SPUR Project

2008 Winner (5 of 15)

A Survey of Weaning Methods used by British Native Pony Breeders
Supervisors: Carol Hall, Dr Andrea Ellis, