Our Newfoundland Ponies
Fewer than 600 Newfoundland Ponies exist worldwide today. Fewer than 60 reside in the United States.
Many of those are involved with us, some of whom are in foster or adoptive conservation homes.
Fewer than half of the Conservancy's ponies are able to reproduce, at no fault of our own.
Every pony who is not bred causes a loss of a genetic package important to survival of the breed.
That said, the number that really matters is the number of ponies born every year.
Worldwide the number of Newfoundland Ponies born every year averages between 10 to 25 or so! That's it!
Many of those are involved with us, some of whom are in foster or adoptive conservation homes.
Fewer than half of the Conservancy's ponies are able to reproduce, at no fault of our own.
Every pony who is not bred causes a loss of a genetic package important to survival of the breed.
That said, the number that really matters is the number of ponies born every year.
Worldwide the number of Newfoundland Ponies born every year averages between 10 to 25 or so! That's it!
*Please note: As a reputable organization, we pride ourselves on complete transparency regarding our ponies and our organization.
We have no hidden ponies. We have no ponies whose names were changed. What you see here is all of our ponies. Their breeding status is not a secret.
All pregnancies and births are recorded here.
This is our up to date list of ponies as of August, 2024.
We have no hidden ponies. We have no ponies whose names were changed. What you see here is all of our ponies. Their breeding status is not a secret.
All pregnancies and births are recorded here.
This is our up to date list of ponies as of August, 2024.
Meet Our Ponies!
Ammy's Honour
STALLION NPS #643 (born 2006)
Named after his breeder's great uncle, who died in the coal mines of Newfoundland, buckskin Ammy stands 12.2hh. He is the poster pony for the Center and our ambassador. In the winter of 2010, Ammy suffered a severe leg fracture after being kicked by a much larger horse. A sweet, gentle stallion, he came to us shortly after his devastating injury. Our thoughts were that we would have to have him humanely euthanized. Our vet, however, upon giving him a once over, informed us that the break was healed. He suffered no pain from it. We gave this beautiful boy a chance, and he was determined to live. Just look at him now.
Even though the fracture left him disfigured and with a permanently disabled and fairly useless right rear leg, he has learned how to get around almost as well as any other pony. He is a joy to watch as he playfully trots, and canters in his unique 3-legged way, obviously pain free. Ammy epitomizes all the wonderful traits of the Newfoundland Pony and has stolen hearts. Much like the rest of the breed, he is an inspiration, a survivor against all odds. He adapted and evolved in his own lifetime to make the best of his situation. Ammy had fathered only 1 foal before he was injured, a colt, who is in Ontario. However, Ammy had a foal born here on 7/21/2021, a beautiful filly! We are so excited!
Ammy's semen has been collected and stored for artificial insemination (AI).
Ammy's Family Tree
STALLION NPS #643 (born 2006)
Named after his breeder's great uncle, who died in the coal mines of Newfoundland, buckskin Ammy stands 12.2hh. He is the poster pony for the Center and our ambassador. In the winter of 2010, Ammy suffered a severe leg fracture after being kicked by a much larger horse. A sweet, gentle stallion, he came to us shortly after his devastating injury. Our thoughts were that we would have to have him humanely euthanized. Our vet, however, upon giving him a once over, informed us that the break was healed. He suffered no pain from it. We gave this beautiful boy a chance, and he was determined to live. Just look at him now.
Even though the fracture left him disfigured and with a permanently disabled and fairly useless right rear leg, he has learned how to get around almost as well as any other pony. He is a joy to watch as he playfully trots, and canters in his unique 3-legged way, obviously pain free. Ammy epitomizes all the wonderful traits of the Newfoundland Pony and has stolen hearts. Much like the rest of the breed, he is an inspiration, a survivor against all odds. He adapted and evolved in his own lifetime to make the best of his situation. Ammy had fathered only 1 foal before he was injured, a colt, who is in Ontario. However, Ammy had a foal born here on 7/21/2021, a beautiful filly! We are so excited!
Ammy's semen has been collected and stored for artificial insemination (AI).
Ammy's Family Tree
Osceola's Lucky Ace
STALLION NPS# 781 (born 2016)
Ace is from an almost lost family line. It was thought that there were more of that line, but when an error was discovered in the registry, that was not so. Breeders got busy and helped bring that line back. Ace is a lovely match for many Newfoundland mares, including mares at the Center and others in this country. Typical of the breed, he was born a laid back youngster and remains so. Friendly and well mannered, he was taken under Ammy's tutelage on how a fine young stallion should behave. Newfoundland stallions are not what most people think of when they imagine stallions (can be aggressive, often be kept alone, etc). Most of the Newfoundland stallions are as docile as geldings are, and many get along with other stallions.
Ace's first foals were born in 2020, Winsome's Lucky Clover and North Star's Queen of Hearts, both sweet, friendly mares.
UPDATE - Ace is currently standing at stud at the New England Breeder Service in Massachusetts. He is also being trained to drive and will be shown driving, all while remaining an intact breeding stallion.
