The Eriskay Pony is Scotland’s native pony and a jewel of Scot | United Celts

The Eriskay Pony is Scotland’s native pony and a jewel of Scotland’s natural heritage. Its origins can be traced through written sources, stone carvings and other ancient depictions. The ancestors of the Eriskay Pony are the undomesticated equine which roamed the forests and hills of Scotland before people lived here.
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The native Scottish ponies were numerous throughout Scotland in the 18th and 19th centuries, particularly in the Highlands and Islands where they played an important role in the lives and economy of the people. The Highland Clearances and other factors took their toll on these native ponies. Many were taken from the region and many more were crossbred with larger breeds, giving today’s Highland Pony.
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However, A few remained in their pure state on the Isle of Eriskay, no stallions of other breeds have been taken there. The Eriskay pony is currently classified as critically endangered by the Rare Breed Survival Trust