Lundy Pony



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

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 Foundation Stock Register 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.

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

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