I have worked with NPCC for over 7 years and they mentored me when I was first getting involved with conserving this endangered breed. I would not have entrusted 2 of my mares ( the mother and sister of my breeding stallion) if I did not have the highest opinion of this all volunteer organization. Thanks to NPCC, 2 foals were born to those mares this summer which makes all the efforts of bringing them to New England from the Midwest worthwhile. This move has brought together new combinations of bloodlines and is another small step to ensure the long term future of the breed. I miss my girls but I get regular updates on their progress and I know they are in very good hands.
NPCC brought smiles and joy to the veterans I work for. For two hours every week, the veterans were able to connect with the ponies and leave their troubles behind. It was magical and transformative. The veterans were able to contain their enthusiasm!
The veterans also learned how to work in tandem to guide a pony through each course. It was simply amazing! Both Jean and Emily are so knowledgeable and passionate about the NFP's. Their love and dedication shone right through.
I will continue to take the veterans to Fitzwilliam as long as weather permits!
I have been working with NPCC for several years now, and I have to say I am so grateful to not only meet a childhood idol who’s stories of her adventurous dog delighted me at bedtime, but also to be introduced to the most unique and wonderful breed of all the ponies I’ve met, and I’ve met a lot of ponies! Sam, Leo, and Willie are family favorites in my menagerie, and I can’t imagine my life going forward without a Newfoundland Pony by my side!
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I have been working with the Newfoundland ponies for several years now. I am a member of the board as well as a caretaker of 2 young stallions. I cannot imagine not waking up to them nickering for their breakfast. They are my entire world and I am proud to show off their versatility and unique personalities! They are truly unlike any other equine I’ve ever met!
I have worked with NPCC for over 7 years and they mentored me when I was first getting involved with conserving this endangered breed. I would not have entrusted 2 of my mares ( the mother and sister of my breeding stallion) if I did not have the highest opinion of this all volunteer organization. Thanks to NPCC, 2 foals were born to those mares this summer which makes all the efforts of bringing them to New England from the Midwest worthwhile. This move has brought together new combinations of bloodlines and is another small step to ensure the long term future of the breed. I miss my girls but I get regular updates on their progress and I know they are in very good hands.
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This organization is doing great things for the endangered Newfoundland pony. In addition to their work protecting and publicizing the breed locally in New England, I particularly like how they are working to build a network of breed supporters across the USA and how they work closely with Canada and Newfoundland to benefit ponies in need and promote good breeding practices. I believe the money I donate is very well spent.
Villiponifarm 10/19/2018
Thank you Alison! You have done impressive things for Fell ponies and we are honored to have your attention turn to the Newfoundland Pony. While it's great to save a breed, it's not great to save it the wrong way like adding outside blood, and breeding for specific markets. You know this already and our admiration is mutual. The breed needs more knowledgable people like you.
As Executive Director of the equine conservation group, the Equus Survival Trust, (EST) also a Top Rated Greatnonprofits recipient, we applaud the work of the Newfoundland Pony Conservancy Center. Since it’s inception, this Newfoundland Pony advocate group has been an affiliate of EST doing grassroots conservation and advocacy work on behalf of the Newfoundland Pony breed, North America’s only historic pony breed. Here is a photo of a Newfoundland pony representing its breed at one of EST's large rare breed events. Bravo guys! Keep it up!!
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As Executive Director of the Equus Survival Trust, an equine nonprofit conservation group for historic breeds, we have enjoyed a long time association with the Newfoundland Pony Conservation Center. The Center continues to be one of our most innovated outreach affiliates, making a difference in the lives of people and the ponies.
We applaud the work they do on behalf of the critically endangered Newfoundland Pony and are happy to continue supporting the work they do.
Over the past few years I have seen how this organization works hard to help the endangered Newfoundland Ponies. It is advancing their mission successfully and growing in outreach.
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After meeting the ponies, George, Emily, and the NPCC volunteers a few years ago, I felt this was an organization to support. I strongly feel the same way today.
It is impressive how the many NPCC volunteers work tirelessly to protect and preserve this unique pony.
The Newfoundland Pony Conservancy has done a wonderful job in educating the public about this endangered breed, in finding both foster and temporary homes for ponies in need of placement, and in breeding in an informed and selective manner. This year, they were responsible for the birth of two foals, both colts, in Gardner, MA (out of a total of four foals born in the US this year). The Board is ecstatic to welcome the new colts. The work of NPCC is instrumental in preserving the breed, and it is exciting be working towards ensuring the continuation of the Newfoundland Pony.
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I've been affiliated with this group for over three years now. I started by helping them with some barn chores in preparation for an open house, ended up serving on the Board, and I currently foster two of the Newfoundland Ponies at my house. Emily and George are wonderful - dedicated to the breed, responsive, and forward thinking. Any time I have had an issue (which is luckily a rare occurrence) they have immediately come over and offered assistance (once time, the stallion had a run-in with a porcupine, the other time I was worried the mare had colic). It's been a pleasure seeing the organization grow and evolve, and the work they do on behalf of the ponies is amazing. I've worked with horses for my entire life and this is a truly wonderful breed and NPCC is a wonderful organization.
