Newfoundland pony foster parent struggling with cost

A woman who's fostering Newfoundland ponies that were rescued from British Columbia says she's being crippled by the cost.

Carol Goodman agreed to foster four Newfoundland ponies last year, but she didn't expect it to cost her money out of pocket.

"How much longer can I hold out? The end of the month? said Goodman, who owns Embarr Stables in Goulds, and has several Newfoundland ponies of her own.

Goodman is a Newfoundland pony breeder. She offers education classes, and sometimes earns money hosting birthday parties at her stables, which allow children to learn about the breed. There are only 400 animals left in the world, she said.

After nearly a year of paying for hay, veterinarian bills and more on her own, she said she's going broke.

"I can't tell you how many times I've had to say to my hay guy, 'Hey, can I get you next time?' Which is a tough position to be in, especially when this is a labour of love," she said.

Last year, the Newfoundland Pony Society needed foster homes for 20 ponies it rescued in British Columbia.

Two of the ponies that Goodman took in were in such poor shape that it was thought they would have to be euthanized, Goodman said.

"Now we have them here and they are thriving," she said. "I wish my pocketbook was as big as my heart."

The BC owner was supposed to help with the cost of the ponies' care, but Goodman said he hasn't been able to.

"The expenses are there, and the occasional birthday party here and there over the winter months is not going to cut it."

Goodman would like to see the provincial government help with the costs, given the fragility of the breed.

"I know everybody's looking for money at this point," said said, "but at the same time, they are our only heritage animal, there is only 400 left in the world and only about 250 of breeding age."

The Newfoundland Pony Society said others who are fostering ponies are in similarly dire straits.