The Newfoundland Pony Society has launched the second phase of its fundraising campaign for the Newfoundland Pony Heritage Park in Hopeall, Trinity Bay.
The goal is to raise $175,000 dollars over two years to build on their previous success and help to fence and maintain the 25 acres set aside for the Heritage Park which opened to the public this summer.
Some 700 people visited the site this summer to see resident ponies, Singapore and Dream Boy who pasture at the park in the summer and go back with their owners in the winter.
Councillor at Large with the Newfoundland Pony Society Libby Carew says the heritage animals once numbered in the thousands a few short decades ago but only about 150 remain on the island today.
She says the money they raise will help address some immediate needs at the park and develop a small breeding program to raise a few foals locally.
Carew says right now, if an owner wants to breed their pony they have to trailer the animal and bring it to the appropriate stallion or mare. She says they’re hoping that the park can serve as a safe place to bring ponies for breeding purposes, and that they might be able to help with the trailering costs.
Love ponies? Want to see more in #newfoundland? So do we! We kicked off phase 2 of our #fundraising to create a permanent home for them here. Here are some pics from the summer when we opened the seasonal pasture. https://t.co/o2bURC76cd pic.twitter.com/JaDCSrP5gU
— Newfoundland Pony Society (@nfld_pony) December 12, 2022