I have been with the Newfoundland Pony Conservancy since its inception over 10 years ago. I have watched the number of ponies grow and the number of people becoming involved in keeping the ponies from extinction. We are now working with affiliate farms and breeding farms and doing our best to put more ponies on the ground.
Our entire group of volunteers are just that "Volunteers". No one gets paid, though the love of the ponies is more than enough payment..Definately a 5 star operation.
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Since NPCC was formed in 2013 our mission has been save the Newfoundland ponies from extinction. We have done this by educating the public as to the plight of the ponies. We have attended many local fairs and even brought ponies to the fireworks. Our ponies have visited assisted living facilities and been involved in numerous summer camps. Students from Franklin Pearce University have volunteered at the farm and learned about our mission.
Our volunteers have worked with the ponies and have fallen in love with them. We have started a network of foster homes and the ponies are being seen in more places than ever before. We have taught responsible breeding and have started a network of breeders.
There is so much more to do and with the help of volunteers and the people who have visited our work moved forward.
PONY KARMA is there to touch all that meet the ponies.
So awesome having an organization in the area working to better the world we live in. There is so much negativity in this country, it is a delight to follow the progress Emily and George are making to help revive this remarkable breed.
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The Newfoundland Pony Conservancy Center has been a key ingredient to helping me get through this uncertain time. Being able to interact with the ponies has become an important part of my weekly routine. The ponies are incredibly responsive and affectionate. Emily and George have created a safe haven for the ponies and a warm welcoming atmosphere for volunteers. Their enthusiasm for preserving this special, endangered breed of ponies is contagious.
Newfoundland Pony Conservancy is doing a great job saving a nearly extinct breed. I loved visiting with them.
These are very unique ponies that have been slaughtered over the years because they no longer were needed. They are very human friendly, more like a pet than a normal horse. They were bred to be a family "work horse" to do farm chores and pull heavy logs or wagons. This organization was formed several years ago, by a women and her husband, to save the Newfoundland Ponies from extinction. They support this effort totally on donations and hard work and love for the ponies.
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This non-profit was created to save the Newfoundland Pony from becoming extinct, after they were rounded up and removed from Newfoundland when it was decided that they were no longer needed when automation came along. These ponies were born there and developed their own traits to survive the harsh winters, but also became extremely useful for doing farm work, used as transportation through out the Island, and became docile home pets. Everyone owned a Newfoundland Pony. Now there are very few left.
Two people started this non-profit several years ago on their farm by buying and protecting as many pure bred Newfoundland Ponies as they could afford. They were not millionaires, and still are not. All of their savings went into saving the ponies and bringing them to a protected and safe place.
This non-profit exists and is totally run by the two original people who founded it and a handful of volunteers. I have volunteered for this non-profit for 9 years and cannot say enough good things about the owners, who have dedicated all of their time and money to keep this non-profit going. We are totally funded by donations. We do not have corporations or influential people to do marketing and give large donations. We are funded by individuals who have been introduced to these ponies, and see how lovable and important these ponies are to everyone who meets them. They are especially loved when we bring them to visit Nursing Homes and Assisted Living facilities, which is what I love doing the most.
I was first introduced to Newfoundland Ponies a little over a year ago, when I began working on the farm at the Carl. E Dahl house (a residential treatment facility for men with co-occurring mental health and substance use disorder diagnosis). This special therapeutic farm is home to nine Newfoundland Ponies, each one with a different back story, a different set of obstacles they've overcome, a different message of hope and healing. The residents of the program find healing not only in caring for the ponies, but also when they are able to relate to them as well. We offer a program called Equine Assisted Learning (EAL) where these ponies teach the residents different life skills (like problem-solving, communication, perseverance, among many others) through different programs. During these EAL classes, residents are able to grow and heal in unexpected ways, and they are able to take what they learn out in the ring with the ponies and figure out how to apply it to their recovery. These ponies have such a patient, tender, and compassionate disposition, and they make beautiful teachers for these men.
Since joining the Conservancy, I have expanded my knowledge of the breed and therefore my interest in saving it as well. The history of the Newfoundland Pony is fascinating, and to know the ponies is to understand the uniqueness that makes them worth saving. The Conservancy is run by people that love and appreciate this breed of ponies in a way I've never seen before. They are driven to preserve the breed just as it is, just as it always has been. I am so lucky to have crossed paths with such passionate and compassionate people, and am so happy to do my part in helping this special breed.
I have been involved with NPCC since 2015. It is amazing looking back through the years to see and appreciate how far we've come! I have learned so much from the ponies, they have truly changed the course of my life and many others for the better. Can't wait to see what next year brings!!
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I had been a volunteer with this organization for several years now. These ponies never fail to put a smile on my face, and the people behind the scenes are pretty incredible too! I guarantee you won't find another place quite like this one.
I was invited to become involved with the NPCC a few years ago, shortly after I moved to the Monadnock area. I was then, and continue to be, so impressed by the dedication of the director and the board members. The outreach programs serve different populations with very different needs and provide a service that is unique. We are so fortunate to have people who are willing to do whatever it takes to revive and maintain a breeding population of this very special and irreplaceable North American pony, and I am honored to be able to serve on the board of this organization.
