Hebrides, Scotland
group1=
std1=

The Eriskay pony is a rare breed of pony from the Isle of Eriskay of the Outer Hebrides in northern Scotland. They are a hardy and rugged breed with a heavy coat and a placid disposition. Historically used as working ponies and packhorses, today they are used as children's mounts and in a wide variety of recreational disciplines.

History

The Eriskay pony was originally worked with by the island's women and children, carrying peat in double, panniers across their backs.

Their numbers at one point dropped to fewer than 20 mares and no known stallions. As there were no known Eriskay stallions, two Highland stallions were brought in to breed with the Eriskay mares. The progeny were bred back to purebred mares and the process repeated to arrive at ponies that, if not purebred, were as close as it was possible to get whilst retaining the Eriskay characteristics. At the same time it was discovered that one pony ("Eric") thought to be a gelding was in fact a stallion. All purebred Eriskays today are descended from that stallion.

There are opposing schools of thought on the desirability of focusing on breeding 100% Eriskays. Though preservation of pure bloodlines has desirable aspects, given the narrowness of the gene pool and risks of inbreeding, many maintain that it is better for the long term health of the breed if the focus is not so much on breeding 100% pure ponies as on breeding high percentage ponies with good characteristics. This is thought to preserve the character of the breed but also its health by retaining the hybrid vigour of the early Highland outcrosses. This debate is one factor that caused a split between the two major Eriskay pony societies.

Current Position

There are currently around 500 registered Eriskay ponies so the future of the Eriskay pony is still fragile. This is not helped by the fact that the two Eriskay Pony Societies do not work together. The Eriskay Pony Society obtained registration under EU and UK law in 1995, The Eriskay Pony (Mother Society) - "Comann Each nan Eilean" - obtained recognition in 2001. The two societies were originally one, but split for a number of reasons.

The Eriskay Pony Society operates throughout the UK, including the Western Isles, and is by far the larger of the two societies with over 400 registered ponies. It is recognised by and works with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and the Scottish Equine Breeders Association. It promotes breed shows in Scotland and England, and promotes Eriskay classes at the Royal Highland Show and other prominent shows. The society encourages members to compete in many different spheres (the current English Tandem Driving Championship is held by a team of Eriskays driven by Eriskay Pony Society members) both by offering practical advice and through competitions for performance trophies.The Eriskay Pony Society also supports its members by providing breeding advice and by ensuring access to appropriate stallions.

The "Comann Each nan Eilean" focuses purely on breeding ponies in the Western Isles, for which it offers its members considerable support.

The Eriskay pony is not currently recognised as a native breed by the National Pony Society. This prevents Eriskay ponies taking part in Mountain and Moorland classes at UK horse shows (although some show socieies do allow it). Many prominent shows do have Eriskay only classes in addition to Mountain and Moorland classes. The opposition from the National Pony Society is founded on the position of a number of Highland pony breeders that the Eriskay is not a distinct breed. Some more cynical people might say the opposition is based on a desire to reduce competition for available funding.

Characteristics

Eriskay ponies stand between 12.0 and 13.2 hands high (1.2 to 1.32 metres). They are usually born black or bay and typically turn gray as they mature, though a few remain black or bay into adulthood. Some other colours occur, but these are rare. In dark coloured animals there should be a light coloured muzzle and a light coloured ring round the eye; there should not be a pronounced eel stripe. None are piebald or skewbald.

Because this breed is adapted to a harsh, cold climate, the coat is dense, waterproof, and of medium length. Caudal fringe should always be discernible. There is light feathering on the legs. Forelock, mane and tail are well developed and generous in quantity. Tails are fairly low set for further defence against the weather, but not excessively so.

The head is to be large, wide and deep. There should be good bold eyes set well apart. Wide forehead with well set ears in proportion. There should be a deep jaw and tapering muzzle. The relatively large head size is thought to be an adaptation to allow the cold air to heat up as it enters their bodies. The neck is short and thick, but set in high and carried well.

The body of the Eriskay is generous in all dimensions, relative to the height of the legs. The chest is very large, deep, well sprung, but not too broad: ideally having a gentle but pronounced slope from the spine downwards towards the full width of the ribcage. Shoulders are well muscled and can be rather upright. The croup has a gentle curve with the dock situated in the middle third of this curve; the tail should be well set in.

Legs are strong but not thick, having plenty of clean flat bone. Pasterns are relatively short and sloping. Hooves are small and neat with hard horn; somewhat upright and ‘blocky ' and slightly high in the heel. Legs are not lifted high and steps are short. Gaits are smooth and free without exaggeration, with good rhythm and cadence. Walk and trot are straight and true with good flexion of the hocks and freedom of the shoulders.

Eriskay Ponies should be of placid and amenable temperament with no signs of viciousness or aggression. They are extremely hardy, living outdoors all winter with no need for rugs or hard feed (in fact they often do better being fed straw than hay). They are enormously versatile ponies and have been successful in many types of work such as children's competition or fun ponies, driving, games, dressage, etc.

External links

* [http://www.rbst.org.uk/ Rare Breeds Survival Trust]
* [http://www.eriskaypony.com/ Eriskay Pony Society]
* [http://eriskaypony.users.btopenworld.com/ The Eriskay Pony (Mother Society) - Comann Each nan Eilean]
* [http://www.bhs.org.uk/Breeds/Eriskay.htm British Horse Society page on the Eriskay]