The Herd – The Free-living ponies annual cycle

Spring ~ As the days lengthen and temperatures rise the ponies look forward to fresh grazing and the land drying up. The ponies cast their thick, long winter coats. Foals appear naturally and will be on their feet within minutes. The mares are very protective of the little ones who are very inquisitive.

The Herd – The Free-living ponies annual cycle

Summer ~ The warmth of the sun on the ponies backs make their new coats shine in the bright light as they enjoy a plentiful supply of moorland vegetation and put flesh on to help them through the leaner times ahead. The foals gamble and the herd find shade under the banks and scrubby trees. The stallions do their duty.

The Herd – The Free-living ponies annual cycle

Autumn ~ As the days shorten the foals become increasingly independent and most are naturally weaned by October. The Gatherings take place late October to separate the foals and allow the mares the winter to look after themselves and the foals to be born next spring.

The Herd – The Free-living ponies annual cycle

Winter ~ The coats thicken on the ponies as the light decreases and the vegetation dies back. The ponies teeth are especially important at this time of year as they have to nibble gorse and heather and very tough roughage for nourishment. They call on the summer excesses as well till spring arrives. The individual herd marking on the ponies are especially useful in the winter as this tends to be when ponies may be knocked by cars on the roads. More often than not a driver will report ‘the pony had a mark shaped like an anchor on its bottom and we will then be notified and can deal with it accordingly.