Eriskay Pony Society

Work is progressing well on the Eriskay Pony Society DNA project which is funded by a generous grant from the Horserace Betting Levy Board (HBLB) along with a sizeable contribution from the Society’s own funds.  The project started in spring when owners were asked to submit a hair sample from their pony, using the kit supplied free by the Society, and it was stressed at the time that this was open to all Eriskay ponies, no matter which stud book they were registered in. 

Over 100 samples were collected and sent to Nottingham Trent University’s School of Animal, Rural and Environmental Sciences and Senior Lecturer, Dr Samuel White, has just provided EPS with an update on how the project is progressing. 

Dr White said ‘’Having now extracted the DNA samples from the hair, we have been performing quality checks and optimising our sequencing procedure so we can target the genes of interest.  The extracted DNA is now termed a ‘library’ as it is waiting to be ‘read’ by the sequencer.

We have been reviewing this sequencing method to ensure we evaluate all the regions of DNA that are of value to us, and thus will enable the widescale genomic profiling and integration with breeding data.

As we have now largely undergone the process of optimising this tailored Eriskay specific profiling with the samples, we should be in a position to start running our library when we return after the Christmas break.

Once the samples are fully sequenced, we will then be able to delve into all of the exciting data and start to integrate this with the breeding data for a real-world impact. We are all very much abuzz with anticipation for this novel and highly valuable data and it is so exciting to think soon we will have a genotyping profile of the Eriskay pony for the first time’’.

EPS Registrar, Lorna Holden, said ‘’We are very grateful to all the owners who took part in this project by sending in hair samples from their pony and the information we will get will really help inform our breeding plans.  With the help of the RBST we have already adopted the SPARKS system of selection, which goes some way to help slow down inbreeding, however we recognise that science and technology can give us a much more accurate understanding of the genetics and of our stud book.  It is fantastic to be working with such a committed team at NTU.’’

The autumn meeting of the Eriskay Pony Society will be held on Saturday, 24th September at the home of Ruth and Steve McMinn in Aberdeenshire. The main feature of the day will be a talk by Alex Middler of Craigmancie Stud, who will share her knowledge which has been gained over a lifetime of educating humans and equines. She will be passing on tips and techniques for handling and training horses and ponies of all ages with a special emphasis on how to have a well mannered and happy stallion. Alex will demonstrate her methods with a 3 year old Eriskay colt.

There will also be a chance to view the extensive photographic collection of Donald and Mary McGillivray who will talk about the work that has been carried out to preserve the breed and the stallions that helped from the early days onwards.

After lunch, we will head to the fields to meet Ruth and Steve’s ponies and have an informal discussion about managing hardy good-doers, keeping fat at bay, pasture management and the track system. This will be an excellent opportunity to share ideas and knowledge.

This friendly and informal meeting, which starts at 11am, is open to anyone interested in the Eriskay pony, member of the Society or not, but booking is essential to allow for sufficient catering. Please contact Ruth on secretary@eriskaypony.org if you would like more information or if you want to book a place.

The Eriskay Pony Society was delighted to be announced as the winner of the inaugural RBST Scotland Food and Farming Sustainability Award for the Native Breed Society of the Year during a presentation at the Royal Highland Show. The award, which was sponsored by Sarah’s Rosettes, is for a native breed society, recognised by RBST, that has done the most to represent their breed during the year in Scotland.

The Society won the award for their ongoing work with their DNA project, the online breeding conference they had held, the use of SPARKS to identify good genetic pairings and their ongoing support for their members and breeders. It was particularly noted that the Society offered advice and support to pony owners whether they were members or not and that their DNA project was open to all Eriskay ponies. The award was presented by RBST Chair of the Board of Trustees John Atkinson to EPS Chair Catriona Rowan, Vice President Donald McGillivray and Breeding Advisor Mary McGillivray.

The RBST Scotland Food & Farming Sustainability Awards were designed to highlight the credentials of rare and native breeds as being part of the solution to many issues arising as a result of climate change and the changing environment and they identify that native breeds are a crucial part of our biodiversity having evolved to be here. They are part of the natural environment and RBST Scotland created the brand new initiative to reinforce the link between rare and native breeds of farm livestock and equines and the Scottish agricultural and cultural landscape. More information about the Rare Breeds Survival Trust can be found at www.rbst.org.uk