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Table of Contents
Introduction
Introduction
Horses and ponies were domesticated thousands of years ago, with the last European "wild horses" - the tarpan, dying out in 1901 (though these may have been ferral hybrids themselves as their DNA and other evidence). These keystone species, and environmental engineers, were critical in helping to maintain European biodiversity through grazing and other natural behaviors.
Over the many generations of domestication, horses and ponies have begun to loose some of the amazing and diverse traits that made them keystone species for specific, and unique environments.
We already created the Wild Horses & Ponies page to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of wild and ferral animals on the landscape, rewilding programs, resources, and organizations that engage with these amazing creatures.
This Page
This Page
Due to the inaccurate claims of a book written back a century ago, many people believe the Konik Polski (little Polish horse) to be the closest relative to the now-extinct tarpan. Due to this many rewilding projects have focused on using Koniks and Przewalski's horses, in an attempt to use breeds as close to the original wild horses of Eurasia as possible.
The problem here is that when domesticated horses spread across Europe, they inevitably bred with wild horses over time, thereby picking up the distinct genetics of those unique regions. Today some of these "forgotten" breeds remain mostly unchanged, maintaining genetics that can make them particularly suitable to conservation grazing in wetlands and bogs, while others are more suited to rocky mountains. The yakut for example can produce a protein similar to antifreeze, to prevent frostbite down to -70 degrees Centigrade.
The purpose of this page is to help people understand the benefits and drawbacks of certain horses and ponies in the conservation landscape.
British Isles vs European Breeds
British Isles vs European Breeds
This page started out including all the horses and ponies of Europe, but started to become bloated, and more difficult to navigate. For that reason, the pages are now broken into a separate page for European Breeds, and this page for Breeds of the British Isles. This does not mean that only breeds from one country can be used in that country alone, as Koniks have been introduced to the South East of England, and Dartmoor Ponies from England have been used for rewilding in Belgium.
While it is beneficial to keep local breeds in their local ranges, it may be more practical for land management, and kinder to the animals themselves to look instead at how the breed has evolved and what biomes they are best adapted for. Unique climates and terrain may call for an interbreeding of 2 or more breeds to create herds suited for those specific regions. This may be important again on the issue of expanding gene pools, avoiding the dangers posed by population and habitat fragmentation that is impacting most large land animal species.
"There are many so-called primitive, “forgotten” horse breeds that are genetically closer to the original European wild horse, like the Exmoor ponies in the UK, the Fjord horse in Norway, or the Sorraia, Pottoka, Asturcón, the Losino, the Galician, the Landais and Monchino horses in Spain." - Rewilding Academy: Konik horses are Not Tarpans
British Breeds
British Breeds
British Spotted Pony
British Spotted Pony
"He was at one time feral in the British Isles and his spotted coat pattern was his natural camouflage as he roamed the heaths and forests of ancient Britain from the ice age onwards.
At this time England and France were one land mass and cave paintings dating from 18;000 BC at Peche Merle in SW France illustrate early mans impressions of the animals he hunted and obviously had some mystical/religous influence." - British Spotted Pony Society: Breed History
"The presence of spotted horses across Europe from Iberia to Turkey is documented in manuscripts and tapestries as far back as the Middle Ages.[6]: 57 Among the many European breeds that can have a spotted coat is a strain of the Welsh Pony.[6]: 57 A document from 1298 mentions that Edward I of England had a spotted Welsh horse.[citation needed]
The British Spotted Pony descends from indigenous Celtic ponies, particularly from south-west England and from Wales.[4]: 447" - Wikipedia: British Spotted Pony
Spotted Genes
Spotted Genes
The British Spotted Pony itself may or may not be ideal for rewilding as a breed, but they may be useful in crossbreeding with other breeds to help reintroduce the leopard print genetics found in cave paintings.
