$75,000 raised toward overall target of $250,000

St. John’s, NL, December 1, 2021– The endangered Newfoundland Pony is one step closer to having a permanent home in the province where it evolved. The Newfoundland Pony Society (NPS) today announced it has raised $75,000 toward creating the Newfoundland Pony Heritage Park near Hopeall and Dildo in Trinity Bay. NPS launched the $250k campaign a year ago with a phase one goal of $75,000. The park is an important step in a large-scale effort to restore the habitat for the Newfoundland Pony in its homeland and to promote the breed.

The park will enable the public to visit and learn about the animals up close. It is located on 25 acres of land acquired from the Provincial Government on an agricultural lease. It will provide free grazing pasture and a space for a small breeding program. Future plans also include a visitor centre with storyboards and an outreach program for schools. NPS also envisions having the ponies display traditional activities such as pulling logs or rocks in a demonstration area.

Thanks to the Canadian Armed Forces (St. John’s 37 Combat Engineer Regiment), fencing has been completed on the lower part of the pasture. The electrical was also upgraded on the outbuildings which will allow the pump hook-up for water. Planning is continuing for a partial opening of the park next summer with a small number of ponies who will graze there through the Fall 2022.

“We are excited about the enthusiasm and support we’ve received from everyone who hears about this wonderful project,” said Greg Malone, Honorary Campaign Chair. “People are stepping up and getting involved and that is what it will take to save our ponies. I am so thrilled to be part of it and am heartened that more people and organizations, communities, and the Provincial Government are taking up the cause of the Newfoundland Pony; this is a feel-good project,” he added.

2021 has been a good year for the Newfoundland Pony in its home province:

• Two Newfoundland Ponies are part of an Equine Therapy Program in partnership with the RNC Mounted Unit at Government House in St. John’s which launched in August.

• ‘Stay Home Year’ resulted in many visitors getting out to see Newfoundland Ponies at the Sanctuary on Change Islands run by Netta LeDrew, the Newfoundland Pony Pals Pasture in South River, and the Swansea pasture in Victoria.

• There’s a lot of excitement and hope about the coming of new foals in 2022 after the uncertainty of the pandemic and a low number of foals born in the province in 2021.

• There is renewed interest in the Newfoundland Pony and its powerful heritage and rightful place in the history of Newfoundland and Labrador.

The Newfoundland Pony Society wishes to thank everyone who donated their time, labour and financial resources to get us to $75k!

For more information about the Newfoundland Heritage Park, or to get involved, please contact the NPS at www.newfoundlandpony.com. Donations are tax deductible and can be made via Canada Helps   or https://newfoundlandpony.com/how-you-can-help/#donate

The Annual General Meeting for the Newfoundland Pony Society will take place on Sunday, December 12, 2021 from 1-3 p.m. at the Comfort Hotel Airport, 106 Airport Rd. in St. John’s.

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Media contact:

Libby Carew

Member-at-large (volunteer)

Newfoundland Pony Society

709.725.7627

libby.carew@gmail.com