|
|
Post by bloke3 on Aug 10, 2005 16:51:52 GMT 1
Anybody know if there are any drifts for rounding up the New Forest ponies this w/e? If, yes, where and when?
|
|
suenf
Advanced Poster
Posts: 427
|
Post by suenf on Aug 10, 2005 17:00:45 GMT 1
Hi Bloke 3
The first 05 drift is this Saturday, 8am at Turf Hill, the next one after that is Wednesday 10am at Withybeds/Mogshade.
|
|
|
|
Post by bloke3 on Aug 10, 2005 17:03:24 GMT 1
Bril! You are a star. Where is Turf Hill, easy to find? Shame about the 8am start!
|
|
suenf
Advanced Poster
Posts: 427
|
Post by suenf on Aug 10, 2005 17:13:08 GMT 1
This isn't a drift I go to as it is not in our area. The agister in charge of this drift is Peter Rix, and he is based to the west of the Forest, somewhere around Stoney Cross. You would need to look on an ordnance survey map for exact location, alternately you could ring The Queens House, Lyndhurst on 023 8028 3101 who will be able to tell you. Have you been on a drift before?
|
|
Flic
Olympic Poster
trust no man in whose eye you don?t see yourself reflected as an equal
Posts: 557
|
Post by Flic on Aug 10, 2005 17:23:09 GMT 1
Sorry to sound dumb, but what is a drift? is it when the ponies are rounded up for sales?? can anyone join in? how does it work? is it done on horseback? on foot? sorry bout all the questions!
|
|
suenf
Advanced Poster
Posts: 427
|
Post by suenf on Aug 10, 2005 17:34:12 GMT 1
Hi Flic
The forest is divided into four areas (a bit like counties) each area is run by an agister (a bit like an old fashioned sheriff). Drifts are when the ponies are rounded up into coralls, they run from this weekend until 2nd Novemberand there are about 35 in all.
The ponies are rounded up mainly on horseback from local volunteers and people on foot help near the coralls (not for the fainthearted!)
Some ponies do go to the sales, but since we have had a very strict stallion selection programme the stock is getting better and better and very few will end up with the meat man, most colts will fetch £80 plus and the fillies more. Donkeys go through the roof starting at around £400!
The main reason for the drifts is to check the stock, all ponies running on the forest are privately owned and most owners attend the drift, the good ones worm them! the agister will check each pony individually and will then cut each ones tail in a certain way, each agister has their own cut (like a signature) this is so that they can tell which ponies have been checked and also helps to identify where a pony lives on the forest.
So for lengthy reply but hope this explains everything!
|
|
Flic
Olympic Poster
trust no man in whose eye you don?t see yourself reflected as an equal
Posts: 557
|
Post by Flic on Aug 10, 2005 17:38:28 GMT 1
Thanks Sue, that is a good answer! That really helps- i hope i wasnt being to thick!! hehe! Thats a small fortune for the donkeys - wow!
|
|
Jen
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 1,500
|
Post by Jen on Aug 10, 2005 17:45:51 GMT 1
Gosh, not an answer I expected...I was going to ask what a drift was but wasn't brave enough!!! Thanks Flic.
|
|
suenf
Advanced Poster
Posts: 427
|
Post by suenf on Aug 10, 2005 17:47:08 GMT 1
Flic
You are not being thick at all, the drifts aren't advertised except to locals who are given drift lists, and "tourists" are not generally welcomed, in some cases the Foristry Commission who are normally in attendance stop them coming near, one of the agisters broke his back a couple of years ago and they are def not treated as a fun hoon across the forest but rather an essential job that needs to be done safely and efficiently!
My OH takes part on horse back but I prefer the safer option and keep my feet firmly on the ground and help near the coralls!!
|
|
horsemad
Intermediate Poster
IH Member
Louis
Posts: 146
|
Post by horsemad on Aug 10, 2005 19:11:44 GMT 1
Wow - you help out, that's cool, what do you do?
|
|
|
|
Post by normansir on Aug 10, 2005 22:04:14 GMT 1
Used to enjoy the drifts when I lived in the forest many years ago. The tail cut also indicates that the fee has been paid. Drifts are listed on the nfed website calendar.
|
|
Ann NF
Grand Prix Poster
Grand Prix Poster
Posts: 4,495
|
Post by Ann NF on Aug 10, 2005 22:22:39 GMT 1
Hi Suenf,
Is that you Sue? I like the new name!
Are you going to Ellingham Show ?
Apologies if it is a different Sue.
|
|
suenf
Advanced Poster
Posts: 427
|
Post by suenf on Aug 11, 2005 7:08:03 GMT 1
Hi Ann NF
Yes it's me I changed my log in as you suggested!
Yes we are at Ellingham, Bo is going and she is doing Novice Working Hunter and Coloured Working Hunter, will you be there?
Great news about your hack alone!!!!
|
|
|
|
Post by bloke3 on Aug 11, 2005 9:22:02 GMT 1
Sue, I hoping just to go and watch, having lived down this way all these years and never having seen a drift. I am wondering if it is a good idea now!
(I don't want to get under anyone's feet and I can't pretend I am interested in buying).
|
|
suenf
Advanced Poster
Posts: 427
|
Post by suenf on Aug 11, 2005 11:03:31 GMT 1
Hi Bloke 3,
You should go! But if you want to wait until there is one near us we would gladly take you along!! We are in Burley and our first date 11th September at Burley Rocks, this quite an exciting one as the ponies gallop down towards you and you have to guide them down a narrow track.
If you go on Sunday keep out of the way and try and look like a local rather than a tourist ie. no cameras, handbags etc.... The worst that will happen is you will be completely ignored!
Anyhow let me know!
|
|