English Breeds
English Breeds
Dales Pony
Dales Pony
"The Dales Pony is the largest of five pony breeds native to England, the others being the Dartmoor, Exmoor, Fell, and New Forest. These breeds descend from the ancient Celtic horses of northern Europe that had migrated to the British Isles. Remains of horses dating to the period of the Roman occupation were unearthed in the Ribchester area of the Dales in 2009.
The Dales originated in the uplands of northern England where they were used as pack animals for the lead-mining industry on the eastern slopes of the Pennines. (Their close cousin, the Fell pony, was used on the western slopes.) The early ancestry of the Dales is obscure. Its lineage is thought to include the now extinct Scottish Galloway pony and native Pennine pony, and Friesian stocks imported from the Netherlands by the Romans during the 2nd century CE." - Livestock Conservancy: Dales Pony
Historic Region
Historic Region
England
Adapted For:
Adapted For:
"The breed was bred for the unforgiving mountainous environment of Cumbria in north-west England, so they are adaptable to almost any temperate climate."
Dartmoor Ponies
Dartmoor Ponies
"Dartmoor ponies are named for the protected English moorland in which they reside. Characterized by their short yet broad stature, these ponies are known for being exceptionally hardy. Their strength and stamina gives them a leg up in the face of the extreme weather that is common to the moorland's climate.
Like many other wild and feral horses, these equines have declined greatly in population over the past century. According to the BBC, there used to be tens of thousands of free-roaming Dartmoor ponies in the moorland, but in the spring of 2004, the number stood at just a few hundred." - TreeHugger: Feral Horse Colonies from Around the World
Exmoor
Exmoor
"Exmoor, are one of a group of five native, regionally-adapted English ponies that also includes the Dales, Dartmoor, Fell, and New Forest. The Exmoor is native to the hill country of Exmoor, a wide expanse of moorland bisected by the River Exe located in southwestern England. Ponies first came to the British Isles over 100,000 years ago and Exmoor ponies closely resemble the drawings found in caves in France and other European countries. Early Stone Age settlers hunted them for food – as did local, pre-historic predators. When the English Channel formed, the British Isles became isolated from mainland Europe, and as farmers settled and developed the lowlands, the British Hill ponies became isolated from one another, eventually becoming the different breeds known today. Most of the ponies were mixed to create distinctive breeds, but the Exmoor was different. Due to its isolation, the original type of pony survived and is genetically distant from the other breeds. It is interesting to note that the earliest written record of the breed was found in the 1086 Domesday book." - Livestock Conservancy: Exmoor Pony
Historic Region
Historic Region
The Exmoor is native to the hill country of Exmoor, a wide expanse of moorland bisected by the River Exe located in southwestern England.
"Natural selection has shaped the characteristics of the Exmoor, and their coat is unlike that found in any other breed. Its winter coat has two layers: an insulating undercoat and an outer coat of greasy, coarse hair that is almost waterproof. This insulation is so effective that snow will collect on the ponies’ coats – referred to as “snow thatching” – because not enough heat is being lost to melt it. The body hair grows in patterns that facilitate the shedding of water, and the plentiful mane, tail, and forelock protect delicate parts of the body. The Exmoor has a very large nasal cavity, giving space to warm cold winter air, and a raised rim around the eye protects it against water and debris. The ponies’ uniform brown coat – from bay to dun with black points – is adaptive as camouflage; white marks are not allowed on ponies that are registered. A lighter brown (“mealy”) is found on the muzzle, around the eyes, and on the flanks."
Locations of Semi-Feral Populations
Locations of Semi-Feral Populations
Exmoor in England, Netherlands, Brittany in France
Adapted For:
Adapted For:
"The Exmoor Pony is a British breed of pony or small horse. It is one of the mountain and moorland pony breeds native to the British Isles, and so falls within the larger Celtic group of European ponies.[2]: 465 It originates on, and is named for, the Exmoor area of moorland in north-eastern Devon and western Somerset, in south-west England, and is well adapted to the climate conditions and poor grazing of the moor. Some still live there in a near-feral state, but most are in private ownership.[1]" - Wikipedia: Exmoor Pony
Fell Pony
Fell Pony
4:10 minute video about the wild state that drives this breed's hardiness and resilience.
