The Faroese pony is mentioned in written sources from the 1600s.
In the old days this pony breed was used to carry or haul heavy loads at farms and some sources also describes Faroese ponies trained to herd sheep (known as tøkuhestar).
When it wasn't at work, it was released onto the mountains where it roamed freely.
Today Faroese ponies are only kept by hobby breeders and it is mostly used as a riding horse for children.

The Faroe pony has been on the Faroe Islands for many hundreds of years.
In 1880 more than 800 animals were registered on the Faroe Islands, but by the 1960s the population had been decimated to only five to six horses.
One of the reasons was an extensive horse export from 1850 - 1920, for use in the mining industry (as pit ponies) in the United Kingdom.
A conservation and breeding program was initiated by Leivur T. Hansen and in 1978 the organization Felagið Føroysk Ross (Breeders of Faroe Ponies) was established.
With huge efforts, the Faroe pony population has now increased to 70 animals which are declared genetically pure, with 14 male breeders and the aim is to maintain and develop the breed further.

The Faroe pony has since been recognised as a unique breed.
The Faroese pony is mentioned in written sources from the 1600s. In the old days this pony breed was used to carry or haul heavy loads at farms and some sources also describes Faroese ponies trained to herd sheep (known as tøkuhestar). When it wasn't at work, it was released onto the mountains where it roamed freely. Today Faroese ponies are only kept by hobby breeders and it is mostly used as a riding horse for children.
The Faroe pony has been on the Faroe Islands for many hundreds of years. In 1880 more than 800 animals were registered on the Faroe Islands, but by the 1960s the population had been decimated to only five to six horses. One of the reasons was an extensive horse export from 1850 - 1920, for use in the mining industry (as pit ponies) in the United Kingdom. A conservation and breeding program was initiated by Leivur T. Hansen and in 1978 the organization Felagið Føroysk Ross (Breeders of Faroe Ponies) was established. With huge efforts, the Faroe pony population has now increased to 70 animals which are declared genetically pure, with 14 male breeders and the aim is to maintain and develop the breed further.
The Faroe pony has since been recognised as a unique breed.
Faroe pony