I have been involved with NPCC since the beginning and have watched it grow every year. Now it is working with recovering substance abusers and kids at risk. The ponies are helping people and people are helping the ponies. Great job!!!
This organization is helping to keep an amazing heritage breed pony stay alive.
Newfoundland ponies were almost totally wiped out for many reasons, but machinery and loss of traditional living are 2 big ones.
To think of these gentle souls being shipped off to be slaughtered is heart breaking.
Now, with the help of this organization the Newfoundland Pony is slowly but surely on its way from going extinct. The numbers are still really low but hopefully through education and publicity they will thrive again
Since partnering up with the NPCC, I have firsthand been able to see the tremendous work that the NPCC accomplishes. To say that they are dedicated to the cause of saving these endangered ponies would be an understatement. They live, eat, breathe and sleep it! Not only are they doing their part of keeping this endangered breed going, but they are also helping residents at the Carl E. Dahl House, as well as members of the community, by providing therapeutic classes aiming to reduce stresses and anxieties and teach valuable lifelong lessons. NPCC and its' volunteers are a top-notch organization!
I have attended EAL last late winter with 3 colleagues. It was a 4 week program. The 4 of us worked with 2 different ponies each week. We worked in pairs together which allowed us to observe, participate and encourage one another. This taught us communication skills with the ponies and with each other. I have begun my second 4 week program with the first session a wonderful review of the first program. Emily and George are wonderful people who care very much for all their ponies. They also know personalities of the ponies and how they will act with each other and who may be best with students. I appreciate their kindness to the students and all the knowledge they share.
I went to an open house day at the Newfoundland Pony Conservancy back in 2016. When I learned there were only 500 of these ponies the world, I decided to volunteer. Through the hard work, of Emily and George, also many volunteers, and fosters, it's totally worth it. To see these gorgeous ponies thrive, the joy one gets by giving time, but get so much more from these amazing ponies.
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It takes alot of dedication, time, thought, planning to have such a wonderful nonprofit . Needless to say care, and mostly love. This is what I see at the Newfoundland Pony Conservancy Center for all the sweet ponies. Emily and George have given so much to preserve the existing of the breed. It is my favorite nonprofit organization, I have volunteered there, and see the many program they have had to educate people about the ponies. One I truly love is the Heal the Hero's classes that are offered there. Involving front line workers and the ponies. Its amazing. Such a healing resource to . My favorite place in the world.
It all started for me ~10 years ago with an article I seen in the Union Leader. Being a Newfoundlander, I held onto the article for two years before I actually met Emily & George in Ringe, New Hampshire. I am also from East Candia, New Hampshire, and being an American Newfoundlander back home I went to visit their 5 Acre Sanctuary, see the few Newfoundland Rescues, and learn a few things about the saving the Land Race Pony from extinction. I recommend watching "When They Once Mattered", a Documentary about the rescue of 20 Newfoundland Ponies from British Columbia to Ontario. I remember having a Newfoundland Pony in the back of Nanny & Granda's place. Used for the plowing of's. At the Time of the Union Leader's posting of only ~400 NL Ponies in existence, and ~150 of these having the ability increase the population. One of the Ponies I met, was Misty. She was the Marilyn Monroe of the Mares. Between going back and forth from New Hampshire to Newfoundland, our Friendship became stronger through Respect & Trust, and having Integrity. I learned who the Players are, and some who have crossed. I could write a book on all the Good Works of Emily, George & all the Farm Hands. They have the largest Newfoundland Pony Sanctuary Facility in the United States along with being the strongest advocate in all of North America, and for all the right reasons. As far as I'm concerned, the Newfoundland Pony could not have a better Stuart than Emily, and her husband George. I'm do looking forward to seeing, and spending Time with them. I am very Proud to say that the Newfoundland Pony Conservancy, is the real deal. Being a Dual Citizen, and my Newfoundland Heritage is important to me as is the Survivorship of the Newfoundland Pony. I'm impressed and totally comfortable with the way Emily, George & Farm Hands are taking care of the Rescues with nothing but Love, and placing of the Saved. Eh B'y. ☘️
Love you Guys
I volunteer at NPCC and have been involved with this non-profit from it's inception. The mission is to keep the ponies from extinction and to educate the public of the importance of saving endangered species.
I discovered this nonprofit a couple of years ago while I was looking into different pony breeds. Emily and George have been wonderful with sharing their vast knowledge of these wonderful ponies.
The work that they are doing to preserve this very rare breed is second to none, and they take wonderful care of these beautiful ponies. I would highly recommend paying them a visit, and learning about what they do.
When my tenant died I needed to find a home for his donkey, and the Newfoundland Pony Conservancy took her in. She was happy living with the other donkey and the ponies. Now some of the Newfoundland ponies have become volunteer social workers, living at the Carl E. Dahl House and helping people who are recovering from substance abuse.
