Faroe ponies |
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| Alternative names | Faeroes pony, Faroese horse, Faeroe Island Horse, Føroyski Hesturin (Faroese) |
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| Country of origin | Faroe Islands |
| Horse (Equus ferus caballus) | |
The Faroe pony, Faeroes Pony, or Faroese Horse,[1] is a small pony, its height is between 11.1 to 12.1 hands (45 to 49 inches, 114 to 124 cm) Because of its height it is technically a pony, but people on the Faroe Islands call it a horse because of its strength. The colors of the pony are mainly brown, chestnut and black. It is known to be very hardy, friendly, adaptable and surefooted pony.
The pony was used in the old days to carry or haul heavy loads at the farms and when it wasn't at work, it was released onto the mountains where it roamed free. Today it is mostly used as a riding horse for children.
The Faroe pony has been on the Faroe Islands for many hundred years, in the 1960s there were approximately 5 - 6 horses left on the Faroe Islands because of the extensive exporting of horses from the Faroes for mining use in the United Kingdom. With huge efforts, the number has now increased to about 50 horses and the aim is to maintain and develop it further. The Faroe pony has recently been recognised as a unique breed.
The Faroe pony are only to be seen on the Faroe Islands and therefore are little known in other countries.
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