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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