Lundy Pony
The Lundy Pony is a British breed of pony bred on Lundy Island in the twentieth century. HistoryIn 1928 Martin Coles Harman, who was the owner of Lundy Island, shipped a small herd of ponies to the island, where they lived and bred under semi-feral conditions; most were of New Forest stock.[4]: 284 Stallions of the Welsh and Connemara breeds were later added to the herd, as were some further New Forest stallions.[4]: 284 In 1972, following a visit to the island by the chairman of the National Pony Society, a process of breed recognition was begun. A brand was registered with the society and a Foundation Stock Register was started.[6] There were at that time twenty-seven horses on the island – a stallion, eighteen mares and eight foals; the majority displayed characteristics typical of the Connemara.[6] In 1980 the herd was moved to Cornwall and North Devon in south-west England. A breed society, the Lundy Pony Breed Society, was established in 1974.[4]: 284 A population of approximately twenty mares and foals is maintained on the island, replenished by stock from the mainland.[4]: 284 The conservation status of the Lundy Pony is unknown; in 2022 no population data had ever been reported to DAD-IS.[2] It is not among the native British breeds listed on the Equine Watchlist of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.[7] CharacteristicsThe ponies stand some 137 cm at the withers, and are usually cream, dun or bay[4]: 284 chestnut, dark bay, palomino and roan may also occur.[5]: 40 UseThe horses are of working hunter pony type,[6] suitable for cross-country riding.[5]: 40 ReferencesWikimedia Commons has media related to Lundy Pony.
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