A recent study published by Cambridge University Press compares the welfare of native Dartmoor and Exmoor ponies in their traditional free-ranging habitats with those moved to conservation grazing and rewilding sites across the UK. Led by researchers Sophia McDonald, Jessica J Harley, and Jo Hockenhull, the study used a tailored observational welfare assessment protocol to evaluate key welfare indicators for both groups of ponies.
The study examined 47 ponies grazing on the moors of Dartmoor and Exmoor national parks and 29 ponies relocated for conservation purposes. Researchers noted significant differences in factors including body condition, water quality and availability, environmental hazards, human disturbance, skin and coat condition, and responses in a human approach test. Despite these distinctions, there was no evidence suggesting compromised welfare in either group.
These findings emphasise the importance of year-round welfare monitoring for free-ranging ponies and suggest that the welfare assessment method used in this study could be a valuable tool for pony keepers and land managers.
For the full study, visit ➡️ Cambridge University Press