This is an all volunteer organization with no paid employees. I’ve been involved with a conservation breeding program for Newfoundland ponies in Minnesota since 2018 The advice, mentor ship and cooperation from NPCC has been invaluable. It would have been impossible to do what now I do for the breed without them.
I have been involved with NPCC for just over a year. I have been involved with the horse industry for many decades, but new to the Newfoundland Pony breed. As a fellow pony owner they have been a hugely supportive mentor and resource. I am pleased to be able to assist them with some cross boarder fostering in Canada.
The founders are the most caring and giving people I have tow ho or of knowing. They have put 110% of their heart and soul into rescuing and increasing the Newfoundland Ponies.
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To listen to the stories of the ponies and their history and the slow decrease of their breed is heart breaking. But yo suddenly see the conservancy rescue, heal, and above all love these ponies is scores above just being a rescue! The Aho’s are giving these ponies a chance to live, feel unconditionally loved and a chance to increase their population safely and securely!
As one of the Equus Survival Trust advocacy affiliates for the critically endangered Newfoundland Pony, NPCC continues to work tirelessly on behalf of the pony, through breeding, education, demonstrations that support traditional breed traits, breed community networking, Covid-responder therapy such as their Heal the Heroes program, and youth outreach. Bravo!
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As the Executive Director of the Equus Survival Trust (a 501c3 rare breed horse conservation nonprofit) I cannot extol the virtues of Villi Pony Farm enough. I have worked side by side at exhibitions with them at the largest equine trade show in America when they participated in our rare breed exhibition at Equine Affaire last year in MA. I have also visited their farm as well as follow their activities on Facebook.
Villi Poni Farm continues to work tirelessly on promoting their critically endangered Newfoundland pony breed. I love they way they incorporate the local region to participate and have fun at the same time. Bravo!
A terrific model of a great rare breed conservancy-- not only protects the breed but ensure they serve many other purposes; children, visits, and PTSD therapy for vets. Lovely people, lovely ponies and all done with constant attention to core goals.
From the moment I first laid eyes on a Newfoundland Pony some 20 years ago, I knew they were special, but little did I know that they and the mission to keep them from going extinct would become a big focus in my life, including the founding of an all volunteer charitable organization known as the Newfoundland Pony Conservancy Center. Not only do these ponies mean so very much to me, but so do the people involved with the center. Hard-working volunteers give freely of their time and effort to these magical beings, but at times I wonder just who is more magical, the ponies or the people. However, there is a phenomena I've noticed with missions like saving rare breeds, what I call the Big Fish Little Pond syndrome. It takes me mere minutes to recognize why people are involved, perhaps more about themselves than the object of the mission.
At the NPCC, knowing and always remembering why we are here and basing all efforts, all decisions on that reason, the pony, is something I take great pride in saying all of the people associated with this org do an exemplary job of. Have a look and no where will you see selfie after selfie of a particular person with any of our ponies. All of our programs are above board, safe, professional and at no time are our ponies used for anyone's personal gain.
In the promotion of the breed we don't first focus on the use of the pony, and then oh by the way they have amazing personalities and important genetics to save for the health of the entire species. We do just opposite - we focus on their minds, their temperament, their healthy genetics, and then oh by the way they can do this and that. We wish that others did as well so the pony doesn't get melded and turned into just another standard breed, altered and adapted to suit human preference or market fad.
"Not every living creature needs to serve mankind in order to have a presence on this planet."™ (Emily Aho). The volunteers at the NPCC know and value this and I am so very proud to be a part of this organization. Our efforts are unique, visionary and all are fueled by our hearts.
Our Heal the Heroes™ program is an important example of how we not only address the needs of the breed but at the same time address the needs of our community. As everyone knows, to say this year has been a tough one is to put it mildly. While 90% of our regular programs were cancelled due to the risk of the spread of Covid, our volunteers did not cancel. They remained dedicated to the ponies, and to the effort.
Heal the Heroes™ is a certified life skills program that at its inception during the beginning of the Covid crisis, was the only program of its kind out there designed to address the specific needs of health care workers, especially nurses and doctors. Being an RN and also a person who lost two loved ones to this cruel virus, I stirred up our volunteers and got the program up and running asap. On top of that, as a professionally trained and certified facilitator, I made darn sure that our Health Care workers would attend for free by donating my services and seeking grants/donations to cover the cost of care and feeding of the ponies. We succeeded, receiving a grant from the Latham Organization and a Nutrena Feed It Forward grant, as well as a donation from the Jaffrey Rindge Rotary. In June of this year I received a congressional honor by US Senator Maggie Hassan for that program, however that would never have happened without the support and effort of the entire NPCC volunteer team and the amazing Newfoundland Pony. Way to go NPCC!
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They are doing an amazing job trying to bring back the Newfoundland ponies through a breeding program. These beautiful ponies were slaughtered almost to extinction.
