The Newfoundland Pony has long been a proud part of Newfoundland’s culture and history. These ponies interbred for over three centuries until the Newfoundland Pony developed that was perfectly suited to the rough Newfoundland environment.
- Characteristics
- Our Heritage
- The Present
- The Future
- Evolution of the Newfoundland Pony
- Factsheets
- The Newfoundland Pony Society
Characteristics
- Approximately 11 to 14.2 hands high
- Thick dark mane, tail and lower legs
- Commonly brown though other colours are not uncommon
- May experience mild to radical colour changes from one season to the next
- Weight range from 400-800 pounds
- Small head with deep jowls and short hairy ears
- Small flint hard hoofs and a low set tail
One of its most endearing features is its good temperament. Due to the harsh winters and general lack of forages in the Province, the Newfoundland Pony has a thick winter coat and an ability to survive on small amounts of grass.
Our Heritage
These hardworking and loyal ponies hauled firewood, timber, kelp, rocks and many more things. They transported their owners by back, cart and wagon in times before the car. They were an integral part of Newfoundland life right up to the late 1940’s and 1950’s and in some places beyond.
The Present
In 1935 it was estimated that there were 9025 ponies in Newfoundland. Healthy numbers existed into the 1970’s and 1980’s. After that the population dropped rapidly due to a number of factors including:
- The replacement of horse power by mechanical power
- Anti-roaming legislation being passed in many communities thus limiting the food supply and breeding
- Owners being encouraged to geld stallions
The Future
Due to the decrease in need for these animals many were exported for meat. From the previous estimate of 9025, the present population is thought to be under 200 many of which are geldings or aged mares.
Pasture land is being put aside for these animals across the province to allow them to increase in number. The status of Heritage Animal allows there to be more public profile of the importance of this animal to our history. It also allows legal tools to be used to limit export.
The Newfoundland Pony Society has been designated under the Heritage Animals Act to protect and preserve the Newfoundland Pony. As part of this responsibility they will be maintaining the Registry of all Newfoundland Ponies and assisting in the export restriction of these animals from Newfoundland.