Size
1.2 and 1.32 meters
Physical Attributes
The Eriskay features a somewhat broad forehead, a muscular neck, and broad shoulders. They have a strong back and a deep but often not particularly large chest. They have a body type that is pretty similar to an Exmoor pony. The Eriskay is covered in a thick, waterproof layer that shields it from the abrasive Scottish weather.
Colors
The most popular color is gray, but bay and black are also acceptable. On the muzzle and in the area surrounding the eyes, they often exhibit faint pangaré patterns.
Characteristics and Genetics
The Eriskay is a native breed of Scotland’s Outer Hebrides that has old Norse and Celtic ancestry. Although the majority are now domesticated, the Holy Isle still has a small herd of wild ponies. Domestic Eriskays were frequently employed as draught or crofters’ ponies.
The Eriskay Pony is registered with two organizations: Comann Each nan Eilean – The Eriskay Pony Society, founded in 1972 and whose patron is the Prince of Wales, and The Eriskay Pony Society, founded in 1986.
Physically, it resembles depictions of horses seen on prehistoric Pictish stones discovered in north and west Scotland. Other northern breeds like the Icelandic horse and the Faroe pony are connected to it. The Outer Hebrides island of Eriskay is where the Eriskay gets its name. The breed once had a sizable population, and Eriskay and other similar ponies could be found all throughout Scotland’s western islands up to the middle of the 19th century. They served a variety of purposes, including crofters’ ponies, pack animals, light draught, and kid mounts.
Interesting Facts
Emma Massingale, a well-known equestrian, intended to camp out and spend a month boarded with her two Eriskay ponies while foraging and fishing for food around ten islands in the Outer Hebrides in June 2017.
Ancestor
Early Celtic and Norse horse breeds are the originators (bloodlines).
Uses
- The breed is ideally adapted to conservation grazing due to its hardiness and thrifty character.
- Despite being shorter than 13.2hh, Eriskay Ponies are powerful for their size and make wonderful riding horses. They are frequently employed to deal with children who have special needs and disabilities because of their family-friendly qualities.
- Eriskay ponies make good driving ponies because of the breed’s strength for its small size and endurance.
- Eriskay ponies are frequently utilized in therapy, particularly with children who are disabled or have special needs, because of their endearing personalities.
Attributes and Temperament
In addition to its modest stature, the Eriskay Pony is reputed to have a kind and calm disposition, making it one of the best mounts for young riders and inexperienced riders. The breed excels at driving contests, which demonstrates how easy-going and trainable it is. In contrast to other horse breeds, some people think that Eriskay Ponies require the least amount of training time.
Table
