Pony News

New Canada Post Stamp Honours Newfoundland Pony

Friday, May 15, 2009

ST. JOHN'S, NL - A Canada Post stamp recognizing the contribution of the Newfoundland Pony to the early settlement of Newfoundland was officially unveiled today in a ceremony at Government House in St. John's , Newfoundland and Labrador .

His Honour the Lieutenant Governor John Crosbie, Mr. Robert Waite, Senior Vice President , Canada Post and Harry Hutchings, President of the Newfoundland Pony Society unveiled the Stamp.

Canada Post's newest stamps feature the Newfoundland Pony and the Canadian Horse, with both being officially unveiled today at Government House.

"Today marks a milestone for the Newfoundland Pony and ensures it will have a permanent place in Newfoundland and Canadian history," said Harry Hutchings, President of the Newfoundland Pony Society.

The ancestors of the Newfoundland Pony arrived in Newfoundland with early settlers from the British Isles . These animals were hardy creatures, already well adapted to the harsh climate on the islands in the North Atlantic . Over subsequent centuries with little outside influence, the hardiest of these early pony immigrants to Newfoundland interbred and eventually evolved into the Newfoundland Pony.

"I am particularly pleased to see the Newfoundland Pony shown on the stamp against the rough cliffs of Newfoundland" said Harry Hutchings. "It reflects the harsh climate where these Ponies survived and worked for the benefit of our ancestors."

"I am also pleased to see the cancellation stamp on the First Day Cover being Change Islands , Newfoundland where the people of this community have built and are maintaining a sanctuary for Newfoundland Ponies today" said Harry Hutchings, President of the Newfoundland Pony Society.

The Newfoundland Pony was used to plough gardens; haul fishing nets and wood; gather hay; and provide their owners with transportation about the Island . When these functions were replaced by modern technology in the 20th century and the animals were no longer allowed to roam freely, their population plummeted from over 12,000 to less than 100.

To protect this special and historic pony, the Newfoundland Government in 1997 recognized it as a Heritage Animal. The current Newfoundland Pony population totals less than 400 animals with only 225 animals today that are of breeding age, with only 75 remaining in Newfoundland .

"We need more people in Newfoundland and elsewhere to own and breed the Newfoundland Pony. Without renewed interest in keeping ponies, the bloodlines of the Newfoundland Pony will soon disappear from our Province and elsewhere." said Harry Hutchings.

The Newfoundland Pony remains a critically endangered species. The Newfoundland Pony has many desirable characteristics including strength, stamina, courage, intelligence, obedience, willingness, and common sense. Newfoundland Ponies are known to be hard workers and easy keepers.

The Newfoundland Pony Society began in 1979 in Newfoundland and continues today as a volunteer operated organization that seeks to preserve, protect and promote the Newfoundland Pony through fund raising and donations.

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Media Contacts:

Harry Hutchings
President
Newfoundland Pony Society
www.newfoundlandpony.com
harryhutchings@nl.rogers.com
709 765-8999 (cell)

Genevieve Latour
Communications Manager, Canada Post
902-223-0993 (cell)
genevieve.latour@canadapost.postescanada.ca

Nicole Lemire
Manager, Media Relations
T613.734.8876
F613.734.8814
http://www.canadapost.ca
nicole.lemire@canadapost.postescanada.ca

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