Distinct Status Verses Evolving Breed

EVOLVING BREEDS The Animal Pedigree Act also allows recording of animals evolving towards a new breed. Typically, selected parental stock are mated to produce a first generation cross (F1) and each successive generation is inter se mated (among each other). In the process, selection pressure is put on the evolving breed by removing those animals which do not conform to the established breed characteristics. Animals which do conform are promoted as parents of the next generation. After a number of generations of such breeding, a genetically stable population is eventually achieved which exhibits a uniform set of characteristics or breed standards. These can then be considered as foundation stock for a distinct breed. Development of a new breed can take many routes. The following is a stylized diagram showing development from an evolving to a distinct breed.

 

Pony's Traditional Past

A Blast From The Past

Above photos submitted by Wayne Maloney of Bay Bull's, NL.

         The History of the Newfoundland Pony

       
      The Newfoundland Pony is categorized as critical on Rare Breeds Canada's Breed Priority List. When we learned of this we decided to do what we could to ensure the survival and continuation of this amazing breed of equine. There are only 250 NL Ponies of breedable age. The Newfoundland Pony is the Province of Newfoundland & Labrador's first Heritage Animal. All ponies are under 14.2 hands at withers height (bottom of pony’s neck), this translates into 58 inches or approximately 147 centimeters.
       The Newfoundland Pony is very hardy, they are comfortable in weather conditions that are unsuitable for many other breeds. They grow quite a long hair coat in the winter, which insulates them from the cold. Historically, Newfoundland Ponies have been used throughout the winter for work such as hauling wood, bringing hay in from the feilds for winter storage and even for hauling large chunks of ice from the ponds in winter to the merchantile. Recently, there are many Newfoundland Ponies kept as pleasure or companion animals which are not required to work. They can also be used for jumping, riding and carriage driving, all depending on the size of the pony.  The NF Pony evolved from the Mountain and Moorland Pony breeds that were brought to Newfoundland from the British Isles by the early settlers. It is the lone member of the Moorland Family of Horses in North America. The foundation breeds included in the NL Pony’s ancestry are the Exmoor,Dartmoor, New Forest, Galloway (extinct), Welsh Mountain, Connamara, andHighland. The NL Pony gives an overall impression of strength and compactness with a muscular build and can vary from lighter pony types to larger stocky types. It has pony character, durability and level headedness with a selfpreserving nature while also being full of willingness and heart. They are winter hardy, sure footed and easy keepers. Their pedigree is traceable to Newfoundland and to Newfoundland Pony ancestry.
      We have seen amazing personality traits in our ponies. They are gentle, love people and other animals. They do not exhibit the fear and anxiety tendencies of many other equine breeds. If something does startle them they settle easily. They are curious, bright, level headed and willingly to learn new things.

To learn more about these incredible animals and to help preserve the breed visit the following web sites:
 Newfoundland Pony Society
 Newfoundland Pony Breed Association

                    Newfoundland Pony Facts

     Did you know Newfoundland Ponies have 3 coats during winter. One, a basic close to the skin, summer coat. Two, an oily keep the rain away coat. Three, a thick keep you warm coat for frosty days & nights. They begin shedding the 3rd thick coat in June. Did you also know, that most horses only have 2 coats. No oily keep the rain away coat and a much thinner winter keep you warm coat. See how smart the Newfs are!!!

Newfoundland Ponies in Need of Rescueing

Newfoundland Ponies in need of home/s

Two ponies rescued from starvation are in need of
homes. They are in a very temporary place, but need to
have homes as soon as they are travel ready. Donations
are needed to bring the ponies back to health.
Please contact:

Liz Chafe at 709 363 2886 or
lizandpeter@nf.sympatico.ca

Vicky Walsh at 709 691 4459

Pony information: