One of our country’s rare pony breeds just got a new addition. Meet Shaggy, the Newfoundland pony who was born in February. Shaggy, who is a colt, was born on Danielle and Chris Hobbs’ farm in Bunyon’s Cove, NL. The Newfoundland Pony Society took to Facebook to announce the birth:
“Love is in the air! We are thrilled to learn that this sweet one was born today in Bunyan’s Cove. He is the first #newfoundland Pony born this year. The Hobbs family are incredible and we thank them for their dedication preserving this endangered breed. As for names… we heard a possible name is « Ryia’s Shag Island. » Aka #Shaggy!”
We’ve previously written about the Newfoundland Pony and the Heritage Park being developed to showcase the breed.
The Newfoundland Pony Society is involved in both preserving the bloodlines as well as educating the public about this special pony. The breed is considered a critically endangered species. The NPS is hoping to change that. The group’s first victory in preserving the breed came when it convinced the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador that the Newfoundland Pony was a living part of the province’s cultural history and as such, required legal protection before there were too few ponies to maintain a healthy population. This initiative resulted in the Heritage Animals Act being passed on December 19, 1996. The Newfoundland Pony and the Newfoundland Pony Society received their official designation under this Act on September 15, 1997.
The NPS is still raising funds to complete the Heritage Park, including building a visitor centre and upgrading the barn. The park’s pasture was open for visitors in 2023 and will open again in the summer of 2024. Visitors can tour the grounds and meet the ponies as well as learn more about the breed from the park’s knowledgeable volunteers.
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