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May 15, 2009

Commemorative Stamp Pays Tribute to the Newfoundland Pony

The Newfoundland Pony is being celebrated with the unveiling today of a commemorative stamp honouring the valuable contribution of this heritage animal to life in this province.

"The Newfoundland Pony is considered one of the hardiest and gentlest horses and it played an important role in the early development of the province, from hauling nets and logs to preparing fields," said the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources and Minister Responsible for the Forestry and Agrifoods Agency. "This rare breed is uniquely our own and it is fitting for Canada Post to acknowledge its historical contribution to our province in this way."

Canada Post�s newest domestic equine stamp collection was unveiled in St. John�s today at a ceremony at Government House. The two-stamp collection features the Newfoundland Pony and the Canadian Horse, otherwise known as the Little Iron Horse. The stamps include silhouettes that illustrate the traditional labours of the horses in previous generations.

The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, said it is important for people to recognize the cultural significance of the Newfoundland Pony.

"The department has supported efforts to create an inventory of all historical records associated with the Newfoundland Pony," said Minister Jackman. "It is our hope that present and future generations will learn how integral the pony was to our ancestors� daily lives, and how a dedicated group of advocates is helping to rescue this breed from the brink of extinction."

The Newfoundland Pony Society was created in 1979 by a group of concerned pony owners who believe the Newfoundland Pony is a living part of the province�s cultural history. The society is responsible for maintaining the province�s official pony registry.

"The Newfoundland Pony is starting to find a new beginning in modern times through riding disciplines and recognition of its historical importance," said Harry Hutchings, President of the Newfoundland Pony Society. "This stamp will help create even greater public awareness and knowledge about the importance of the pony to our earlier settlers and to preserving it for the future."

In 1997, the Newfoundland Pony became the province�s first and only designated heritage animal under the Heritage Animal Act. Fewer than 400 Newfoundland Ponies are living in North America with less than 250 of breeding age. It�s listed as a critically-endangered species by Rare Breeds Canada. For more information on the Newfoundland Pony, please visit www.newfoundlandpony.com

A photographic history of the Newfoundland Pony is also currently being compiled. The archive is a collaborative effort between the Newfoundland Pony Society, Memorial University of Newfoundland and the Provincial Government. For more information on the archive, please visit www.gov.nl.ca/releases/2009/nr/0107n01.htm.

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Photo: Two new commemorative Canada Post stamps honour the role of the Canadian Horse and the Newfoundland Pony to early settlement.

Media contacts:
Tracy Barron
Director of Communications
Department of Natural Resources
709-729-5282, 690-8241
tracybarron@gov.nl.ca
Nicole Lemire
Manager, Media Relations
Canada Post
613-734-8876 
nicole.lemire@canadapost.ca
Heather May
Director of Communications
Department of Tourism, Culture and Recreation
709-729-0928, 697-5061
heathermay@gov.nl.ca
Harry Hutchings
President
Newfoundland Pony Society
harryhutchings@nl.rogers.com

2009 05 15                                                     2:15 p.m.
 


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