breed pony scotland generally grey colour dense coat protects harsh weather breed developed ancient times islands scotland small population remained pure protected islands light draught work mount children equestrian disciplines driving breed rare today rare breeds survival trust considering status critical breed formed second characteristics pony generally stands hands inches usually grey colour bay black dark coloured animals generally characteristics light coloured muzzle ring eye according breed standards stripe chestnut excess white markings discouraged breed winter coat dense protect harsh climate thick tail head large wide forehead neck shoulders chest deep generally broad rib cage long short increases strength slightly sloping similar pony body type easy going temperament suitable mount children light draught work jumping day western riding driving successfully competed combined driving highly competitive international level competitions sanctioned horse riding history pony developed group western isles scotland origins breed ancient roots celtic norse breeding physically similar drawings ancient stones found north west scotland related northern breeds including horse pony takes island outer originally breed fairly large population mid-19th century similar found western islands scotland pack animals light draught mounts children 19th century numbers reduced increased produce larger draught work island crossed horse breeds mainland europe including arabs horses including crossed island including produce highland pony specimens preserved islands scotland mainly difficulties islands stock remained pure advent declined population animals early 1970s politician coast carried away cargo bottles today rare population considered critical status based meaning fewer breeding females registered world today believed number risen worldwide possible surviving pony breed breed represent breed pony society formed goal maintaining purity breed second formed aims produce desirable traits registry feels help promote survival registry considered possibility cross breeding achieved legal recognition breed society passport issuing organisation receive legal recognition addition small herd living feral state descended group brought owned 1970s form nature reserve today island owned operate policy non intervention allowing live human interference
Eriskay Pony