Ace's Family Tree
STALLION NPS# 781 (born 2016)
Ace is from an almost lost family line. It was thought that there were more of that line, but when an error was discovered in the registry, that was not so. Breeders got busy and helped bring that line back. Ace is a lovely match for many Newfoundland mares, including mares at the Center and others in this country. Typical of the breed, he was born a laid back youngster and remains so. Friendly and well mannered, he was taken under Ammy's tutelage on how a fine young stallion should behave. Newfoundland stallions are not what most people think of when they imagine stallions (can be aggressive, often be kept alone, etc). Most of the Newfoundland stallions are as docile as geldings are, and many get along with other stallions.
Ace's first foals were born in 2020, Winsome's Lucky Clover and North Star's Queen of Hearts, both sweet, friendly mares.
UPDATE - Ace is currently standing at stud at the New England Breeder Service in Massachusetts. He is also being trained to drive and will be shown driving, all while remaining an intact breeding stallion.
Ace's Family Tree
Vinland's Cabot Chapman - deceased.
STALLION NPS #381 (born 1997)
UPDATE - On September 26th, 2022, beautiful Cabot was laid to rest. His worn down teeth could no longer manage to eat even his soaked feed. And he was prone to choking. We did not want him to suffer, especially through the winter, or wait for a catastrophic health condition. He spent his last months with our gorgeous mare, Winsome's Dream. Unfortunately, try as he might, she did not conceive. We were able to collect 27 straws of semen which is now in storage for the future. Being the son of a foundation stallion, carrying only 1 foundation line, it was important to collect him posthumously. However it is important for all male ponies to be collected and most especially before gelding. Sadly this is not always being done and we are losing important genetics. That alone is a danger to the breed. This is why we only provide ponies to breeding homes. Breeders should do the same.
Cabot was 25 years old. Cabot is the first Newfoundland pony to have died in our care. We will miss him forever.
Son of foundation pony Vinland's Star of the Sea, Cabot is on permanent breeding loan to the Conservancy. Not to be confused with his brother, Yetman's Black Cabot, this Cabot has very few living registered offspring. Cabot is a perfect match for all of the Conservancy's mares . He's a big boy, standing right on the edge of 14.1 and 14.2hh, and is a gorgeous bay. He's an older gent and has some dental problems and sadly, he is losing his sight in one eye. A special soaked diet is what he eats these days and he is doing super!
Did you know Cabot is famous? He was the model for a Stone Pony collectible.
When he came to us, Cabot had no colts born. Cabot's first colt was born at the Conservancy in 2019, Cabot's Stormin' Sam, and his 2nd colt, Emilio's Honour, was born at the Conservancy in 2021. Sam's dam, Highland Snow Storm, had no colts either. Emilio's dam, Dundas Heather, also had no registrable colts. Thanks to Cindy Mehaney loaning him to us, and help from our supporters and fosters to care for them, each of these three ponies, Cabot, Storm, & Dundas Heather, have at least 1 male tail line now. All 3 of these ponies had female tail lines already.
Cabot's semen has been collected and stored.
Cabot's Family Tree
STALLION NPS #381 (born 1997)
UPDATE - On September 26th, 2022, beautiful Cabot was laid to rest. His worn down teeth could no longer manage to eat even his soaked feed. And he was prone to choking. We did not want him to suffer, especially through the winter, or wait for a catastrophic health condition. He spent his last months with our gorgeous mare, Winsome's Dream. Unfortunately, try as he might, she did not conceive. We were able to collect 27 straws of semen which is now in storage for the future. Being the son of a foundation stallion, carrying only 1 foundation line, it was important to collect him posthumously. However it is important for all male ponies to be collected and most especially before gelding. Sadly this is not always being done and we are losing important genetics. That alone is a danger to the breed. This is why we only provide ponies to breeding homes. Breeders should do the same.
Cabot was 25 years old. Cabot is the first Newfoundland pony to have died in our care. We will miss him forever.
Son of foundation pony Vinland's Star of the Sea, Cabot is on permanent breeding loan to the Conservancy. Not to be confused with his brother, Yetman's Black Cabot, this Cabot has very few living registered offspring. Cabot is a perfect match for all of the Conservancy's mares . He's a big boy, standing right on the edge of 14.1 and 14.2hh, and is a gorgeous bay. He's an older gent and has some dental problems and sadly, he is losing his sight in one eye. A special soaked diet is what he eats these days and he is doing super!
Did you know Cabot is famous? He was the model for a Stone Pony collectible.
When he came to us, Cabot had no colts born. Cabot's first colt was born at the Conservancy in 2019, Cabot's Stormin' Sam, and his 2nd colt, Emilio's Honour, was born at the Conservancy in 2021. Sam's dam, Highland Snow Storm, had no colts either. Emilio's dam, Dundas Heather, also had no registrable colts. Thanks to Cindy Mehaney loaning him to us, and help from our supporters and fosters to care for them, each of these three ponies, Cabot, Storm, & Dundas Heather, have at least 1 male tail line now. All 3 of these ponies had female tail lines already.
Cabot's semen has been collected and stored.
