Queen Beatrix returns as Beauty is born

By Lillian Simmons

The Pony spent much of her time off the island with owner Hugh Cash in Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, where she was used to haul wood and as a riding pony for Cash's daughter Ainsley.

The family obviously developed a real bond with Beatrix.

"Hugh Cash decided she was getting close to retirement and contacted the Newfoundland Pony Society," explained Society President Art Kelloway. The Society had her returned. The family has called at least three times since she got here to see if she's okay.

The animal is a registered Newfoundland Pony, listed as Queen Beatrix of Bonne Bay.

Queen Beatrix will stay with the Kelloways in Victoria for about a month where 10-year-old Matthew will ensure she is eating and drinking properly before she begins her retirement at the Victoria Community Development Corporation.

"She’s one of the ponies that will go to the Victoria Community Development Program to be used for children to ride," Kelloway said, adding, "she’s starting to feel more at home now, she wasn't eating a lot at first. Matthew will begin to ride her next week – she’s excellent with children."

While on the mainland, Queen Beatrix also picked up a role in a CBC TV documentary on Newfoundland ponies, where she was featured hard at work hauling logs in Nova Scotia.

Meanwhile, as Beatrix made her way home, the first Newfoundland Pony of the Millennium was born in Bay Roberts.

On April 11, Kevin Dawson's 23-year-old mare Blackie D gave birth to Beauty.

A week later Beauty emerged from his stall for the very first time eager to greet the world.

"I guess I should have let him outside before", Dawson remarked, scrambling after the Pony cavorting round the front yard nimbly eluding all attempts at capture.

Dawson’s been around horses all his life and seems to have a penchant for beginning their names with the letter B - before Blackie D, there was Blackie's mother Babbs, and then there's Beauty's brother, Bay Boy.

Beauty was sired by Murphy Brown, who was at the time in the care of 0ttoWarren of Chapel Arm. Bay Boy is also the prodigy of Blackie D and Murphy Brown.

Like Queen Beatrix, Murphy Brown has had his moment in the spotlight.

"He's one of the best stallions", Dawson said. "Last year he was featured in Canadian Geographic.

In the early 1970s the Newfoundland pony population began to dwindle from 10,000 reaching a low of approximately 150. Through the relentless efforts of individuals and organizations the animal is slowly making its way back from the brink of extinction with a population of about 300 today.