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Home / Equine Research Bank / Anim Welf / A comparison of the welfare of free-ranging native pony herd...
Animal welfare (South Mimms, England)2024; 33; e30; doi: 10.1017/awf.2024.35

A comparison of the welfare of free-ranging native pony herds on common land with those used for conservation grazing in the UK.

Abstract: Free-ranging native Dartmoor and Exmoor ponies have not only held strong cultural and environmental significance for thousands of years within their respective national parks, but their environmental benefits and naturally selected characteristics have also been acknowledged and harnessed for conservation grazing and rewilding programmes. Despite a wealth of literature regarding the welfare of sports, leisure and working horses, there is little information concerning the welfare of free-ranging and extensively grazing ponies. The present study compared the welfare of native Exmoor and Dartmoor ponies grazing on the moors in their respective national parks (n = 47) with those that have been translocated to other areas of the UK for use in conservation grazing and rewilding programmes (n = 29) using a specifically designed observational welfare assessment protocol for free-ranging ponies. The results showed a significant difference between common land and conservation grazing ponies in the scores for Body Condition Score, Water Quality and Availability, Environmental Hazards, Human Disturbance, Skin and Coat Condition and the Human Approach Test. Despite no evidence of significant welfare compromise being identified, this study emphasises the importance of year-round monitoring of welfare and the feasibility of the observational welfare protocol to be used by pony keepers and grazing managers in the future.
© The Author(s) 2024.
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Publication Date: 2024-09-16 PubMed ID: 39315352PubMed Central: PMC11418077DOI: 10.1017/awf.2024.35Google Scholar: Lookup
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Summary

This research summary has been generated with artificial intelligence and may contain errors and omissions. Refer to the original study to confirm details provided. Submit correction.

The research paper investigates and compares the welfare of native Dartmoor and Exmoor ponies in the United Kingdom, both those which roam free in their native national parks and those that are utilized in conservation grazing and rewilding programs.

Study Context and Objectives

  • The study recognizes that even though the welfare of sports, leisure, and working horses has been extensively researched, there is limited information concerning the welfare of free-roaming and extensively grazing ponies, especially those engaged in conservation initiatives.
  • It aims to address this lack of information by comparing the welfare of native Exmoor and Dartmoor ponies grazing freely in their respective national parks with those translocated for use in conservation grazing and rewilding programs.

Methodology

  • The researchers used a specific observational welfare assessment protocol to measure the ponies’ welfare.
  • A total of 47 ponies grazing on the moors in their national parks (considered as free-ranging/free-roaming) and 29 ponies in conservation grazing were assessed.

Result Findings

  • The research showed significant differences between the welfare of free-ranging ponies and those used for conservation grazing.
  • Several parameters, including Body Condition Score, Water Quality and Availability, the presence of Environmental Hazards, Human Disturbance, Skin and Coat Condition, and how the ponies react to human approach (Human Approach Test) were different in the two groups of ponies.

Implications and Recommendations

  • Although the study did not find substantial evidence of severe welfare compromise, it emphasized the importance of round-the-year monitoring of welfare for these ponies, especially those engaged in conservation grazing schemes.
  • The researchers point out that the observational welfare protocol they used in this study showed good feasibility for future use by pony keepers and managers to assess and ensure the welfare of the ponies under different conditions.

Cite This Article

APA
McDonald S, Harley JJ, Hockenhull J. (2024). A comparison of the welfare of free-ranging native pony herds on common land with those used for conservation grazing in the UK. Anim Welf, 33, e30. https://doi.org/10.1017/awf.2024.35

Publication

Animal welfare (South Mimms, England)
ISSN: 2054-1538
NlmUniqueID: 9214272
Country: England
Language: English
Volume: 33
Pages: e30
PII: e30

Researcher Affiliations

McDonald, Sophia
  • Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK.
Harley, Jessica J
  • University Centre Reaseheath, Rease Heath, Nantwich CW5 6DF, UK.
  • Knowsley Safari, Knowsley, Prescot L34 4AN, UK.
Hockenhull, Jo
  • Bristol Veterinary School, University of Bristol, Bristol BS40 5DU, UK.

Conflict of Interest Statement

None.

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