AN innovative new project has been developed to help Dartmoor farmers reduce the number of unwanted foals born on the moor, at no cost to themselves.

South West Equine Protection (SWEP) has held the first of their free gelding clinics on Dartmoor for semi-feral ponies, which are returned to the moor following recovery from the surgical procedure and having micro-chips implanted and passports issued.

Organiser of the clinics Becky Treeby said: ‘Many pony keepers have either removed or vasectomised their stallions in an attempt to reduce the numbers of foals born each year, and these are the ones we are reaching out to help, the ones who are trying so hard but who’s efforts are being compromised by neighbouring stallions on the open moor covering their mares.

‘Quality breeding stallions are kept safe on the farms, and used whenever the farmer needs to add to his stock or when he knows he has a market for the foals.

‘It’s desperately unfair for them to have to either find homes for, or destroy foals which they took every step to avoid being born. We will support them to keep their ponies on the moor, as many of them currently see the situation as so desperate they are giving up keeping their herd altogether.’

The ponies will be monitored and it is hoped to show that running geldings on the moor is a positive, proactive approach to managing the number of foals born each year.

The project has been funded by the IVO Trust. Calweton Equine Veterinary Practice have also lent their surgical skills.

Becky Treeby said: ‘I would absolutely love to see an enforced, responsible breeding management plan for the pony herds on Dartmoor, where every foal born is a planned foal with a future.

‘Let’s not forget that these ponies can go on to become incredible children’s riding ponies, they have wonderful temperaments and lovely natures, but there are simply too many of them being born.

‘Rescue centres and charities who try to find homes for these unwanted ponies are bursting at the seams. It’s time to stop the overbreeding now.

‘I would also be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to get involved, fundraise or raise awareness of our campaign for the Moorland Gelding Project.’

Anyone wishing to know more about the project can call Becky Treeby on 01822 854823.

For anyone wishing to donate visit www.crowdfunder.co.uk/the-moorland-gelding-project