So far we have funded two projects specifically aimed at securing the future of New Forest ponies and agreed to support two more in 2005.
First, we have given funds to the New Forest Livestock Society. The Society plays a vital role in marketing New Forest ponies and runs the acclaimed new saleyard at Beaulieu Road. The Trust underpins the saleyard by paying rent, insurance and other annual overheads for the Society. Without this contribution the Livestock Society would increase the cost to commoners of selling ponies. This would make the already fragile commoning economy, untenable.
Annual cost: £2.5k.
Second, we have underpinned the second stage of the New Forest Stallion Scheme. This scheme aims to restrict the number of stallions and the time they are out on the Forest with the mares. The result from the first 3 years when the scheme was tried out showed that the number of foals was reduced and that both foals and mares were in better condition. Through our funding, forty acres of land at New Park, Brockenhurst have been made available to stallion owners to accommodate stallions when they are not running on the Forest. Without our support continuation of the scheme would be jeopardised.
Initial Cost: £5k; annual cost: £3k.
Third, we have agreed to give financial support to the Colt Scheme when it commences in summer 2005. This money will help to make land available for the mares and colt foals when they are off the Forest. In addition support will be available for the incentives required to bring forward the best colt foals.
Initial cost: £4k; annual cost: £3k.
Fourth, we have initiated a study on road traffic accidents involving ponies and cattle on unfenced Forest roads. Traffic volumes have increased and are expected to continue to do so. Each year more than a hundred livestock animals are killed on these roads. This is both an animal welfare issue as well as one that causes a great deal of cost to motorists. A report has been prepared for the Trust by Michael Cooper. You can download the Word document here if you wish to read his recommendations. The Trustees have decided that they should help launch a leaflet on road safety in the New Forest and it is considering the helping to purchase mobile Speed Indicator devices for accident black spots. Initial cost: £0.5k
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