Eriskay pony

Overview

The Eriskay pony is among the last surviving remnants of the original native ponies of the Western Isles of Scotland, and is named after the small island of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides. It stands 12 to 13.2 hh, is mostly grey, and is immensely strong for its size.

History

Until the middle of the 19th century, ponies of the "Western Isles type" were found throughout the islands. Crofters used them for everyday work: bringing home peat and seaweed in basket creels slung over their backs, pulling carts, harrowing, and even taking children to school.

On many islands, the fashion for larger ponies and government improvement schemes brought in Norwegian Fjord, Arab, Clydesdale and other stallions. On remote Eriskay, which was hard to reach and could not easily support bigger animals, no other breeds were introduced, so a stock of pure-bred ponies survived. With mechanisation, even these had dwindled to around 20 animals by the early 1970s. A group of enthusiasts then set out to save them. Through breeding groups across the British Isles, numbers have risen to around 420 Eriskays worldwide.

Genetic studies the breed society contributed to found the Eriskay to be one of the most genetically distinct and ancient mountain and moorland breeds. Despite living close by, the Eriskay and the Highland pony turned out to be genetically distinct.

Breed standard

• Height: 124–138 cm (12.0–13.2 hh).
• Colour: predominantly grey, with the occasional black or bay; no other colours normally occur. Foals are often born black or bay and usually turn grey as they mature, though a few stay black or bay as adults.
• Coat: a dense, waterproof winter coat that lets them live out in the harshest conditions.
• Legs: fine, with neat feet and only a small tuft of hair at the fetlock.
• Build: compact and strong for its size, with a deep jaw tapering to the muzzle.

Temperament and uses

The breed society describes Eriskays as friendly family ponies, with terrific stamina for their size, able to carry a light adult with ease. They compete in dressage, show jumping, cross-country, Pony Club eventing, TREC, western riding and driving, including at FEI level in driving. Some work as therapy ponies and with Riding for the Disabled.

Health and management

Native ponies evolved to live on sparse grazing. Research at the Royal Veterinary College notes that ponies tend to be more insulin resistant than horses, which makes them more prone to equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). This trait is genetic, probably an adaptation to harsh environments, and on richer grazing it leads to obesity, EMS and a higher risk of laminitis. World Horse Welfare names obesity as the biggest risk factor for EMS, and says insulin testing is a valuable way to assess the risk of laminitis and EMS in native breeds. Keep an eye on weight and body condition, and ask your vet about testing.

Conservation

The Eriskay is a Priority breed on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust's Watchlist. Breeding decisions are guided by SPARKS (Single Population and Records Keeping System) to monitor genetic diversity.