Newfoundland Pony Conservancy Center
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What is inside the Newfoundland pony is as important, if not more important than what is on the outside of the pony, unlike most breeds today. Their temperament is most remarkable and stands out distinctly. Talk to anyone who has lived with one and that is the first thing they will mention - their personality. Very people-friendly, trusting and willing, they are described as having more dog-like personalities than horses. They have a strong sense of herd, of family, and readily accept people into their "family" as well. They generally think before reacting, are very curious and not easily frightened. Stallions tend to be sweet and docile. Their defined traits are based on what we call "Survival Traits" - designed and shaped by the beautiful yet rugged landscape and harsh climate of Newfoundland.
Referred to as the "Poor Man’s Horse” we think of it as "economic". These ponies thrive as backyard ponies. They are multi-purpose, and can do anything from working hard, to taking the kids to school. They are truly all-rounders and we are striving to keep them that way through preservation and teaching correct conservation management.
© Emily Chetkowski 2018
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The Newfoundland POny - What you need to know. During the 1990's Foundation stock was identified that best represented what Newfoundlanders knew a Newfoundland Pony to be, and breeding efforts began. In the year 2000 the stud book was officially closed. Today there are approximately 400 to 500 ponies left on the planet. Of these it is estimated that only 250 are able to be bred. However, of those 250, true measurement of the pony's status is determining how many are actually being bred, and how many foals are born annually. In 2016, after a long lull, the number of births increased significantly: 18 registrable Newfoundland Ponies were born, worldwide. To put that in perspective: Roughly 30,000 Thoroughbreds and 90,000 Quarter Horses are registered every year. Despite efforts to save them for the past 3 decades, with it's numbers far under 2000, the pony remains listed as critically endangered. © Emily Chetkowski 2018  newfoundland Ponies - what you need to know. Though they were beloved by many Newfoundlanders, the pony was commonplace in their insular world. Hardy, docile, capable, genetically strong and diverse, it’s significance beyond the ocean’s edge was not apparent to those who lived amongst them, nor was it apparent to many outside of that world .
As machinery replaced the pony, they fell out of favor. By-laws were enacted limiting breeding and availability of pasturing. Sadly, many Newfoundland ponies met their end at off-island slaughterhouses, believed by some to be sent off to good homes and believed by others to be worth more dead than alive. Under the radar, the pony’s numbers went from thousands to roughly a few hundred rather quickly. Were it not for certain individuals who but a few decades ago jumped in to gather up the small band of ponies on it’s gallop down the road to extinction, the Newfoundland pony would be lost today. Man then became the key to the survival of this pony that was once the key to man’s survival in this “New Founde Lande". Since 1979, the Newfoundland Pony Society in Newfoundland, Canada registers qualifying Newfoundland Ponies across North America. The Society is the only official registry, as such designated by Government of Newfoundland legislation to be responsible for maintaining and safeguarding all registration records as an integral part of their mandate to preserve and protect this heritage animal. Photo courtesy of the Newfoundland Pony Society © Emily Chetkowski 2018  NEWFOUNDLAND PONIES - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW. The Newfoundland pony stands out as remarkable amongst other rare breeds, and is a growing favorite of world renowned geneticists and rare breed experts. It remains an "unimproved" landrace breed in a world where very few remain. This equine genetic time capsule is the result of interbreeding between a variety of Mountain and Moorland ponies on the rugged island of Newfoundland for over 400 years. Perfection, as nature intended, the resultant pony had adapted, learned to survive, and evolved into a distinct local breed, its world encapsulated by a bold ocean teaming with fish and dotted with icebergs off the eastern shore of Canada. With the help of the pony working by their side, hauling everything from fishing nets, to wood, to people, humans survived as well.
Photos courtesy of the Newfoundland Pony Society  Welcome to the world of the incredible Newfoundland Pony, a unique, yet rare being about which most people have no idea exists and even less understand. Critically endangered, like many entities who share the same classification and type of origin, we believe that education is key to the the survival of these important beings. Yet the availability and extensiveness of information on the pony is limited. Of concern is that of the information currently being shared not all is accurate, not all is understood, not all will ensure true survival and preservation of everything that this pony is, as is. Curious about the Newfoundland Pony? Interested in learning more but don't know where to turn or who to listen to? Starting January 8th, we are running a weekly series of short info-blurbs to educate and entertain readers of all walks of life. There will also be blurbs from guest writers as well, people well-versed in Newfoundland Pony and rare equine breeds. "Newfoundland Ponies - What You Need to Know" will cover such topics as:
Thank you for joining us in caring about the amazing Newfoundland Pony. © Emily Chetkowski 2018
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Hello, and welcome to our blog covering great things going on here at the Farm! We also share news & information on the breed and our ponies. Archives
July 2025
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