Birth of rare foal 'important' for future of breed

Solly will help preserve the future of the Eriskay breed

The birth of a young foal has been heralded as "really important" for the survival of an ancient breed of horse.

Solly is just one of around 400 Eriskay ponies left in the world and was born at the Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm near Salisbury in Wiltshire.

"It's brilliant to have such an important birth here," said the farm's Aimee Edwards. "The fact the breed is getting stronger with this new girl is brilliant, it makes a real difference."

Eriskay ponies - which come from the Western Isles in Scotland where they were were used by crofters - are deemed critically endangered by the Rare Breed Survival Trust (RBST).

Since her birth in September, Solly has been sticking to close to mum Heather

Eriskay ponies were once relied upon by crofters, who work tenanted lands in rural areas such as the Highlands and Islands of Scotland.

They were celebrated as heroes in 1941 when they helped recover thousands of bottles of whisky from the shipwrecked SS Politician near Eriskay island. The 'rescue' helped inspire the film Whiskey Galore.

The industrial revolution in the 19th century led to a decline in the numbers of Eriskay ponies and in the 1970s there were just 20 animals remaining. Since then, organisations like the Rare Breeds Survival Trust have fought to increase their numbers with births such as Solly.

Eriskay ponies, pictured here in 1955, helped crofters in the Western Isles

"Solly is quite a big deal," Ms Edward explained.

"Eriskay ponies are an endangered species and there's only thought to be about 400 left in the world.

"Solly is doing really well. It's been lovely to see the reaction to her, people have been really excited."