EXMOOR breeders say they are struggling to manage their herds and some have even been “forced” to cull ponies due to delays in issuing passports.
The Exmoor Pony Society, which is responsible for the breed’s studbook and passports, uses DNA technology to verify ponies’ sires and dams.
The society has come under fire for the time it takes to issue passports proving pedigrees.
Rex Milton grazes about 40 breeding mares and says without documentation, the ponies cannot be sold for their full value.
“The society has issued me with some ID-only passports to enable me to shift the ponies, but it’s no good sending a pony to, say, Norfolk on that if the DNA doesn’t come back right [and isn’t a purebred Exmoor],” he told H&H.
“This autumn I slaughtered 10 after weaning. If you have to keep a freshly weaned foal for more than a month or two, it doesn’t look right for sale. It makes management in a moorland situation virtually impossible.”
FURTHER PRESSURE
This story is from the March 01, 2018 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the March 01, 2018 edition of Horse & Hound.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Gemirande provides 24-carat magic
Venetia Williams sparkles again in the December Gold Cup and jockey brothers dead-heat
‘Happy hunting, everyone'
“The season for talks, dinners and parties has finally arrived for Tessa Waugh, whose distress about the snags of middle age fades away with some rousing festive spirits
'Monaco deserved this victory
Seemingly destined always to play the bridesmaid’s role, Harrie Smolders’ great partner Monaco finally tops an incidentpacked Rolex grand prix
'It had to end sometime'
The closure of beloved Hampshire saddlery Calcutt Sons is a loss to the hunting and wider equestrian worlds, as Octavia Pollock reports
'You couldn't want for more
The Ludlow's peaceful country makes for a day in \"hunting paradise\"
The greatest gift of all
Christmas is fast approaching and while we all like a bit of tinsel, the festive season is also a perfect time for giving to a horse charity. Niki Hinman finds out some of the options
Winter him well
A horse's winter routine can differ dramatically from his summer structure but what’s the knock-on effect? Ellie Hughes asks vets how to optimise routine management for the season
Neat feet
Excellent hoof care is a year-round concern but the winter months present their own problems. Richard Stephenson MRCVS explains the seasonal challenges afoot and how to stay one step ahead
In bygone days
Modern vets have much scientific knowledge behind them, but what about their forebears? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS opens up the world of Victorian vets in London
'When I joined the Pony Club it was just two boys and 48 girls'
Pepsi Kohler on being delightfully outnumbered by girls in the Pony Club, a leg-up from a royal and the H&H advert that changed his life
