Shetland ponies and sheep are the traditional agricultural animals on Foula (in the past they also kept some cows
Shetland Pony
Shetland ponies are small and come in many different colour variations. They are sturdy, strong and do well on the poor grazing land. With a thick coat these ponies are able to survive through the long tempestuous and cold winters. Originally they were used as pack ponies, as they were just the right height to carry sods of peat in panniers on either side of the pony. Peat is still burnt on the island but only for the islanders’ personal use. The peat is supposed to be the very best and the peat fields are a work of art
Peat
Foula Shetland Ponies are world renowned and sold on the mainland at the Lerwick’s Saleroom. Here is a recording I made of an interview with Sheila Gear of Foula Heritage about one of her daughter’s Shetland ponies. The day before I had spotted this pony, called ‘Firefly’ on its own during a walk up the mountain
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We are specialists in hand made Leather goods including studded Dog Collars and wallets from 200 year old Russian Reindeer Leather; offering for sale a range of ethical tailored Clothing and wool knitwear and a collection of useful but beautiful Homeware made from Horn, Leather, Wool: old and new Welsh blankets and textiles; Slate and Wood . As well as an eclectic selection of one-off collectibles in our Originals section
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