Cabot's Family Tree
Cabot's Stormin' Sam
Stallion NPS #918 (born 7/22/2019)
Sam was born at the Center, the first colt for his sire and his dam. His birth announcement made it on the front page of the Ledger Transcript, Union Leader, Concord Monitor, and the Keene Sentinel. And he made a prominent appearance in the Boston Globe all around the country! He also appeared on WMUR TV, and Channel 5 News Boston. WBZ TV used his images for their platform. In less than 2 weeks, we had over 200 visitors to the farm to see this adorable boy. You can also see newborn Sam in the book On the Farm: Heritage & Heralded Animal Breeds in Portraits & Stories by Aliza Eliazarov.
Sam was named after his mother Storm's favorite person, volunteer Samantha. It was hard to keep his name a secret (for a gestational year) in order to surprise Samantha. Samantha was on vacation when he was born but her mom drove her all the way back to meet him just hours after he was born. Storm was happy to see Samantha and immediately let her touch her foal. Sam is friendly and fearless. Sam now lives at an affiliate farm in our area, with this brother Leo. Small in size which is desirable to many who drive but being as strong as this pony breed is, also suitable for light draft work, Sam has a lovely driving trot and is being trained to drive. It is important to keep this breed's variety of size which represents the differences in its ancestors, and not just breed them all to be large riding ponies. Bringing back the breed, means bringing back all of the types within this breed.
In the spring of 2024, Sam's first offspring was born, a beautiful colt out of Newfoundland Pony mare "Gwen Dawson's Dream."
Sam's Family Tree
Stallion NPS #918 (born 7/22/2019)
Sam was born at the Center, the first colt for his sire and his dam. His birth announcement made it on the front page of the Ledger Transcript, Union Leader, Concord Monitor, and the Keene Sentinel. And he made a prominent appearance in the Boston Globe all around the country! He also appeared on WMUR TV, and Channel 5 News Boston. WBZ TV used his images for their platform. In less than 2 weeks, we had over 200 visitors to the farm to see this adorable boy. You can also see newborn Sam in the book On the Farm: Heritage & Heralded Animal Breeds in Portraits & Stories by Aliza Eliazarov.
Sam was named after his mother Storm's favorite person, volunteer Samantha. It was hard to keep his name a secret (for a gestational year) in order to surprise Samantha. Samantha was on vacation when he was born but her mom drove her all the way back to meet him just hours after he was born. Storm was happy to see Samantha and immediately let her touch her foal. Sam is friendly and fearless. Sam now lives at an affiliate farm in our area, with this brother Leo. Small in size which is desirable to many who drive but being as strong as this pony breed is, also suitable for light draft work, Sam has a lovely driving trot and is being trained to drive. It is important to keep this breed's variety of size which represents the differences in its ancestors, and not just breed them all to be large riding ponies. Bringing back the breed, means bringing back all of the types within this breed.
In the spring of 2024, Sam's first offspring was born, a beautiful colt out of Newfoundland Pony mare "Gwen Dawson's Dream."
Sam's Family Tree
Emilio's Honour
Stallion NPS # 933 (born 5/26/2020)
Big beautiful colt "Leo" was born at the center in the wee hours after Memorial Day. Suggested by our board and volunteers, Leo is named after our director's father, a veteran resident of the Holyoke Soldier's Home in Massachusetts and who passed away from Covid-19 on 4/8/2020 along with 79 other veterans. Relatively speaking, sweet Leo is one very big Newfoundland pony colt. While he won't have a military history like his namesake, Leo will certainly be in the frontlines, fighting the War against Extinction.
(To learn more about his namesake Emilio DiPalma, a 19 year old courtroom guard at the 1st Nuremberg trial of Hitler's top officers and some of this world's worst villains, click here.)
Leo lives with his brother, Sam, in New Hampshire. He will be trained to ride and do traditional draft work.
When he is older, Leo's semen will be collected and stored. He, like all of our other colts/stallions, will not be gelded.
Leo's Family Tree
Stallion NPS # 933 (born 5/26/2020)
Big beautiful colt "Leo" was born at the center in the wee hours after Memorial Day. Suggested by our board and volunteers, Leo is named after our director's father, a veteran resident of the Holyoke Soldier's Home in Massachusetts and who passed away from Covid-19 on 4/8/2020 along with 79 other veterans. Relatively speaking, sweet Leo is one very big Newfoundland pony colt. While he won't have a military history like his namesake, Leo will certainly be in the frontlines, fighting the War against Extinction.
(To learn more about his namesake Emilio DiPalma, a 19 year old courtroom guard at the 1st Nuremberg trial of Hitler's top officers and some of this world's worst villains, click here.)
Leo lives with his brother, Sam, in New Hampshire. He will be trained to ride and do traditional draft work.
When he is older, Leo's semen will be collected and stored. He, like all of our other colts/stallions, will not be gelded.
Leo's Family Tree
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Applewood Highland Heather
MARE NPS Reg #553 (born 2001)
Beautiful Heather stands 13.2hh. Heather had 6 foals, four of which are registered purebreds. Three of them are here in the USA, two of which are under the Conservancy's program. Heather is one of the teachers in a professionally certified Equine Assisted Learning Program (EAL). We call it our Newfoundland Pony Assisted Life Skills program. She drives, sleighs, works in the garden, and is a wonderful ambassador of her breed. (Due to a trailer accident and injury to her back, she is retired from breeding.) Heather was a favorite of the Long Term Care facilities we visited regularly. When the pandemic changed all of that, Heather became one of our ponies fostered by the Dahl House therapy farm where she was using her natural "interpersonal relationship skills" with the residents, staff, and other animals there.
