Healthy herds

BRITAIN is justifiably proud of its indigenous native ponies, who have adapted over centuries to their unique environments. Historic laws continue to allow the running of livestock (including those ponies, cattle, pigs and sheep owned by “commoners” with inherited rights) on three of our National Parks – Exmoor, Dartmoor and the New Forest.

They range freely in semi-feral herds, and are essential to the grazing management of these forest and moorland areas. They provide their owners with an age-old way of life and an active role in local conservation. The sale of foals and breeding stock can also provide an important income.

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