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native breed.
The Eriskay Pony Society is working with genetics experts at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) to carry out the biggest ever survey of Eriskay Pony DNA.
The Eriskay is a small pony, standing 124-138cm (12.0-13.2 hands) high. Traditionally they worked on the crofts (smallholdings), carrying loads such as seaweed, and peat, in baskets (“creels”) slung over their backs. They were also used for light draught work.
Eriskay ponies are among the last representatives of the original native ponies of the Western Isles of Scotland, and are probably one of the oldest and purest breeds in the United Kingdom.
Their isolation on the remote island of Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides helped protect them from introduction of other breeds. On many of the Scottish islands, native ponies were “improved” by breeding with larger stallions. This did not happen on Eriskay, leaving a stock of pure-bred ponies.
By the early 1970’s the Eriskay Pony population had dwindled to about 20 animals. Controlled breeding programmes have restored the population to over 400 animals around the world. However, the Eriskay Pony is still classed as “critical” by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust,
The DNA analysis, being carried out by NTU’s Medical Technologies Innovation Facility and School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences, involves Professor Philippe Wilson, Dr Samuel White and Dr Andy Dell. The work is supported by funding from the Horserace Betting Levy Board.
Professor Wilson explained: “We will be employing state of the art genotyping technologies in order to support a detailed understanding of the genetic status of the Eriskay and will work closely with the breed society to really deliver impact directly to the breeders.”
The results of the analysis will be used, in conjunction with the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s Equine Conservation project, to help inform future breeding plans and decision making for this critically endangered breed.
Catriona Rowan, Chair of the Eriskay Pony Society explained: “This is a very welcome step forward in our efforts to protect and promote this ancient yet versatile breed.
“With such a small gene pool we cannot just rely on the look of ponies and studbook information to make our breeding matches.
She explained “This study, which is open to ANY Eriskay Pony registered with a recognised Eriskay breed Society, either The Eriskay Pony Society or Comann Each Nan Eilean (CENE), will give us a great foundation with which to work. It will be a baseline of information for use in our work with the RBST’s Equine Conservation Project which requires us to provide complex information about our genetic profiles.
“Our work with Nottingham Trent University will give us assessment of genetic variation and molecular basis of inbreeding within the Eriskay Pony breed which will then be collated in an Eriskay Pony Genetic Archive.
“It’s easy for Eriskay owners to get involved. Simply apply to us by emailing info@eriskaypony.org for a testing kit and we will send it free of charge. It’s a simple process using a hair sample, which must be returned to us by the end of July.
“The more samples we have the better the overall picture we can build of the breed and the more useful the information will be. And ANY registered Eriskay Pony can make a contribution, no matter the age or breeding status, so it’s a great way for all owners to support the future of the breed.
For more details, or to order a free DNA kit, contact info@eriskaypony.org. Samples must be returned by the end of July.
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