NPCC is genuinely focused on their mission of conservation. They truly care for the ponies and want what is best for them. Everyone there is super kind hearted and adores the ponies. They do not inbreed or breed mares every year and make sure they get all the proper care they need 24/7. I love these people and the ponies
My wife, Diane, and were blessed when we stopped at the Newfoundland Pony Conservancy Center for a visit last year. We got an introduction to each of the ponies and were told the history of this breed. This summer we were hoping to bring some of our grandchildren to the center but were unable to do so because of Covid-19. George and Emily Aho are constantly getting the ponies and what they are doing at the center community exposure. Wherever the ponies went to fairs and other community events they were received with enthusiasm. When this virus is contained we look forward to visiting the center again.
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When my wife and I visited the center last fall we didn't know what to expect. After the visit we wanted to help the center any way we could. Emily and George, and their group of volunteers, have done a fantastic job taking care of the ponies and getting the word out about the plight of the Newfoundland Pony. Not only can people come and visit the ponies at the center but the ponies participate in activities in surrounding communities. We are hoping to visit again soon and some day bring our grandchildren too. As with all nonprofits it seems that there are always expenses that need to be paid.
The Newfoundland Pony Conservancy Center does amazing work saving these critically endangered ponies. Im proud to be able to donate my time and energy into helping such a great cause.
I did not know what I was missing until I met George and Emily AHO and their beautiful family of ponies (and dogs). They keep their property so clean and well organized for the animals. It is a wonderful, happy and calming experience to be there at Newfoundland Pony......
And George and Emily are very busy sharing the ponies with town events, schools and nursing homes. And I don’t know who is happier: the beautiful ponies or the Aho’s.
So glad I know these people.
Newfoundland pony sanctuary has done so much in the Monadnock area to help others and also bring awareness to the possibility of the extinction of this most important breed. We are proud to know you and look forward to continuing to help you in your efforts to keep the Newfoundland pony breed growing.❤️
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Villi Pony Farm is a non-profit organization geared to keep the endangered Newfoundland ponies healthy and to continue to breed and help other pony farms throughout the United States. The Villi Pony Farm in Jaffrey NH works endlessly to stay well informed and take wonderful care of these Newfoundland ponies. They have 2 mares that are due to have foals in May, and they are doing all that they can to keep the organization running. The past 2 weeks the Woodbound Inn in Jaffrey had the most people attending their buffet due to Villi Pony. The fact that some of the proceeds would go to this organization encouraged all who know this non-profit to come and have the dinner buffet both weeks to support the cause. I do hope that people will continue to support Villi Pony as I feel it is a well run and organized non-profit with much to offer. I will be following them and will continue to support their cause in whatever way I can. Thank you. Lynda M. Hunt, Pres. of the Rindge Chamber of Commerce
The Newfoundland Pony Conservancy Center doesn’t just care for the critically endangered Newfoundland Pony, they share these glorious animals with those who need a little happiness in their lives.
All one has to do is see the smiles these animals bring to multiple visitors
( including those with physical and emotional challenges) to realize they indeed are a valuable asset to the community as well as to world in general.
Go to www.newfoundlandpony.org. to see more.
This is an amazing organization on behalf of a critically endangered pony breed. They are active in so many areas of outreach, from nursing homes to town fairs, teaching and sharing the joys of these very special ponies. They do a terrific job of educating as well as providing opportunities for people to enjoy the breed.
Impressive organization that thrives on outreach to help people learn about and experience the unique Newfoundland ponies. Very welcoming. Thank you for a wonderful visit. Looking forward to working on a special project together.
The Newfoundland Pony Conservancy Center works very hard to reestablish this rare breed! They are one of the most dedicated and hardworking individuals I've ever heard of. Keep up the good work in the future!
I was introduced to the Conservancy by a fellow journalist who did a story about the endangered Newfoundland pony. She knew we had Newfoundland dogs, a true love of animals and....a BARN. So we went for a visit! This non profit is truly engrained in the community offering education and experiences for children, seniors, the disabled and is on a mission to keep this land race from extinction. It feels like such an honor to be part of that effort by fostering a mother-daughter pair at our home. We feel such pride in their glossy coats and sure feet and making their health optimal! The Conservancy Center is tireless in it's education mission while at the same time working around the clock for financial, feed and volunteer labor contributions to keep the organization functioning and stable.
Amazing place! The work the Newfoundland pony conservancy center does in the community while raising awareness of this critically endagered breed of pony is absolutely astounding. No one does it better than Emily and George and the volunteers there.
I just began volunteering for the Conservancy. I wanted to help a charitable organization that works with animals. Upon arrival, I was greeted by a Pony. The friendliness of this animal was not just amazing, but endearing as well.
As I met the other volunteer staff and Board, I recognized their hard work and dedication to this breed.
It’s not just a matter of saving an endangered species, it’s a matter of saving a species that has kindness, bravery, tenacity, and even humor. The Newfoundland Pony needs a place in our world where it can continue to bring joy to those in need. The Conservancy protects them and ensures the breeds continuance with careful planning, hard work, and patience. Great job for a Volunteer organization!
This non-profit does such a fantastic job staying true to their mission of preserving the Newfoundland Pony. They strive every day to educate the public on the rare breed Newfoundland pony.
