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Post by SarahW on Dec 10, 2007 9:32:45 GMT 1
I have had to take a deep breath before I dared reply on here. It is so awful that these ponies go for such little money.
I think the other aspect we have to tackle is the way that they get handled - we need to demonstrate that there are better ways to halter break a pony than to tie it up to something solid and let it fight it out - especially if we then brand it at the same time. Every time something predatorial happens to a pony it has no choice but to act like a prey animal and will keep the experience in it's memory for a very long time (if not forever). Reinforcing the wildness in a pony does nothing to enhance their reputation as a children's riding pony. Some ponies are ruined from the outset.
I know John Jones does demos in your area and I am doing as many as I can in my own area but it's a quiet resistance to an overwhelming tradition of shall we say, pretty robust handling.
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Post by jackiedo on Dec 10, 2007 10:42:47 GMT 1
Sarah I agree with you.
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laura
Grand Prix Poster
going for a splash
Posts: 3,867
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Post by laura on Dec 10, 2007 20:06:21 GMT 1
I agree re the mares and marble thing ........not really practical. It was just that given you only need miss one colt out of any removal to cut numbers and he can impregnate quite a few mares . Cutting the numer of breeding females might be the more effective way of limiting the numbers ....... but how to actually do that without it costing loads, taking lots man time/ power or everly stressing the wild mares ..... thats the hard question. It would take time fomr the management of the numbers to the price per foal going up and ensuring the change is beneficial to the breeder. If the prices go up before improving the quality and quantity happen the present breeding rate might continue. It will be a delicate "communication" issue and difficult to know whether offering solutions would be more acceptable to the breeders involved rather than just saying "you have a problem - solve it yourself " ........ or not . It is a very difficult situation.
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Post by sarahfox on Dec 10, 2007 20:49:09 GMT 1
I dont think there is a quick fix way of dealing with any of this,but if EMW are prepared and able to set the ball rolling then I do think things could be acheived over time. Just let us know what we can do to help as it goes along EMW it seems you have quite a few supporters here. Sarah,re the handling of stock,I would be suprised having known some hill breeders if they would change their own ways? Although I am sure if they received an offer of free help they may take it? How are things working on that front with the dartmoors?Again,happy to help if I can.
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Vic
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Ted the Horse!!!!!
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Post by Vic on Dec 10, 2007 21:23:24 GMT 1
If there is anything i can do please let me know, i know i am stuck way up in the north but this really breaks my heart
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foolonahorse
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Post by foolonahorse on Dec 11, 2007 14:30:55 GMT 1
Yes - please include me in to help
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Post by jackiedo on Dec 11, 2007 14:33:01 GMT 1
and me, let's keep this one up!
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melissa
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Post by melissa on Dec 11, 2007 14:40:25 GMT 1
and me!!
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jc
Intermediate Poster
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Post by jc on Dec 11, 2007 18:30:12 GMT 1
EMW do fantastic work! Sadly they can't save every needy horse or pony but an important reminder - they rely totally on donations and their costs are high - especially during Winter. So an easy and practical way for us all to help is to donate money to EMW to help them continue to improve the life of many unfortunate equines either directly or by campaigning on their behalf. So cmon guys, dig deep and support EMW. Every little helps. And spread the word round your yards! www.equinemarketwatch.org.uk/
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Post by SarahW on Dec 11, 2007 20:33:10 GMT 1
I have had some success with Commoners by offering to handle foals for free. I run Handling the Wild Pony Courses on the Forest and on Exmoor. It's great when the Commoners are interested enough to watch - I think I've converted a few. The only way I am going to succeed though is through a quiet resistance rather than an armed conflict!
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Post by jackiedo on Dec 12, 2007 11:41:21 GMT 1
Let's keep this one up....
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Post by jill on Dec 12, 2007 12:26:40 GMT 1
Talking to a friend in mid Wales yesterday and from what she and I both know about Welsh farmers it is something they will only take note of if it comes from within Wales - the Welsh Office maybe. Many of them have a long family history of breeding ponies on the hills and they will see any attempt to stop them as interfering with their culture. Really really a treading on eggshells thing, and maybe we could get one of their number on side to advise?
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Post by jackiedo on Dec 12, 2007 13:18:26 GMT 1
Yes Jill. but things DO change. many things that were acceptable when I was young are not now, and that change had to come from somewhere. It isn't just a Welsh Problem and we are not having a go at Welsh people here, Dartmoor is just as bad. There needs to be some incentive, I mean, we pay people NOT to grow things don't we? I agree what you are saying, there has to be a political will, but this could only benefit everyone, not only by higher welfare standards but economically too, by ensuring that the UK produces good ponies, with futures and jobs to do, the cost of which reflects that. xxx The welsh office is a start, but what about the National Trust? is there anything in their mandate that could help us?
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Post by joto on Dec 12, 2007 19:26:59 GMT 1
this whole situation is very difficult and is an on-going thing. whn I was a child I remember newspaper headlines about ponies fetchingvery little money. nothing seems to change. Jills' point is a very valid one,. I think monetry incentive NOT to breed these animals is the way forward, and free gelding for the colts too . Maybe a fund could be set up which people could donate too. Getting the ILPH on board would be a step forward too.
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Post by jennyf on Dec 12, 2007 20:06:49 GMT 1
I've emailed this link to BBC's Countryfile.
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