Lundy Pony

 ( Horse Breeds ) 

The Lundy Pony is a British breed of pony bred on Lundy Island in the twentieth century.

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History In 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. Stallions of the Welsh and Connemara breeds were later added to the herd, as were some further New Forest stallions.

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 stud-book was started. 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.

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. A population of approximately twenty mares and foals is maintained on the island, replenished by stock from the mainland.

The conservation status of the Lundy Pony is unknown; in 2022 no population data had ever been reported to DAD-IS. It is not among the native British breeds listed on the Equine Watchlist of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

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Characteristics The ponies stand some at the withers, and are usually cream, dun or bay chestnut, dark bay, palomino and roan may also occur.

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Use The horses are of Field hunter type, suitable for cross-country riding.

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