With her good looks, it's not hard to see how she wound up on our home page banner.
Heather currently resides with Ammy's Honour in NH at a private farm.
Heather's Family Tree
MARE NPS Reg #553 (born 2001)
Beautiful Heather stands 13.2hh. Heather had 6 foals, four of which are registered purebreds. Three of them are here in the USA, two of which are under the Conservancy's program. Heather is one of the teachers in a professionally certified Equine Assisted Learning Program (EAL). We call it our Newfoundland Pony Assisted Life Skills program. She drives, sleighs, works in the garden, and is a wonderful ambassador of her breed. (Due to a trailer accident and injury to her back, she is retired from breeding.) Heather was a favorite of the Long Term Care facilities we visited regularly. When the pandemic changed all of that, Heather became one of our ponies fostered by the Dahl House therapy farm where she was using her natural "interpersonal relationship skills" with the residents, staff, and other animals there.
With her good looks, it's not hard to see how she wound up on our home page banner.
Heather currently resides with Ammy's Honour in NH at a private farm.
Heather's Family Tree
VPF Winsome Dream
MARE NPS #706 (born with us 2012)
VPF Winsome Dream, (affectionately nicknamed 'Dooba') was born here on the farm. She's a color changer like her dad, which means her coat changes with the season - sometimes she's black, sometimes she's blue roan, sometimes she's caught between the two. Born with primitive webbing on her forehead, dorsal stripe, barring on her withers and legs, it comes and goes with her coat of many colors. A big mare, she stands 14.1hh. Winsome is also our herd clown. Winsome gave birth to her first foal on 7/1/20, and like her dam, Winsome is an excellent mother. In 2023, she was bred to stallion Buckleberry's Dandy Little Clipper but slipped her foal. Winsome carries rarer bloodlines that are important to keeping the breed's gene pool diverse and healthy. Exciting plans are in place for Winsome to have more foals.
Winsome's Family Tree
MARE NPS #706 (born with us 2012)
VPF Winsome Dream, (affectionately nicknamed 'Dooba') was born here on the farm. She's a color changer like her dad, which means her coat changes with the season - sometimes she's black, sometimes she's blue roan, sometimes she's caught between the two. Born with primitive webbing on her forehead, dorsal stripe, barring on her withers and legs, it comes and goes with her coat of many colors. A big mare, she stands 14.1hh. Winsome is also our herd clown. Winsome gave birth to her first foal on 7/1/20, and like her dam, Winsome is an excellent mother. In 2023, she was bred to stallion Buckleberry's Dandy Little Clipper but slipped her foal. Winsome carries rarer bloodlines that are important to keeping the breed's gene pool diverse and healthy. Exciting plans are in place for Winsome to have more foals.
Winsome's Family Tree
Misty Star of Gambo
MARE NPS Reg #364 (born 1997)
The epitome of classic beauty, Misty is one of our oldest ponies. Shy initially, it isn't long before she climbs into your heart and bosses you around (politely). Misty is low on the totem pole in a herd. She tends to stay by herself or near her bff, Highland Snow Storm. These pretty ladies have been together for many years and that is how they will remain. Misty has had many foals, starting at an early age. Only a few of her foals were registered, and almost all of the boys were gelded, very unfortunately without having offspring. We tried to breed Misty many times in order to have a foal from her. We most certainly would register and ensure that foal would be part of the breeding population (when old enough). Unfortunately, after using different stallions and different procedures, it was discovered that she has melanoma on her reproductive organs. Melanomas are more common in grays. We were very disappointed to not have a foal to carry on Misty's beautiful traits, but it is quality of life that is most important now. However, she is doing remarkably well. Misty is the favorite Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) pony in our Veteran's program held in NH. For a generally shy pony, in the EAL ring, Misty excels at teaching Veterans.
Misty's Family Tree
MARE NPS Reg #364 (born 1997)
The epitome of classic beauty, Misty is one of our oldest ponies. Shy initially, it isn't long before she climbs into your heart and bosses you around (politely). Misty is low on the totem pole in a herd. She tends to stay by herself or near her bff, Highland Snow Storm. These pretty ladies have been together for many years and that is how they will remain. Misty has had many foals, starting at an early age. Only a few of her foals were registered, and almost all of the boys were gelded, very unfortunately without having offspring. We tried to breed Misty many times in order to have a foal from her. We most certainly would register and ensure that foal would be part of the breeding population (when old enough). Unfortunately, after using different stallions and different procedures, it was discovered that she has melanoma on her reproductive organs. Melanomas are more common in grays. We were very disappointed to not have a foal to carry on Misty's beautiful traits, but it is quality of life that is most important now. However, she is doing remarkably well. Misty is the favorite Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) pony in our Veteran's program held in NH. For a generally shy pony, in the EAL ring, Misty excels at teaching Veterans.
Misty's Family Tree
Highland Snow Storm
MARE NPS #571 (born 2001)
One of our smallest ponies at 11.2hh, Storm comes to us courtesy of Equine Rescue Inc, Bloomburg, NY. Being our Misty's old friend who also came from that rescue, they wanted Storm to have a "heritage home that is best suited for the Pony."