Amazing people. Amazing ponies. Amazing place! My family had a lovely pony picnic on Saturday and sat under an apple tree and watched the beautiful ponies and got to know a little about each of their special personalities. Abigail and Dylan were delighted and both Sam the foal and Sam the volunteer. They made the experience that much more special. We had the best time and Abigail can’t wait to go back and see the little guy when he is a bit more grown up. She has been talking about Heather since we left. They are doing great things there!
The reputation of this Newfoundland Pony sanctuary is an exemplary blueprint for any rare breed to shamelessly copy. This sanctuary supports and promotes the traditional pony while sharing great interactive programs with the local community. Win-wins for all.
The Villi Poni Farm is a magical place filled with some incredible animals and dedicated, knowledgeable caretakers that have made a haven for these endangered ponies. I always leave there feeling enlightened and gratitude. Nice to know someone is fighting for Newfound ponies!
Unbelievably great story of a rare pony making a comeback from a small town in NH! A must visit when your in the area!
Villi Poni Farm is the only Sanctuary in the U.S. striving to help the critically endangered Newfoundland Pony. The sanctuary also works side by side with the Town of Jaffrey NH and with neighboring towns to spread the message about the importance of conserving not only plants and animals but also the habitats they thrive in. VPF also works with children and disabled adults, teaching communication skills, teamwork, and leadership. This is done through the Equine Assisted Learning program.
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Since our move to Jaffrey NH we have been able to bring more ponies in need to the sanctuary. We have also reached out to the community and brought our mission to the general public. We have become partners with the Conservation Comission and worked with local summer camps. Our goal is to become more involved with the community and provide programs aimed at the youth of our community.
This spring I had the opportunity and great pleasure to visit Villi Poni Farm. Actually, I left Montreal with 2 friends to visit George, their beloved Newfounland pony donated to the Villi Poni Farm, and to attend a clinic given by Sharon Wilsie. The clinic was a total success !
It was wonderful to meet the inspiring owners of Villi Poni Farm and the volunteers. How heartwarming to feel the love everyone puts into the overwhelming amount of work needed to create a safe and happy home for all the ponies, donkeys ...
I wish them the all the best !!
Villi Poni is a beautiful farm dedicated to the rescue, care and preservation of the historical Newfoundland Pony. Being from Newfoundland, it warms my heart that they share a love for a pony that is slowly becoming obsolete. We need more sanctuaries like this with like minded caring hearts.
J'ai eu le bonheur d'aller au Villi Poni Farm dimanche le 08 octobre 2017. Ma fille Nathalie et ma petite fille Andréane ont leur poney George à cette ferme.
J'ai été impressionné par le travail d'AMOUR que font Emily & George pour tous les poneys de cette ferme.
Bravo et Félicitations,
Jacqueline Lussier et Bernard Durocher
I have known the owners for many years now and how committed they are to preserving the line of Newfoundland ponies. They have become teachers to all walks of life on the preservation and care of the horses and raise awareness to keep the blood line going. They are ready and able to teach anyone who is interested in Newfoundland ponies to get in touch with them and learn more about them.
I had the opportunity to visit Villi Poni Farm. It exceeded my expectations and I was happy to see all the animals that were rescued by Villi Poni Farm. I got a tour of meeting all the animals, knowing their names, and stories how they came to Villi Poni Farm. The owners were so caring and you could tell how much they loved every single animal! I praise their hard work, they are wonderful.
This wonderful farm is truly dedicated to the preservation of this breed. Because of their total commitment, this breed still has a fighting chance.
The attention and care that the care takers provide is superb, and hopefully will inspire others to uphold their values.
As someone who has been in the horse world for 20 plus years and counting...and someone who has rescued many horses and ponies...I cannot say enough good things about this sanctuary. It's very easy to rescue. But it is NOT easy to rescue and rehabilitate on a regular and continued basis along w being able to keep track of said rescues even after they have left your home to continue providing them w a safe future. That is what Villi Poni does. And they do it very well. The animals and volunteers a farm has will speak volumes about how the humans are that run it and these unique ponies and their amazing volunteers just so happen to tell a very happy story.
Along w having all the love in the world for this non-profit, I also have the same love for this breed. I have owned a few and worked w MANY. This is a breed that deserves rescue. Deserves safety. Deserves a spot on this planet. They are intelligent, kind and incredibly intuitive which makes them one of the most interesting breeds to work w and spend time w as well as one of the most "family friendly" breeds I've worked w. This breed is exceptional and the people who run this sanctuary are as well.
Such a great resource for information and care! Obviously deeply committed to the lasting health of the breed and fostering an enduring legacy of stewardship.
One of the only, of not THE only rescues that promote functionality of a pony beyond the show ring. They are not just breed stewards for the Newfoundland Pony, but advocates for all equines and conservation of the environment that created them. All of their ponies are used for community give back programs such as Equine Assisted Learning and conservation education. They're so passionate about their cause it's hard to resist them. Wonderful people and wonderful ponies.
Villipony farm est devenu le refuge rêvé pour notre adorable poney de Terre-Neuve, George, le 16 août dernier. Je ne pouvais trouver un meilleur endroit pour assurer le bien-être de ce poney si cher à notre coeur. Nous étions déchirés à l'idée de devoir nous en départir mais grâce à Emily, à son fiancé George ( l'autre George ) et leurs bénévoles, nous avons maintenant l'esprit en paix. Mille merci à vous tous ! Vous méritez sans conteste toute la reconnaissance que vous obtenez...