Historic Region
Historic Region
England
7:30 minute video "Part of the collection of 5 short films filmed in 2010 that follow renowned Fell Pony Breeders in and around the Howell Fells and give an insight into their experiences of breeding semi-feral herds on the open fell.
The films document a traditional way of breeding and managing Fell Ponies that is endangered by the changing patterns of farming. landscape and society."
New Forest Ponies
New Forest Ponies
Irish Breeds
Irish Breeds
Kerry Bog Ponies
Kerry Bog Ponies
"The Kerry Bog Pony is a mountain and moorland breed of pony that originated in Ireland. Possibly descended from the Irish Hobby horse, it originally lived a mainly feral existence in the peat bogs of what is now County Kerry in southwestern Ireland. ... The breed developed physical characteristics including a low weight-to-height ratio and an unusual footfall pattern, which helped it move on soft ground such as peat bogs. The ponies were known for hardiness and an ability to survive in harsh conditions." - Wikipedia: Kerry Bog Pony
"... Their low weight-to-height ratio enables them to walk on wet ground. Their hind feet tend to track outside their front feet, allowing better progress on soft ground. They exhibit a relatively upright pastern and steep hoof angle compared to other breeds, possibly another characteristic that aids their movement in peat bogs. Kerry Bog Ponies are easy keepers, and when feral they lived on low-nutrient heather, sphagnum moss and possibly kelp from the shoreline. ..." - Wikipedia: Kerry Bog Pony
Adapted For:
Adapted For:
The Original Bog Pony
The Original Bog Pony
"The original ancestry of the Kerry Bog Pony is unknown, but there were horses living a feral existence in peat bogs in what is now County Kerry in southwestern Ireland since at least the 1600s. Some enthusiasts claim that the breed is a descendant of the ancient Irish Hobby.[2] In a 1617 book illustration, the horses pictured resemble both the Kerry Bog Pony of today and the original Irish Hobby, showing the two breeds' similar morphology.[3] Originally, Kerry Bog Ponies were used to transport peat and kelp. They were known for their ability to navigate through the bogs, around soft spots and over rocks often in wet and windy weather, and for their strength relative to their small size. Some were trained to work in harness and used to pull carts. The ponies were turned loose into the peat bogs when they were not needed, then later re-caught for work. Few if any breeding programs existed; instead, they were left to reproduce in their feral setting.[2] In 1720, Isaac Ware travelled to County Kerry and observed that the horses resembled Asturcón ponies from Spain.[3]" - Wikipedia: Kerry Bog Pony
After the famine, war, and being replaced by mules and new technology "the ponies were left to run feral, mostly ignored and sometimes shot at by locals.[2][7]" - Wikipedia: Kerry Bog Pony
The Modern Bog Pony
The Modern Bog Pony
"In 1994, John Mulvihill, who operated the Red Fox Inn at the Kerry Bog Village in Glenbeigh, County Kerry,[8] began a search for remnants of the Kerry Bog Pony population, despite reports that the breed was extinct. He eventually found 20 ponies that resembled those he remembered from his childhood, and removed them from the bog to his stables.[2] In 1995, he had blood typing performed on the ponies by Weatherby's Ireland, which identified their DNA markers.[8] Subsequent DNA testing showed them to be a unique breed that formed a separate population from other local ponies and from other breeds in Ireland and Great Britain.[2][5] Of these 20 ponies, only one was a stallion, named Flashy Fox. Between 1995 and 2012, he sired more than 140 foals, and played a significant role in repopulating the breed.[9]
Mulvihill continued breeding and promoting the ponies, and in 2002, the breed was recognised by the Irish Government as the Irish Heritage Pony. The same year, the Kerry Bog Pony Society was formed. ..." - Wikipedia: Kerry Bog Pony
