The
Eriskay British pony breed comes from the Western Isles in Scotland, developed at least 4,000 years ago.
The origins of the breed are ancient, with roots in Celtic and Norse breeding.
It is physically similar to drawings of ponies on ancient Pictish stones found in north and west Scotland.
It is related to other northern breeds, including the Icelandic horse and the Faroe pony.
This British pony takes its name from the island-of-Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides.
During the 19th century breed numbers were much reduced through increased crossbreeding to produce other new breeds.
The crossbreeding was used to produce larger ponies for draught work, and the breed along with other island ponies were crossed with horse breeds from mainland Europe, including Arabs and Clydesdales.
Other horses, including the Norwegian Fjord, were crossed with island ponies, including the Eriskay, to produce the Highland pony.
They were crofters; ponies and would carry peat and seaweed, which were fitted to either side of the pony’s back,carried over rough ground.
They also harrowed the land for farmers and acted as transport taking children to school.
Today the ponies are a threatened rare pony breed, which means that there are 300 or fewer breeding females registered in the world Today.
The pony stands between 12-13.2hh (1.22 – 1.38cm)(48 to 54 inches).
It is usually grey in colour, with occasionally black or bay.
In winter their coats are dense and waterproof to protect from the harsh climate, with a thick mane and tail.
The head is large and the forehead wide with neck and shoulders well muscled and a deep chest.
These ponies are versatile with an easygoing temperament.
They are suitable as riding ponies for children and for many other disciplines such as dressage, show jumping, three day eventing, western riding and driving.
It is also used for light draught work,and also been used in therapeutic horse-riding.
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