I love the work the farm does for the Newfoundland ponies I love to get up the day I have to go to the farm and see the ponies its an amazing place full of good kind hearted people and ponies!!
Villi Poni farm a accueilli notre beau George à la fin de l'été et ce qui ce fait à cet endroit est exceptionnel. Les chevaux sont traités aux petitx soinx et toute la communauté environnante peut en bénéficier. Notre fille est heureuse de voir évoluer son poney dans un environnement aussi extraordinaire. Merci pour tout!
Hey Emily. My visit to Villa Pony farm with my cousin Scot was absolutely amazing. It was an honour to meet you, your husband-to-be, and your wonderful volunteers. You guys are all doing an amazing job. I couldn't wait to get home to tell everybody about Villa Pony farm. My little girl love's her t-shirt. Being a NEWFIE, your passion and dedication for these Newfoundland ponies warms my heart. I will hopefully be returning to New Hampshire again next year and will be looking forward to visiting you guys again. Have an amazing day!!!
Emily and George are so great with their ponies and the children who go to the different functions. They teach the children how to feed and water their pony, as well as mucking out stalls and keeping the animal clean by brushing them. They also teach them how to ride and to saddle up their ponies. Emily and her volunteers have done amazing work on the farm. They clean out stalls and keep the pens cleaned up among the many things they do. Emily has fought to keep the animals from extinction. Not only has she fought other countries to keep them alive, she has brought some to her farm to breed and make sure the don't go extinct. If George and Emily had their way, every pony would be with them on their farm, but, they don't have the room for all of them. But, you couldn't ask for a better home than Poni Villi Farm. They do all they can to make sure that every pony is well taken care of and is loved!
Villi Pony Farm does an amazing job of rescuing and caring for these endangered ponies. Emily and George welcome all and are great with the children as well. Definitely the place to go to learn about this special breed first hand as well as to see a rarely found dedication to their mission.
Not only are the ponies happy, but their whole environment is pure joy! The owners and volenteers are so welcoming and have an exciting energy. This place sure makes you want to do so much more for each and every last endangered pony out there! I've volunteered myself and the experience was very positive. I felt right at home with the great place, kind ponies and people, and rewarding feelings of safety within the breed. I am proud to mention such a great sanctuary to anyone and everyone I talk to!
We recently gave our ponies to Villi Poni Farm and I don't think they could've gone to a better place. I'm incredibly impressed by how well Emily Chetkowsi helped us get them shipped out there safely and how generous she was. She has big plans for our ponies futures and is so passionate about everything she does for these Newfoundland Ponies.
Villiponifarm 08/31/2017
We LOVE Erik and Smokey! This year they debuted as Equine Assisted Learning ponies in our summer camp program. They were fabulous! So proud of them and so thankful you had faith in Villi Poni Farm.
Beautiful ponies, wonderful much needed sanctuary and the dedication of the owners to this breed is amazing!!!
I personally have seen the help that Villi Poni Farm has given to their ponies. They not only help the ponies in other lands, but they do what they can for the ponies they have on their farm. George and Emily really do care about the animals that they help. The ponies on the farm are so well taken care of (and spoiled). They will come up and just about beg for your attention. I would give all I have to this farm and not even blink about it.
Villi Pony Farm sanctuary is an amazing non profit rescue for these special little endangered ponies. I've seen personally what they will do to help a newfoundland pony in need or one already on their farm. Their efforts to preserve the breed are nothing short of miracles. one of my favorite rescues to donate to, not just because they are local but because they care about the breed.
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Emily and all of the volunteer staff at the villi farm are amazing, knowledgeable and show great love for these endangered ponies. They understand what is needed to protect the pony population and it's heritage. We love supporting this wonderful sanctuary and their cause. I hope others will do the same.
From the moment I stepped onto the farm two years ago, I knew that this place was special! George and Emily welcome you with open arms and make you feel like you belong. The ponies are incredible. They melt your heart the moment you see them. What they are doing for these ponies is one of the greatest things I've ever seen. This wonderful little farm has changed people's mind about their importance. They've shown people their importance and their right to be here. It's truly a miracle!! It's an inspiration to us all!!
I love what this non-profit is doing for the rare breed pony, the Newfoundland Pony. They have created a safe haven for the pony and teachinh the public what it means to be a breed steward. Thank you Villi Poni Farm.
Cindy Mehaney
Newfoundland Pony Society Registrar
They are absolutely the best!
George and Emily are friendly, always willing to share a bit of information on these wonderful ponies.
I learned about the Sanctuary just about a year ago. I knew nothing about the Newfoundland pony, but quickly learned about their history and endangered status. The Board members work tirelessly to ensure the preservation of this unique line of ponies. They have helped place many Newfoundland ponies in good and loving homes. With my business and financial background I have been able to assist in these areas. Villi Poni Farm recently received a grant that is paying for fencing for the demonstration ring. With their new location in Jaffrey, NH, they have found a supportive community for the ponies. I look forward to working with Villi Poni Farm for years to come. The Sanctuary's 10 ponies are a joy to watch.