"... It has a rare haplogroup more closely related to other small horse breeds found in western Europe, including the Shetland pony and Icelandic horse.[5] A 2012 study found relationships between the Kerry Bog Pony and the Dartmoor Pony and Exmoor Pony breeds, and a lack of common ancestry with the Welsh Pony, as well as reinforcing the lack of relationship to the Connemara. The study also suggested that the Kerry Bog Pony population had some amount of crossbreeding with other mountain and moorland breeds as part of the initial attempts to increase the population in the 1990s.[4] The Kerry Bog Pony may have been one of several breeds that contributed to the development of the Gypsy Vanner horse (also known as the Irish Cob).[6]" - Wikipedia: Kerry Bog Pony
Scottish Breeds
Scottish Breeds
Eriskay Pony
Eriskay Pony
"‘Priority’ breed originating on the remote Island of Eriskay, Outer Hebrides. Very hardy and suited to coastal & rocky projects. Medium size." - Ruth on the Hoof: Grazing Directory
"With only 300-400 purebred Eriskay Ponies left in existence, there’s a real risk that this ancient breed of Scottish pony will disappear forever. Classified as “critically endangered,” conservationists are fighting to protect and preserve their future." - The Pixel Nomad: Eriskay Pony
Their dense coats are waterproof, helping to protect them from harsh winters
Historic Region
Historic Region
Island of Eriskay, in northern Scotland
Highland Pony
Highland Pony
"‘At Risk’ breed from the highlands and islands of Scotland, well suited to upland, open and coastal sites. Suited to extreme climates and poor quality vegetation. Versatile and come in a range of colours. Large size." - Ruth on the Hoof: Grazing Directory
Historic Region
Historic Region
Scotland
Shetland Ponies
Shetland Ponies
https://shetlandponyclub.co.uk/shetland-pony-club-rewilding-project/
Historic Region
Historic Region
The Shetland Islands of Scotland
Welsh Breeds
Welsh Breeds
"Native ponies existed in Wales before 1600 BC, and a Welsh-type cob was known as early as the Middle Ages. ..." - Wikipedia: Welsh Pony and Cob
Carneddau Pony
Carneddau Pony
"Unique breed of North Wales with fascinating history. Closest to being “wild’ in the UK and one of the hardiest. Easy to source at gathering time of year. Small size." - Ruth on the Hoof: Grazing Directory
"The Carneddau Mountain range in the Snowdonia National Park is home to a small population of around 300 semi-feral Carneddau ponies whose history is thought to date back to the Bronze Age. Though they not designated as a rare breed, they are genetically distinct from the Welsh Mountain pony. They carry genes specifically related to hardiness and waterproofing." - Pont Cymru: Carneddau Ponies - Wildlife Warriors from Snowdonia National Park
"The Carneddau herd ranges over nearly 13,500 acres or 20 square miles of common between Bethesda, Llanfairfechan, Capel Curig and Conwy, which includes mountains over 3,000 feet high, bogs, cliffs, rocky slopes and lakes. The scenery is spectacular and the ponies know every inch of it." - Pont Cymru: Carneddau Ponies - Wildlife Warriors from Snowdonia National Park
"The ponies graze differently from sheep and have a wider, diet than domestic ponies. They will eat soft rush, Molinia, gorse and mountain grasses. Their grazing and trampling help to keep bracken and gorse under control and create pathways. They are essential in maintaining the landscape of the mountains." - Pont Cymru: Carneddau Ponies - Wildlife Warriors from Snowdonia National Park
5 minute video "MA Wildlife Documentary Production film assignment which focuses on the life of farmer Gareth Wyn Jones and his dedication to the conservation of some of the rarest and most charismatic ponies in the world.
These majestic ponies are under threat- from climate change, extreme weather conditions, hybridisation (diluting the gene pool by other breeds being let loose and interbreeding) and from lack of funds to support the legal requirement for chipping and passports.
These rare and ancient ponies are entirely 'organic'; left to their own devices, they have no antibiotics and are not wormed. They are an important part of the ecosystem in which they live."
