This footage is slowed down which just shows how strong the winds were (Storm Kathleen). Fell ponies aren’t too bothered by a breeze though 💨🐴 Fell Pony Heritage Trust The Fell Pony Society

The aptly named Drybarrows Enigma. One of only 2 known chestnut Fell ponies in the world. Isn’t she a beauty? 🧡🐴

I’ve travelled all over the U.K. with this Tentbox rooftent on my car - visiting these wonderful ponies and amazing places - I love it! It’s held up in some wild weather! I’m a Tentbox Ambassador and you can get £50 off using my code. DM if you have any questions about them 😎🚗

Dales ponies always seem to bring the drama to my photos - they’re just so gorgeous! 🐴🐴

RBST
LUMIX Cameras

Fell pony up in the snow line. They’re wonderfully hardy ponies - like all of our native breeds. Thankfully tourists seem to have stopped feeding them which means they disperse further away from the roads and dangers of treats and RTAs 🐴🐴

The Outer Hebrides - one of my favourite places and one of my favourite native breeds: the Eriskay pony 🥰🐴 If you’re visiting the islands do get in touch with The Eriskay Pony Society Comann Each nan Eilean to learn more about the ponies and their people who live there

Fell Pony having a roll around on Bracken... All helping play a part in controlling it.

Before introducing cattle and pony grazing, this bank of bracken was entirely deep litter (a bit like further up the fell in the background). Now you can see grassland is making a return!

1/3 Steve Barclay Stop Natural England cutting pony nos. on #Dartmoor Your team has done the best job to protect them: no point if NE slashes their number (they are already classed as Endangered). Please watch this then see 2/3 below. See you Friday.
youtu.be/PjCu8B44nJo

Update from Lowther:

They replied explaining that they have Koniks but have recently acquired a foundation Fell pony herd of 8 in-foal mares & will bring a stallion in.

They will graze the two herds separately to see how they compare - it will be interesting to observe them 🐴

This may have been forgivable 20 years ago, Lowther Castle & Gardens before what we knew what we know now, but getting Koniks a non-native breed from Poland, in preference to one of our struggling native breeds suggests a significant lack of ecological awareness. h/t Ruth Chamberlain

I can’t believe I’m seeing Koniks at Lowther Castle & Gardens - they have rare Fell ponies on their doorstep who would be a much better choice for nature (barely any miles transportation on the road for a start). How poorly informed and thoughout RBST Christopher Price

Native breeds are the best choice for conservation grazing - they are a natural part of ecosystems. However, welfare provision (such as dry escapes) for any grazing animals in enclosed wetlands must be provided - even water buffalo do not want to be in water 24/7 🐴🐴

Defra has designed farm payment schemes taking account of their impact on Semi-wild #ponies . But this will be in vain if Natural England cuts pony nos allowed on #Dartmoor PLEASE help. Sign this online petition. NB donations go to Change, not the charity.
change.org/p/save-the-dar…

I am doing an online talk for the White Memorial Conservation Center about my British Native Pony project and my travels.

The talk is on 9th March at 2pm EST (7pm UK time) & tickets for non-members are $10 (pre booking is required). Find out more:

whitememorialcc.org/event/the-hidd…

A rare blue roan Dales pony - isn’t she stunning? 🐴🐴

Lots of water in this wetland at the moment. The ponies do have a dry place to stand if they want it - but I often find they’ve waded out to distinct parts to graze. They have excellent hoof condition and still don’t need a trim after 15 years 🐴🐴

This looks lovely for those able to get to Ruth's exhibition in #Cumbria

#horses #ponies #photography #exhibition #horselovers #equines

My first ever exhibition will be held at the Old Courthouse in Shap, Cumbria on 6th July - 6th August 😁🐴

Let me know what photos you think I should have there - and anything else you’d like to see 🐴🐴

Horses are a native species to the British Isles which is why they’re vital to our ecosystems. They graze differently to cattle etc due to different dentition & digestive systems. They’re wonderful pollinators & habitat providers. Native breeds are the best suited to our climate

Great that they’re using ponies but a shame they’re not using native breeds - especially when they’re in Devon - which has its own rare native ponies in desperate need of opportunities like this 🐴🐴 Interesting how they don’t mention that they’re koniks as much in headlines now