As small and quiet as she is, Storm is the herd boss. She is no trouble but we notice no one gives her any either! Storm loves playing 'tag' and 'hide and go seek' with her favorite volunteer, Samantha. But Storm also loves helping children and adults in our Equine Assisted Learning program. Both she and Misty are our best EAL ponies. Storm had had 2 foals; sadly, one died. We are unsure of the status of or whereabouts of her other foal, a mare.
However, with us:
On July 22, 2019, Storm gave birth to a beautiful healthy colt, Cabot's Stormin' Sam. Sam was sired by Vinland's Cabot Chapman.
On July 21, 2021, Storm gave birth to a beautiful, healthy filly, Ammy's Islay Storm, whose sire is our Ammy's Honour.
Storm's Family Tree
MARE NPS #571 (born 2001)
One of our smallest ponies at 11.2hh, Storm comes to us courtesy of Equine Rescue Inc, Bloomburg, NY. Being our Misty's old friend who also came from that rescue, they wanted Storm to have a "heritage home that is best suited for the Pony."
As small and quiet as she is, Storm is the herd boss. She is no trouble but we notice no one gives her any either! Storm loves playing 'tag' and 'hide and go seek' with her favorite volunteer, Samantha. But Storm also loves helping children and adults in our Equine Assisted Learning program. Both she and Misty are our best EAL ponies. Storm had had 2 foals; sadly, one died. We are unsure of the status of or whereabouts of her other foal, a mare.
However, with us:
On July 22, 2019, Storm gave birth to a beautiful healthy colt, Cabot's Stormin' Sam. Sam was sired by Vinland's Cabot Chapman.
On July 21, 2021, Storm gave birth to a beautiful, healthy filly, Ammy's Islay Storm, whose sire is our Ammy's Honour.
Storm's Family Tree
Ammy's Islay Storm
FILLY NPS #1001 (Born 2021)
FILLY NPS #1001 (Born 2021)
Truly a miracle, Ammy's Islay Storm!
Read her story here:
Read her story here:
Meadowbrook's Wee Willie
GELDING NPS #410 (born 1998)
A retired children's lesson pony, Willie is Misty Star of Gambo's brother. A gelding, sadly Willie has no offspring. Willie is just the friendliest, sweetest pony ever. He and Heather enjoyed doing off-farm events and visiting long term care facilities together, but alas, the pandemic put a stop to that. We call Willie our Walmart greeter; at our events he says hello, equine-style to everyone, over and over again. He is so lovable.
Willie is seen here awaiting youth to arrive at an endangered animal themed summer camp program.
Standing at 13.2 hands, Willie is a good sport, our always dependable pony, and we are so happy to have him! Willie was also a teacher in our equine life skills program. Getting up there in years, he currently lives with stallions Sam and Leo at an affiliate farm in NH, and still attends events.
Willie's Family Tree
GELDING NPS #410 (born 1998)
A retired children's lesson pony, Willie is Misty Star of Gambo's brother. A gelding, sadly Willie has no offspring. Willie is just the friendliest, sweetest pony ever. He and Heather enjoyed doing off-farm events and visiting long term care facilities together, but alas, the pandemic put a stop to that. We call Willie our Walmart greeter; at our events he says hello, equine-style to everyone, over and over again. He is so lovable.
Willie is seen here awaiting youth to arrive at an endangered animal themed summer camp program.
Standing at 13.2 hands, Willie is a good sport, our always dependable pony, and we are so happy to have him! Willie was also a teacher in our equine life skills program. Getting up there in years, he currently lives with stallions Sam and Leo at an affiliate farm in NH, and still attends events.
Willie's Family Tree
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Erik
(born 2006)
GELDING
Hailing all the way from Nova Scotia, Erik moved in here with his pal Smokey. This little gelding has a big build, big heart, and a big personality. Erik participated in our specialized Tours, Pony Picnics, Pony Yoga, and still participates in our equine assisted learning programs. He is Mr. Charming, outgoing and full of confidence.
Erik is a "mystery pony" - his DNA did not match foundation DNA records, which makes him ineligible for registration. Breed Profiling that we ran came back as #1 Newfoundland Pony, #2 New Forest, #3 Miniature Horse. Breed profiling is not accurate and we do not support allowing breed profiled ponies to be registered. Why? The Newfoundland Pony has NO genetic disorders whatsoever. Zero. Zilch. The majority of today's equine breeds do, and many carry lethal genes. As history has shown, the adding of other modern breed's genes (generally to increase numbers quickly) can add lethal genes to a rare breed's gene pool. With low numbers, the percentage of affected ponies would be great, and the breed would dwindle to unrecoverable status. We'd also risk losing their sweet, willing temperament.
Erik is an incredible equine assisted learning teacher in our Newfoundland Pony assisted life skills program. Don't let his small size and cute face fool you - his forte is teaching people how to communicate with him, how to truly be a teammate. If not, he plants all 4 feet and no one is going anywhere! Sometimes he cheats at the EAL course's task at hand, as he already knows the answer - he gives his human teammates a chance or two but if they can't figure it out, he just shows them how it's done, Erik style!
