“Eriskay” Photographic Art Print

Nestled within the remote islands of Scotland's Outer Hebrides, the Eriskay pony is a living link to a bygone era. One of the last remnants of Scotland's native horse breeds, this small yet resilient pony holds a unique place in equine history and heritage.

The Eriskay pony descends from the ancient Celtic and Norse horses that once roamed Scotland's rugged landscapes. For centuries, these hardy ponies served the crofting communities of the Hebrides, carrying peat, seaweed, and supplies across the islands' windswept terrain. Despite their diminutive size – standing at around 12 to 13 hands high-their strength, sure-footedness, and adaptability made them indispensable partners in survival.

What sets the Eriskay pony apart is not just its historical significance but its temperament. Known for their gentle and intelligent nature, they are ideal companions for children and novice riders. Their dense, weather-resistant coats allow them to thrive in harsh climates, making them uniquely suited to their island environment. Sadly, like many native breeds, the Eriskay pony faced near extinction during the 20th century. Mechanization and modernization rendered these ponies less essential, and their population dwindled to alarming levels.

Thanks to the dedicated efforts of organizations like the Eriskay Pony Society, the breed has been preserved, though it remains critically endangered, with fewer than 500 ponies worldwide. Conservation efforts focus on maintaining genetic diversity and promoting the Eriskay's cultural and practical value. Beyond their historical significance, these ponies contribute to biodiversity by grazing in ways that support sustainable land management. As symbols of resilience and heritage, Eriskay ponies are more than just a breed; they are a testament to the enduring bond between humans and horses. By supporting their conservation, we help preserve a living piece of Scotland's history and a vital part of our shared natural world.

About the Collection

In the UK we are lucky enough to have beautiful native horses and ponies roaming our land. Some of the Native breeds originate from particular regions across the UK & Ireland and roam in semi-wild herds that are accustomed to their particular environments. They graze in harsh, vast landscapes where hill farmers with commoner’s rights are custodians of these breeds. They care for them, protect them, ensuring their safety, health and continuing the long line of ancient gene pools continue for these native breeds to thrive and be healthy. Other native breeds are traditional workhorses with a long history of working alongside men from agriculture to industry over the years.

Their environments are changing, from intensive agriculture, expansive building, fencing off vast areas of moorland which restricts grazing, lack of interest in native breeds from horse enthusiasts, hill farmers whose families have farmed their land for many generations are unable to pass down their farms to new generations due to financial pressures and changes to farming legislation. All these elements are diminishing the likelihood of a future in the wild for our rare native breeds.

I’m passionate about our rare native breeds and the natural habitats they live in. I have loved every minute of creating this wonderful book project. I hope that Wild Hearts will raise the profile of our native breeds who have grazed and shaped our land for hundreds of years – some of which are facing possible extinction.

At a time when our world is fragile and in need of great change and care from us all. I believe it’s so important to cherish all our environments, nature and animals. With a passionate message of conservation at its heart, once complete, I hope that my fine art horse photography art book aim will show people the heart and soul of these wonderful breeds and to encourage people to support these vulnerable breeds, either by protecting them in their natural environment or by buying a registered pony; a step which could help save these rare breeds.