{"piano":{"sandbox":"false","aid":"u28R38WdMo","rid":"R7EKS5F","offerId":"OF3HQTHR122A","offerTemplateId":"OTQ347EHGCHM"}}

Treat-seeking wild ponies wreak havoc in Somerset


  • Members of the public have been urged not to feed wild ponies in Somerset, after several people have been injured by the treat-seeking animals.

    The Quantock Pony Commoners Association says that feeding the ponies on the common is dangerous and could lead to serious harm.

    They cited times where ponies have bitten visitors and even broken a person’s leg.

    “Due to an increase of Quantock ponies being fed by visitors, the ponies are becoming more of a nuisance to other visitors to the Quantock Hill,” a spokesman for the Quantock Pony Commoners Association said.

    never feed them.”

    Popular articles

    He explained that the ponies’ behaviour has changed as a result of them being fed and they have started to congregate in car parks.

    “[They are] naturally inquisitive animals, they form patterns and have quickly learnt to associate cars with food,” the spokesman said. “There have been recent cases of a pony breaking someone’s leg, biting and causing vehicle damage.

    “Please do not add to the problem and for you own safety stay well clear of the ponies and
    Around 50 ponies graze on the Quantock Hilltops, 30 on Quantock Common and 20 on Aisholt Common.

    The ponies help manage vegetation by grazing the hilltops.

    Wild ponies in Dartmoor damage car

    Last month (11 October) H&H reported that wild ponies in Dartmoor had reportedly caused £1,200 worth of damage to a car — by licking its paintwork.

    The unsuspecting driver parked his car in Dartmoor National Park to embark on a hike around the moors.

    When he returned to the car park later that day he found that 12 ponies were licking the vehicle.

    Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout major shows like London International and more with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

    You may like...