Meet Jack, Jack is a complete 4-month-old male Welsh Mountain Pony, also known as a Welsh Section A and he is the newest resident of the Zooarchaeology Research Collection at the University of Sheffield.
Welsh Mountain Ponies typically stand up to 54 inches (137 cm) tall, making them larger than Shetland ponies. Unlike some smaller breeds that exhibit dwarfism traits, often linked to pathological conditions, Welsh Mountain Ponies retain the anatomical proportions of full-sized horses. As such, Jack’s skeleton reflects typical equine morphology, making him an invaluable addition to the university’s reference collection.
A vital reference for archaeological horse studies
For zooarchaeologists working with faunal skeletal remains from archaeological sites, having access to a comprehensive reference collection is essential for accurate species identification. Jack will be especially helpful for those studying horse remains, as his size makes him an excellent proxy for archaeological horses, which typically stood between 44 and 60 inches tall depending on the historical period.
A growing collection of over 2,000 specimens
Jack joins a diverse and expansive collection of animal specimens that includes horses, ponies, cattle, sheep, goats, deer, pigs and many more, totalling over 2,000 skeletons. These specimens serve as critical tools for teaching, research and comparative analysis. You can explore the University of Sheffield’s Zooarchaeology Laboratory Reference Collection full list of specimens online.
Supporting bioarchaeology through RICHeS
Jack was acquired as part of the SHEFF BIOARCH project, funded through the RICHeS infrastructure programme. Read more about the RICHeS team visit to their laboratories here: RICHeS visit to the University of Sheffield: Advancing bioarchaeology – RICHeS
The project aims at expanding storage facilities and enhancing laboratory spaces for research and teaching. As part for these aims, ethically sourced new specimens (including Jack) are being added to the collection, thereby broadening its research possibilities.
SHEFF BIOARCH is a collaborative project delivered in partnership with Historic England’s Fort Cumberland Laboratories and the University of Aberdeen’s Archaeology Department. Together, these institutions are creating a network of hubs, ensuring heritage science collections, equipment, expertise and resources are accessible throughout the UK.
Come and meet Jack
The SHEFF BIOARCH team welcome researchers, students and visitors interested in the university’s extensive zooarchaeology collection. Please contact zooarchlab@sheffield.ac.uk to arrange a visit, meet Jack and the rest of the collection.