SOCIETY LANDMARKS

1972   The Association for the Preservation and Development of the Eriskay Pony founded on Eriskay by group headed by Fr Calum MacNeill, parish priest, Eriskay and Robert Beck MRCVS, a vet on Tiree. Eric discovered on S. Uist.

1973   Eric, the 100% entire bought by the Association.  Thereafter only 100% Stallions owned by the Association (Society) were used in its breeding programme. (Eric, OES – Original Eriskay Stock and his progeny).

1975   A leading member of Society donates pony to Riding for the Disabled.

1975-79 Some Breeding stock removed from Eriskay to mainland.

1978   Association changes its name to Comann Each nan Eilean – The Eriskay Pony Society. The letter E in Ogham adopted as symbol of Each Eirisgeidh Eilean.

1986    First Eriskay Class at South Uist and Benbecula Agricultural Show. Robert Beck Cup for best Eriskay Pony. Group of mainland members form separate Society.

1992  Definitive book on Eriskay Pony published– ‘Scotland’s Native Horse’ by Robert Beck.

1996   Society confirms its commitment to be island based. AGM and future AGM’s to be held on Eriskay. All breeding by 100% stallions owned or approved by the Society for inclusion in the studbook. Friend of Society category introduced.

1997    Silver Jubilee Exhibition in Eriskay Community Hall.

1998     HRH Prince Charles, Prince of Wales becomes Society’s Patron.

2000      Sale of ponies and Seminar in Lochboisdale. Set up Company limited by guarantee as Society’s business arm and ‘legal personality’.

2001       Two schoolboy members funded for Carriage Driving Course in Aberdeen. Eriskay Causeway, South Uist to Eriskay, opened. Death in Lewis of Dr Alastair Fraser, one of the three Society motivators.

2002       Three officebearers, funded by the Millenium Commission go on fact finding trips to Poland and Connemara in Ireland to learn how these countries support their native breeds. Polish Professor of Genetics in Uists. Gives talk on conserving native breeds. Meets island breeders and sees ponies on Eriskay. Stallion Bank set up in South Uist for Stallions, colts.

2003       Confirmed by European Commission as the Mother Society for the Eriskay Pony breed, holder of the Studbook of Origin. HRH Prince Charles renews his Patronage. Wishes to be referred to by his Scottish title – Duke of Rothesay. Death of Canon Calum MacNeill, our Honorary President.

2004        Robert Beck, surviving Founder becomes Honorary President. Planning Permission granted for Pony and Interpretation Centre at Ceann a Gharaidh Ferry Terminal in Eriskay.

2005        Winter storms encroach Eriskay site. Plans put on hold. Funding for IT equipment and Project Worker on one year contract in temporary premises in South Lochboisdale.

2006         Meeting in Oban with delegates from The Eriskay Pony Society Ltd, successor to the 1986  breakaway Eriskay Pony Breed Society.