Review from Guidestar
Emily from Villi Poni Farm is one of the greatest, most dedicated and carring person in this world. She is like a little Angel for the Newfoundland Ponies. If help is needed or questions need to be answered she will be right there, no matter what time or how often. With the farm she helps to make people more aware of these wonderful creatures again and gives them another chance. Even Ponies who other people would have given up on, she won't give up. Through her help I was able to bring back one of my registered Newfies which I thought I would never see again. Many other Ponies found the best homes they could find, just because of her ongoing dedicated and commitment to them. It would not have been possible without her.
If there would be more people around like her, there would be so many Newfies we would never have to worry about their numbers again and this world would be a better one for sure.
Villi Pony Farm is doing an amazing job at promoting awareness of the Newfoundland Pony and its critically endangered status, as well a saving and protecting numerous ponies themselves with their amazing sanctuary :-)
Villi Pony Farm...This is one of the most dedicated Non Profits I've ever seen. It's not only for the love for the Newfoundland pony, they are also all about connecting young people to the ponies and the dedication to the pony to save them from extinction not only here in the USA but other countries also #1 Non-Profit we all should take a lesson on how this non profit is succeeding.
A wonderful organization protecting one of the world's most endangered breeds - the iconic Newfoundland Pony. Villi Poni Farm is Well worth everyone's support.
I you have never meet a newfoundland pony this place is a must see/visit on your bucket list .... I am not afraid of these guys they are so super gental and loving totally amazing around kids.... If it was not for meeting Emily and George I would have NEVER know about these beautiful creatures!!!! Definitely a must see!!!!
Villi Poni Farm is a haven for good in the horse world. Their motives are pure and unpretentious. They genuinely care and their hearts are in the right place. They deserve greater recognition and support. Much Love!
I am thrilled that I got to experience the magic of the Newfoundland Pony at Villi Poni Farm! The work they do there is amazing, and Emily us truly a steward for all animals!
As a Newfoundland pony owner and enthusiast I appreciate the hard work a dedication involved in trying to protect a critically endangered species. The world needs more Emilys. What a difference they are making for our ponies! Everyone involved with this farm shou be so proud.
Emily and George are truly amazing. Their love of the ponies shows in everything they do. They are happy to educate the public about this critically endangered breed. These are wonderful animals! I have learned much and become a lover of the Newfoundland Poni, thru my visits to Villi Poni Sanctuary.
The Villi Poni Farm sanctuary is a place of refuge for the Newfoundland horses and also a place of learning of the plight to save the breed from extinction. From the time I met Emily and George their generosity of heart was obvious. Their kindness towards the two volunteers I support from Monadnock Worksource is heartwarming and they are always grateful for any help they receive. Not only is the experience of volunteering for the farm one of being appreciated but it is also enriching, as well. Any question, any opportunity, any showing of interest is met with kindness and teaching. The farm's stewards weave a magical tale of the plight of these beautiful and gentle horses; their caring is palpable. I would recommend a visit for what would surely be an enjoyable and informative experience of a very worthwhile cause. It is my personal feeling that the sanctuary and those involved are making a difference in this world, and that the saving and support of these animals...a beautiful difference. Jan Vanderwood
I don't even know where to start! The work that is accomplished at The Villi Poni Farm is absolutely amazing. Preserving a breed of poni that most people have never even heard of while educating as many people as they meet seems to come naturally to Emily and George. They truly care for each and every animal they help whether or not they have physically met that animal or not. The patients with my two young boys is heart warming and refreshing. My children are learning that the the value of a life is not measured in money but in love. Each one the the ponies, horses and donkeys that they interact with at the Villi Poni farm are calm, gentle and full of personality. I am truly in awe of the newfoundland ponies versatile abilities and all that they have taught my children and myself. I am looking forward to learning even more about these beautiful misunderstood ponies under gentle guidance from Emily and George.
I recently had the pleasure of visiting this unique farm. I originally went there to photograph some horses, but ended up learning about the plight of the Newfoundland Pony. Listening to Emily speak with so much passion as she was giving a tour inspired me to get involved with this great cause. As I interacted with the animals, it was apparent that the owners, Emily and George work hard to keep them happy and healthy. The ponies are extremely friendly and affectionate. If you get a chance, please visit this magical little farm. You will never be the same!
I have been going to Villi Poni Farm for over two years now and I can't say enough about the sanctuary. The owners Emily and George are some of the nicest people I have ever met. Emily cares so much for the Newfoundland Poni, which is an endangered breed of horse. Most of her time is spent trying yo help preserve this amazing breed of horses. It is a nice, small, sanctuary for the beautiful ponies. Villi Poni Farm houses 7 of the roughly 20 Newfoundland Ponies in the United States. Anybody is welcome to visit the farm and see the horses and learn about this unique and truly amazing breed of pony. I have learned so much from Emily and George since I have been volunteering for them. I would highly recommend going to see this farm and learn about this endangered breed of horse.