(born 2006)
GELDING
Hailing all the way from Nova Scotia, Erik moved in here with his pal Smokey. This little gelding has a big build, big heart, and a big personality. Erik participated in our specialized Tours, Pony Picnics, Pony Yoga, and still participates in our equine assisted learning programs. He is Mr. Charming, outgoing and full of confidence.
Erik is a "mystery pony" - his DNA did not match foundation DNA records, which makes him ineligible for registration. Breed Profiling that we ran came back as #1 Newfoundland Pony, #2 New Forest, #3 Miniature Horse. Breed profiling is not accurate and we do not support allowing breed profiled ponies to be registered. Why? The Newfoundland Pony has NO genetic disorders whatsoever. Zero. Zilch. The majority of today's equine breeds do, and many carry lethal genes. As history has shown, the adding of other modern breed's genes (generally to increase numbers quickly) can add lethal genes to a rare breed's gene pool. With low numbers, the percentage of affected ponies would be great, and the breed would dwindle to unrecoverable status. We'd also risk losing their sweet, willing temperament.
Erik is an incredible equine assisted learning teacher in our Newfoundland Pony assisted life skills program. Don't let his small size and cute face fool you - his forte is teaching people how to communicate with him, how to truly be a teammate. If not, he plants all 4 feet and no one is going anywhere! Sometimes he cheats at the EAL course's task at hand, as he already knows the answer - he gives his human teammates a chance or two but if they can't figure it out, he just shows them how it's done, Erik style!
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Highland Smokey Tisdale
GELDING NPS#645 (born 2007) Smokey came to us from Nova Scotia with his pal Erik. A gelding with no offspring, Smokey stole the hearts of every mare on the farm the moment he walked on the property. He loves to show off all that he is, and is probably the most radical roan color changer we have ever seen. He is also a wonderful but humorous Equine Assisted Learning teacher. Sometimes we all need to laugh and Smokey is the pony for that! But Smokey can also be serious, helping someone who has challenges such as PTSI with both his compassion and leadership ability. We have shared some incredible moments with him in the EAL ring. We will be having tissue collected and saved for cloning, for the distant future. Smokey's Family Tree 
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Winsome's Lucky Clover
FILLY NPS # 934 (born 7/1/2020) Outgoing Clover was born at the center on Canada Day during one of our Heal The Heroes sessions where her grandmother Heather was doing the teaching. Our group got to see her barely minutes old. While Newfoundland Pony foals are known for being born friendly, Clover was beyond friendly. She remains downright charming, stopping immediately to visit everyone she sees. Clover's half sister, Queenie, shares the same sire, Lucky Ace, and has just the same personality. Clover is Winsome's very first foal. Pictured here is Clover on the left, and her dam, Winsome's Dream, on the right, meeting a goat. Isn't Clover gorgeous? Clover had grown into a big, muscular mare. It is breath taking to see her cantering the fields, doing flying lead changes, and jumping whatever she can find. Clover will be trained to ride and the plan is to get her out to local shows and events. We have plans to breed her to the new stallion that is arriving here soon. Stay tuned! |
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Meadowbrook Festive Holly
MARE NPS #428E (born 1998)
Holly is our Heather's mom, making her Winsome and Mandy's grandmother. Storm is her half sister. Holly and her daughter Lily came to us after their owner could no longer care for them. Their owner chose to donate them to the center to help the breed but also knew they'd get lots of attention as well. Holly and Lily are just a joy to be around.
A driving team, Holly and her daughter, Lily, have been together their whole lives. They have never had anyone sit on their back and are not trained to ride. Holly and Lily lived with a beloved TV news anchor. She and her husband (who learned how to drive Lily) were dedicated promoters of the breed. Now special needs ponies, due to Cushing's disease, and because of retirement and lifestyle changes of her fosters, Holly and Lily are back with us. Currently living in NH at a private farm, Holly is a teacher in our Veteran's program that is held there.
Holly's Family Tree
MARE NPS #428E (born 1998)
Holly is our Heather's mom, making her Winsome and Mandy's grandmother. Storm is her half sister. Holly and her daughter Lily came to us after their owner could no longer care for them. Their owner chose to donate them to the center to help the breed but also knew they'd get lots of attention as well. Holly and Lily are just a joy to be around.
A driving team, Holly and her daughter, Lily, have been together their whole lives. They have never had anyone sit on their back and are not trained to ride. Holly and Lily lived with a beloved TV news anchor. She and her husband (who learned how to drive Lily) were dedicated promoters of the breed. Now special needs ponies, due to Cushing's disease, and because of retirement and lifestyle changes of her fosters, Holly and Lily are back with us. Currently living in NH at a private farm, Holly is a teacher in our Veteran's program that is held there.
Holly's Family Tree
Outback Lily of the Valley
MARE NPS #564 (born 2003)
Lily has no offspring of her own. We'd hoped that she was in foal to Ammy (via AI) for a 2017 foal, but it turned out what we thought was a baby bump was a false pregnancy. Lily stands 12.2hh like her mother, and is her matched driving partner.
Sweet Lily is outgoing, calm, quiet, trusting and curious. She has a strong sturdy build and nice driving trot, like her mom. One can't help but love Lily; the beautiful heart she wears on her forehead is the equivalent of one wearing their heart on their sleeve. Lily was in a foster home in Massachusetts with her mother Holly, where they enjoyed driving and lots of pony hugs.
