Celebrating natives
Native equids should be seen as horses and ponies that can turn a hoof to many tasks, rather than just conservation
CELEBRATING the range of jobs native breeds can do is key if rare equines are to survive and thrive.
The call came at the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) Scotland “Back to the Future” virtual conference on 31 March.
RBST farm park project officer Andrea Parry-Jones urged people not to overlook native breeds for competition.
“People believe they need a sport horse or warmblood, or something big and flashy, to compete, but they don’t,” she said.
“I know plenty of Highland ponies, for instance, who do dressage, hunt, show, work and they can make brilliant child’s ponies. They have the intelligence and surefootedness to do the job.
“There are Welsh ponies competing at international dressage, but often people think because they’re native, and smaller, they won’t necessarily do the job.
“They’ve had to evolve to survive in the environment, they have intelligence, there’s proof they problem-solve – Exmoors are well known for breaking ice on frozen rivers and lakes – and they can transfer that intelligence and ability into work. They can turn their hooves to anything, but they often only get thought of as conservation grazers.”
Ms Parry-Jones added that good marketing of the non-native Konik pony means they are often the first hit in online searches for conservation grazers, and the UK’s equines need more publicity.
“[The Koniks] have the reputation that they are better suited to our wetland grounds than any of our natives, which isn’t true,” she said.
“A lot of rewilders believe [Koniks] are better suited when the Exmoor, Dartmoor, Fell, Highland are all adapted to our climate, and capable of surviving in it or they wouldn’t be here.
“There’s been success with Eriskays in conservation grazing; I don’t think there’s one of our native breeds that hasn’t been successfully used in some area.”
She urged people to contact the RBST, breed societies and grazing trusts if they are struggling to find ponies for conservation grazing.
The conference also marked the launch of RBST Scotland’s manifesto for a resurgence of native livestock and equine breeds, including a six-point plan it wants the new Scottish Government to take, focusing on commercial, environmental and cultural benefits. The first point is recognising that native livestock and equines have a key role.
“Native livestock and equines are a part of Scoltand’s biodiversity in just the same way as wild animals,” said RBST CEO Christopher Price.
“The breeds were bred to provide particular benefits in particular locations, and so are the ultimate ecosystem service providers. We expect governments to support our wildlife and build heritage; Scottish Government should support its livestock heritage, too.”