A Bunyan’s Cove family welcomed a new member over Christmas, but it’s just the beginning of something much bigger for the Hobbs family.

Danielle and Chris Hobbs welcomed Newfoundland pony Sou’Wes’ Nancy on December 25. The white pony was a Christmas surprise for their daughter Ryia.

Danielle says they always wanted a Newfoundland pony to add to the horses they already have, and their plans are to start a pony sanctuary on the Bonavista Peninsula.

She says they are in the process of securing some pasture land with their help of their MHA Craig Pardy in hopes of developing a tourism attraction focused on the Newfoundland pony.

Danielle says plans are already underway to secure more endangered ponies and breed them.

She says they’ve already purchased a stallion from Nova Scotia which is scheduled to arrive in the province this summer after the current owner breeds him.