Both Lily and Holly have been diagnosed with Cushing's disease and are being treated. Holly did her job to help the breed by having 2 foals, 1 of whom has had 4 purebred foals. Lily however, has not had offspring try as we may.
After an extensive work-up as to why she isn't able to carry a foal to term and because of a temperament change making her moody and unpleasant. That workup discovered that Lily had Lyme disease. For everyone's safety and comfort, she was moved to an affiliate farm for treatment which was successful. She has joined her mother, and is also an EAL teacher in the Veteran's program there. Having been together their entire lives, we will not separate them and are hoping they are together for many more years. We will be having tissue collected from Lily and stored for cloning, for the distant future.
Lily's Family Tree
MARE NPS #564 (born 2003)
Lily has no offspring of her own. We'd hoped that she was in foal to Ammy (via AI) for a 2017 foal, but it turned out what we thought was a baby bump was a false pregnancy. Lily stands 12.2hh like her mother, and is her matched driving partner.
Sweet Lily is outgoing, calm, quiet, trusting and curious. She has a strong sturdy build and nice driving trot, like her mom. One can't help but love Lily; the beautiful heart she wears on her forehead is the equivalent of one wearing their heart on their sleeve. Lily was in a foster home in Massachusetts with her mother Holly, where they enjoyed driving and lots of pony hugs.
Both Lily and Holly have been diagnosed with Cushing's disease and are being treated. Holly did her job to help the breed by having 2 foals, 1 of whom has had 4 purebred foals. Lily however, has not had offspring try as we may.
After an extensive work-up as to why she isn't able to carry a foal to term and because of a temperament change making her moody and unpleasant. That workup discovered that Lily had Lyme disease. For everyone's safety and comfort, she was moved to an affiliate farm for treatment which was successful. She has joined her mother, and is also an EAL teacher in the Veteran's program there. Having been together their entire lives, we will not separate them and are hoping they are together for many more years. We will be having tissue collected from Lily and stored for cloning, for the distant future.
Lily's Family Tree
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True Blue Dream
MARE NPS part-bred registered 18 year old "True" is the daughter of registered stallion Macosa's Dream, who is also the sire of our Winsome Dream. True and Winsome Dream are half sisters. True's dam is Cricket, an unregistered mare who does not match the Newfoundland Pony Society's DNA database. She is part-bred registered. Formerly a popular summer camp pony, True decided she was done with all that, and came to live with us. She stands just shy of 14hh, and is a talented, beautiful mover. True is living with our ponies at the Carl A Dahl House where she has turned out to be a phenomenal life skills teacher. Some say that Heritage Breeds are not real breeds; and that the Newfoundland pony is not a distinct breed. Well, if that were the case, then why, when used for crossbreeding, does the Newfoundland Pony's traits dominate that cross, quite obviously putting its genetic stamp on the offspring? Because it IS a breed, a strong, genetically healthy, viable breed as is. And it needs to be kept that way. |
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RBC's May Day
GELDING NPS #634 (born 2002) May Day recently arrived here from Canada. Through no fault of his own, May Day was in urgent need of a new home. This was not the first time we had stepped up to help this pony, in fact it was the 3rd time. We have known him for years. This time the meat truck was heading his way. This time would be the last time, but it was not his day to die. With the immediate help of a Maritime farmer and fellow pony owner, a kind hauler hit the road immediately to beat the meat truck. We all waited anxiously to hear if he was safe. A close call, the rescue was successful, but enough was enough. There would no more May Day calls, both literally and figuratively; he would be coming to us. May Day stayed at that amazing pony owner's beautiful Maritime farm for awhile as we made all the arrangements. While there he slowly acclimated and decided to trust these kind people who went way out of their way to care for him. |
When May Day arrived at his new home, a quintessential New England farm, he caught up with his old acquaintance in Prince Edward Island, Dundas Heather, and met the other Newfoundland Ponies who live there. He is safe and he is also happy. May was adopted by the farm owners. Like the beautiful month that greets us after every long winter like a new beginning, they call him Mr. May. Have to say that after knowing this pony for years but never having met him, seeing May in person was through very leaky human eyes.