Welch Cobs
Welch Cobs
"Evidence suggests that a native pony existed in Wales before 1600 BC.[1] The original Welsh Mountain Pony is thought to have evolved from this prehistoric Celtic pony. Welsh ponies were primarily developed in Wales, and their ancestors existed in the British Isles prior to the arrival of the Roman Empire.[2] Bands of ponies roamed in a semi-feral state, climbing mountains, leaping ravines, and running over rough moorland terrain.
They developed into a hardy breed due to the harsh climate, limited shelter, and sparse food sources of their native country. At some point in their development, the Welsh breeds had some Arab blood added, although this did not take away the physical characteristics that make the breed unique.[3]
The Welsh Cob existed as a type as early as the Middle Ages, and mentions of such animals can be found in medieval Welsh literature. During this time, they were known for their speed, jumping ability, and carrying capacity." - Wikipedia: Welsh Pony and Cob
"... They are reputed to be trustworthy, of a good disposition with even temperaments and friendly characters, but spirited and with great endurance,[3] and are known for their stamina, soundness, and high level of intelligence.[11]" - Wikipedia: Welsh Pony and Cob
Welsh Mountain Ponies
Welsh Mountain Ponies
"While no longer needed as pit or draft ponies, they are needed once again for a job they are most suited to doing. They simply need to be kept out on the open hills, where they can wander in herds and graze the upland habitats. Tougher and less fussy eaters than sheep, the Welsh ponies are perfect for keeping the uplands in good condition and can graze all year round, being hardy enough to winter out on the hills." - Bannau Brycheiniog: Welsh Mountain Ponies
Welsh Mountain Ponies - Two Men & Their Ponies - First Light (video) 4:57 minute video talks about the history of this breed, their current situation, and how they support biodiversity in Wales.
Historic Region
Historic Region
The mountains of southern Wales
"Wild ponies graze on the open moorland of Mynydd Llangatwg which is between Beaufort and Llangynidr at the eastern end of the Brecon Beacons." - Stay in Wales: Wild Ponies Graze on the Brecon Beacons
Introduced Horses & Ponies
Introduced Horses & Ponies
Konik Polski
Konik Polski
"Koniks are a primitive breed of horse that originated in Eastern Europe (mainly Poland) and [was once believed to be] closely related to the also extinct Tarpan horse (European wild horse). The name "konik" comes from the Polish language and means "pony, small horse". These horses are also very robust and ideally suited for being kept outside all year round." - Niedersächsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten- und Naturschutz: Heck Cattle and Konik Horse Grazing
Historic Region
Historic Region
Eastern Europe
Poland (Biłgoraj region)
Introduced to:
Introduced to:
Successfully used for Rewilding in Southern England and Western Wales
England
Sussex
Wales
350 acres at Bwlch Corog in/near Cambrian Wildwood
Ceredigion
Suitable Environments
Suitable Environments
"the Konik was chosen due to its largely quiet friendly nature and the ability to thrive in the wetland conditions without obvious damage to hooves and lower limbs. At times the ponies wade out belly deep in the water to avail themselves of grazing and are often to be seen moving from sandy spits of land through the wetlands." - Fell Ponies Colorado: Other Breeds in Use for Conservation Gazing
Programs & Services
Programs & Services
Europe
Europe
Natural Grazing Facility "Does your organisation have a surplus of, or a need for large herbivores to conduct natural grazing activities? The Natural Grazing Facility connects demand and supply of herbivores among organisations dedicated to rewilding principles." "Species considered in the Natural Grazing Facility are large mammal herbivores relevant to conduct natural grazing in Europe. This includes native grazing and browsing species (e.g. deer), but also functional analogues of extinct European species, like rewilded horses and bovines."
UK
UK
Grazing Directory "a list of contacts for a range of UK & Ireland native pony breeds. Arrangements are bespoke, with some organisations offering permanent long-term loan (and welfare checking), short-term grazing, and even permanent sale & adoption. It is important to find the arrangement that is most suitable and viable, along with the right breed, for the habitat (each breed comes from a different region and is suited to the grazing and habitats found there). In the directory you will find contacts and organisations for each breed. Each listing will be able to source varying amounts of ponies over varying timescales and locations. The idea of this Directory is to help get connected with ponies across the UK."
