slows, as far as possible, the rate of inbreeding. Only stock registered in either of the studbooks is used. In conjunction with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust The Eriskay Pony Society uses the Single Population Analysis Records Keeping System (SPARKS) to provide advice on the genetic suitability of breeding pairs of ponies. In addition to the domesticated ponies, there is a small herd of Eriskay ponies living in a feral state on the Holy Isle. These ponies are descended from a group of five ponies brought to the Holy Isle to when it was owned by the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare in the 1970s to form a nature reserve. Today the island is owned by the Samye Buddhist Centre for World Peace and Health. They operate a policy of non-intervention, allowing the ponies to live without human interference. Culture The Gaelic poet Donald MacDonald (Dòmhnall Aonghais Bhàin) was commissioned by Comann Each nan Eilean - The Eriskay Pony Society to compose a praise poem for the Eriskay pony to commemorate the publication of the original studbook in 1972. The poem makes reference to the pony's position as a crofting animal used to transport seaweed and peat, as well as its genial nature towards children.Bha iad riamh an Èirisgeidh 's gum b' fheumail iad don t-sluagh, Bha iad troimh na linntean ann sna tìmean chaidh air ruaig; Thàirneadh iad a' mhòine gu fògairt chur air fuachd Is làimhsicheadh an òigridh iad 's bha iomadh spòrs 'nan cuairt. See also List of domesticated Scottish breeds References External links Eriskay Pony Society The Eriskay Pony (Purebred)Studbook Society): Comann Each nan Eilean Horse breeds originating in Scotland Horse breeds Outer Hebrides Endemic biota of the Scottish islands Animal breeds on the RBST Watchlist