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Fiddler's Green
Mister Scrunchions GELDING NPS# 785 (born 2008) FOSTERED A 2008 gelding with no offspring, Scrunchions is named for an ingredient in a traditional Newfoundland dish. Copper in color, he is flashy and he knows it. Standing 12.3hh, Scrunchions has learned his place at the Center and in the world. An in your pocket pony, if there is a way to be mischievous, he can find it. Scrunch is currently a teacher in an Equine Assisted Life Skills program in Maine where he is beloved and still quite the character. Scrunchion's Family Tree |
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Deerfield's Gaff Topsail
GELDING NPS #689 "Gaffer', a registered roan color-changer gelding without offspring, has been a part of the Pony Center family since he arrived in New Hampshire in spring of 2017. His previous owner was having saddle trouble with him. After a few months at his initial foster home, it turned out to be more of a project than his foster family was comfortable tackling, so he came to our trainer. He lived on a NH equine therapy farm for children where Gaffer makes everyone feel safe and happy. UPDATE - after the therapy farm closed down recently, Gaffer came back to us. He has joined the herd at the Dahl House where he is madly in love with True Blue Dream. Gaffer's Family Tree |
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Echo of Genesis
GELDING NPS# 747 (born 2012) Known as "George", he was brought to the Pony Center by his owners all the way from Quebec. A gelding who has no offspring, he lived at a farm in Canada that had excellent pasture. Unfortunately, too much of a good thing led to laminitis, and a pretty bad case of founder. George is considered special needs, since he has rotation in all four hooves (20% in his right front). Horses and ponies who founder are prone to do so again, and it takes less to cause it a second time - which means George is on dry lot only, for the rest of his days. Very much loved by his family, they wanted to make sure that George would go to a place with other Newfoundland Ponies where he could be loved and well taken care of by children (which he adores). George lived at the same therapy farm in NH with pony Deerfield's Gaff Topsail. Best pals, both ponies excelled at helping children at risk. When the therapy farm closed, George returned to us and he lives at the Dahl House with Gaffer. George has been working, interacting with youth enrolled in the ROOTS community youth-at-risk program at the Dahl House location, where he is a favorite. George's Family Tree |
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Brynshire's Mandolyn
MARE NPS Reg #657 (born 2006) FOSTERED At 13.2hh, Mandy is quite the athlete, and jumping is her forte. She is brave yet sweet and prefers to avoid conflict in the herd. A bit more drafty than her mom, Mandy is strong, steady and quick footed. She has a wonderful work ethic and is always game for anything such as competing on a high school equestrian team. Despite Mandy having very little show experience, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place ribbons piled up all the way to the states. She was also our go-to pony for exhibiting at Equine Affaire in Massachusetts. Though she has been exposed to numerous stallions on numerous occasions, Mandy never showed any interest. On examination, our veterinarian noted that Mandy has a physical anomaly, one that would make carrying a foal to term complicated, difficult, and risky. But also as important as her welfare, it would also risk introducing this issue to the breed. Therefore, the difficult but correct decision was made to not breed her. Perhaps Mandy knew best by having no interest in stallions? Mandy is on foster, happily reunited and living with her bff sister Tansy, the part-bred pony who started our Newfoundland Pony awareness. Mandy's Family Tree |
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Deerfield's Solomon Gosse
Gelding. NPS #688. (born 2006) At 13.3 hh, personable, humorous, Solomon Gosse came to us after living at a private boarding school for 5 years, used in an internationally known equitation program. Solomon was previously a driving pony, before he was sold to the school. Solomon was purchased from the school by a private family. However, Solomon was unable to jump anymore and he bucked when ridden. He also had a laminitis incident. They needed a pony/horse that could jump and be ridden safely. His owners were heartbroken to give him up but they wanted what was best for him and we are very grateful they reached out. We sent him to the farm of the only person we let train our ponies, to see what was up with him. We know that Newfoundland Ponies should not be handled like modern breeds. They are nothing like modern breeds and treating them the way modern breeds are trained - longeing, worked hard, forcing them to "join up", forcing them to be forward, causes them to shut right down. It's a fine line and one that is easy to cross the wrong way. This is true of other old breeds such as the Fell pony. Kind of like trying to train a Golden Retriever for Greyhound racing. It just doesn't work. Most people know nothing different, so no fault is blamed. |
We listen to our ponies. Years ago we learned to emulate their body language communication. We entered their world vs forcing them to enter ours.. Our trainer has worked with our ponies since 2010. She learned what the ponies taught us, because she listened to them. The first pony she dealt with back then was so badly abused, that when you put your hand on his body he shook all over in fear. He bit. He kicked.
Our trainer just let him be a pony. He walked about with her loose, all day long, their interactions had no pressure at all. Over time he trusted again and he became the fantastic pony that he truly was.
We don't believe in any of the top trainers or latest techniques. Parelli? No. Natural Horsemanship? The pony is as natural as it gets and to know them is to enter their world first. So no Natural Horsemanship stuff either. We listen, we partner, and we go from there. That is all that is needed with the Newfoundland Pony.
Solomon came around fairly quickly but not until after an extensive work-up to identify and deal with any physical issues was done. With some rehab, he no longer bucks and he does light riding. He recently went to a small laid back 4H show where he impressed everyone. Solomon is beloved, but then again, he always was.
Solomon will also have tissue collected and stored for the distant future, hoping that cloning is much improved by then.
Our trainer just let him be a pony. He walked about with her loose, all day long, their interactions had no pressure at all. Over time he trusted again and he became the fantastic pony that he truly was.
We don't believe in any of the top trainers or latest techniques. Parelli? No. Natural Horsemanship? The pony is as natural as it gets and to know them is to enter their world first. So no Natural Horsemanship stuff either. We listen, we partner, and we go from there. That is all that is needed with the Newfoundland Pony.
Solomon came around fairly quickly but not until after an extensive work-up to identify and deal with any physical issues was done. With some rehab, he no longer bucks and he does light riding. He recently went to a small laid back 4H show where he impressed everyone. Solomon is beloved, but then again, he always was.
Solomon will also have tissue collected and stored for the distant future, hoping that cloning is much improved by then.