Keeping the Newfoundland Pony Breed Alive

Listed as critically endangered, Newfoundland’s only heritage animal is being brought back from the brink one foal at a time

- Liz Chafe

I grew up next door to a riding stable in a Newfoundland community locally known as The Goulds. The owner/riding instructor took me under her wing as a ten-year-old and taught me how to ride and care for horses and ponies.

I started out with my first New foundland pony when I was 13, and I have been hooked on them ever since. It was common to see my pony hitched to a pole in the parking lot of our local supermarket, Bidgood’s, where I’d do some of the family shopping as part of my regular chores. I would ride on the side of the road and some people in their cars would time our speed. I used the ponies for everything from plowing, harrowing and hauling wood and hay to pleasure riding, show jumping and related show events.

As an adult, I still have the privilege of caring for Newfoundland ponies.