Dartmoor Pony Conservation: Conservation Grazing "Our comprehensive conservation grazing service is perfect for those managing land for nature.
Because our ponies are handled to Conservation Grazing level, day-to-day herd management is safe and easy. We provide training courses for wardens, rangers and volunteers involved in the herd’s daily care and welfare. We’re always delighted to recommend the most suitable stock for your situation and we’ll even deliver the ponies to your grazing site."
Resources
Resources
Europe
Europe
UK
UK
Grazing Animals Project Handbook (RBST) "A Guide to the Selection of Livestock Breeds for Grazing Wildlife Sites"
Kent Wildlife Trust: Conservation Grazing: An A-Z of Our Graving Breeds
Rewilding Europe: Rewilding Horses in Europe (PDF) includes a list of prospective horse breeds and information about their adaptations as well as availability.
Organizations
Organizations
International
International
The International Kerry Bog Pony Association "dedicated to bringing the breed back through ethical and scientifically based restorative principles, advocating as much genetic diversity as possible, supporting owners and breeders worldwide, and promoting these amazingly magical ponies themselves throughout the world."
Europe
Europe
Denmark
Denmark
Grazelands Rewilding "is committed to restoring wild European landscapes with more biodiversity. The key lies in landscapes where we as humans no longer intervene with machines, but where natural processes are guiding. And where large grazers work in the rhythm of nature, in other words Grazelands!"
Ireland
Ireland
Kerry Bog Pony Co-Operative Society "Our Society is a democratic body, which is owned and run by its members. An elected management committee carries out the running of the Society and it is a simple, friendly and open framework under which we operate.
We aim to be the competent authority for the promotion and preservation of the Kerry Bog Pony."
Norway
Norway
Norwegian Fjordhorse Center "is a resource centre for the Fjord horse and runs an information and advice service for all matters relating to this all-Norwegian horse breed. One of the centre’s main functions is to promote the breeding and use of the Fjord horse. Many courses are held at the centre throughout the year, and Fjordane Folk High School’s horse programmes use the premises for teaching activities."
UK
UK
The British Spotted Pony Society "Whether you are an experienced breeder, a proud owner, or simply captivated by their striking beauty, this is the place to connect, learn, and celebrate the enchanting charm of these remarkable ponies."
The Fell Pony Society "aim is to foster and keep pure the old breed of pony which has roamed the northern fells for years and to circulate knowledge and general information about the pony breed.
The Society deals with the Registration of Ponies, applications for Membership and export matters. It produces two Magazines per year, lists of ponies for sale, runs shows and advertises a regular calendar of events."
Friends of the Lake District (FLD) "own 66 acres here and have Fell ponies grazing to carry out vital conservation work. The Fell ponies remove the grass growth, helping to keep an open sward for wild flowers to flourish.” (1).
“The area is being managed under a Higher Level Stewardship Scheme with the aim of improving the structure and species diversity of the grassland sward. The area is acid grassland with gorse scrub and some wetter rushy and fen areas around a small tarn. The FLD receive a supplement for having registered native breed animals there which also contribute to the gene pool, i.e. will be used for breeding.” (2)" - Fell Ponies Colorado: Fell Ponies and Conservation Grazing
Rare Breeds Survival Trust "Help us conserve and promote our UK native livestock and equine breeds"
England
Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust
Shetland Pony Club "we are educating children about how and why we are rewilding our land with Shetland ponies."
Wales
Carneddau Pony Society "a group of farmers from Bethesda and Llanfairfechan who are supported through a management agreement with Natural Resources Wales that helps them to maintain the herd, grazing to benefit wildlife on the mountains, from Chough to Dung beetles." - Pont Cymru: Carneddau Ponies - Wildlife Warriors from Snowdonia National Park
The Welsh Pony & Cob Society: Hill Pony Improvement Societies
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