Friday,
5th September, 2002 20:00 BST
European boost for ponies |
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| Pony
sales at the new ring |
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The New Forest's pony industry, which has suffered in recent years,
received a boost when a new sales ring opened near Lyndhurst. It's
hoped the facility, funded mainly by European cash, can raise awareness
of the breed to a wider market. |
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First
day sales at the new ring on Thursday 5th September were encouraging,
the first colt making Β£70. In comparison, not so long ago you could
pick up a pony at the local horse fairs for as little as Β£10.
The low market has been a strain for the Commoners, who own and
breed the ponies. They hope the new facility will raise public awareness
of the breed and so help to protect it's future.
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In this area a lot of people are very
aware of what our ponies do, but throughout the rest of the
country we need to increase that awareness. |
| Sam
Dovey, New Forest Livestock Society |
Ironically,
although European money helped finance the project, Europe is also
considering the introduction of a 'pony passport' which could cost
up to Β£20 per head.
All New Forest ponies belong to Commoners, that's to say people
with commoners
rights, who are
allowed to keep certain animals on the Forest. It's been that way
for over 900 years, although recently the tradition has been under
strain.
The ponies together with cattle, also owned by Commoners, are vital
if the Forest is to be maintained in its current state. Their grazing
keeps grass short and scrub at bay. Without the animals help, the
area would quickly revert to a more overgrown state.
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