The birth of Solly, a rare Eriskay pony foal at Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm in Wiltshire, is a significant milestone for the preservation of this ancient and critically endangered breed. With only around 400 Eriskay ponies left worldwide, Solly’s arrival strengthens efforts to increase their population. These ponies, native to Scotland’s Western Isles, were historically vital to crofters and famously helped recover whisky from a shipwreck in 1941, inspiring the film Whiskey Galore.

Once nearly extinct with just 20 ponies remaining in the 1970s due to industrialization, the breed has slowly rebounded thanks to conservation efforts by organizations like the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Solly’s healthy birth and positive reception highlight the ongoing commitment to safeguarding the future of Eriskay ponies and maintaining their cultural and historical legacy.