The breed developed in ancient times in the Hebrides of Scotland, and a small population remained pure and protected from crossbreeding by the remoteness of the islands.

Dark coloured animals generally have the pangaré characteristics of a light-coloured muzzle and ring around their eye.

However, according to breed standards set by the late Robert Beck MRCVS BVMS, a longstanding member of Comann Each nan Eilean - The Eriskay Pony Society, they should not have an eel stripe.

The winter coat is dense and waterproof to protect from the harsh climate, with a thick mane and tail.

It is used for light draught work,[6] as well as dressage, show jumping, three-day eventing, western riding and driving.

[6] It is physically similar to drawings of ponies on ancient Pictish stones found in north and west Scotland.

Originally, the breed had a fairly large population,[6] and until the mid-19th century the Eriskay and similar ponies were found throughout the western islands of Scotland.

This stock of ponies remained pure, but through the advent of mechanisation, declined in population to around 20 animals in the early 1970s.

In conjunction with the Rare Breeds Survival Trust The Eriskay Pony Society uses the Single Population Analysis Records Keeping System (SPARKS)[13] to provide advice on the genetic suitability of breeding pairs of ponies.

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.