Friday, 5th September, 2002 20:00 BST
European boost for ponies | |
|  | | Pony sales at the new ring |
| | 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. |
| | | First day sales at the new ring on Thursday 5th September were encouraging, the first colt making £70. In comparison, not so long ago you could pick up a pony at the local horse fairs for as little as £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.
| 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 £20 per head.
All New Forest ponies belong to Commoners, that's to say people with commoners rights, whoare 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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