Sponsor - Get rid of Ragwort on Traprain

SPONSORED RAGWORT CLEARANCE

Removing poisonous ragwort from pony grazing site

Thirteen Exmoor Ponies currently live on Traprain Law as part of a conservation grazing scheme.

They eat the coarse grass and vegetation which allows all kinds of upland plants, birds, animals and insects to recover and thrive. They do an important and amazing job, happily living out in all weathers even through the harsh Scottish winters.

However, another plant that thrives up here is the dreaded Ragwort, all parts of which are poisonous to horses and ponies. 

Exmoor ponies seem to know instinctively not to eat it, but the risk is not worth taking and so the ragwort has to be removed.

Volunteer, Liz, has undertaken to clear Traprain of Ragwort. A mammoth task! 

Can you sponsor her?

Download a Sponsor Form here

Donations can be made here

All proceeds to the Moorland Mousie Trust

and Exmoor Pony Centre

Thank you for your help!

New Home for Exmoor Pony, Scorpio

Exmoor ponies make wonderful companions for other horses.

When Irish Draught Horse, Bertie, lost his stablemate his owner needed to find a new friend to keep him company and stop him pining.

At the Exmoor Pony Centre, young colt Scorpio was looking for a home.

It was, as they say, a match made in heaven.

Scorpio, now re-named 'Teddy', and Bertie are firm friends and are rapidly becoming inseparable.

Liz at Haddington Market

Liz will be running her stall at Haddington Farmers’ Market (Centre of Haddington, East Lothian) on Saturday 27th June 2015 from 9.00am to 2.00pm.

She will have lots of Moorland Mousie Trust merchandise - including Traprain Pony Manure! –and information leaflets available. All the takings go to support the ponies of Traprain and North Berwick – and, of course, those at The Exmoor Pony Centre! 

June on Traprain

Ponies on Traprain enjoying the June sunshine.

There are more photos from Liz on the Traprain Page here.

June Newsletter

The 50th Golden Horseshoe event was held in May – six volunteers and two members of staff (in their own time) took six Exmoor ponies and two others along for the 15 mile Sponsored Ride – it proved to be a great day, there were lots of positive comments from other riders and the ponies really enjoyed doing something out of their usual routines.

It was a great achievement for Dillon, a 7 year old who was only backed over the winter; he found it all very exciting but behaved really well. The total raised through sponsorship has yet to be announced but this event has been very helpful supporting the Moorland Mousie Trust in recent years and we are always grateful for their support.

The Activity Afternoon in half term took place on a lovely sunny day and those attending were able to get up close with the ponies and learn a lot about them. Many thanks to all who helped on the day and all who came and supported us.

Please come along to our Birthday Bash which will take place at the Centre on Sunday 26th July from 11:00 till 3:00; the day will include activities for children, refreshments for all and most importantly, pony rides for those aged 4 and over.

If you wish to arrange moorland rides or Taster sessions during school holidays, please book well in advance to guarantee you get a place. Please note that Taster sessions take place under cover, whatever the weather! Ring to book on 01398 323093 or email info@exmoorponycentre.org.uk

If you could help us in any way, whether by helping out at the Centre or by holding a fund-raising event, please get in touch on 01398 323093.

Finally a FREE offer – if you would like some horse manure for your garden, do come along during our opening hours, 10 till 4 Sunday to Friday, with your own bags and help yourself!

Stallion Joins Czech Herd

The group of 14 mares who travelled to the Czech Republic in late January are well settled now and have recently been joined by a stallion, Northcroft Firestarter, who travelled across in April.

The project team there have been undertaking extensive observations of the ponies to ensure that they are adapting to their new environment and now that the stallion has arrived their group is complete. We look forward to watching this groups progress over the coming years as the first progeny will be appearing in Spring next year.

You can follow the Czech ponies at their European Wildlife facebook pages.

Northcroft Firestarter