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Eriskay Pony
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Taken on Holy
Isle, Arran on 14th August 2016 using Nikon D5200 with Sigma
150-500 mm zoom lens.
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| Eriskay Pony. |
| Species: Order: Family: A.K.A. |
Equus ferus caballus. Perissodactyla. Equidae. |
| Height: Description: Feature: |
12 - 13.2 hands. It is usually grey in colour, although a few are bay or black. Dark coloured animals generally have the a light-coloured muzzle and ring around their eye.The winter coat is dense and waterproof to protect from the harsh climate, with a thick mane and tail. The head is large, with a wide forehead. The neck and shoulders are well muscled, and the chest deep but generally not broad. The rib-cage is long and the loins short, which increases the strength of the back. The croup is slightly sloping. The Eriskay Pony is the last survivor of the native ponies of the Western Isles of Scotland. Its origins are ancient, certainly with Celtic and Norse connections. Although numerous in previous centuries, numbers decreased dramatically around the beginning of 19th century. Eventually, only a handful remained on the small island of Eriskay, which lies between South Uist and Barra in the Outer Hebrides. The last survivors of this ancient breed have become inextricably identified with this tiny island, hence the name Eriskay Pony. |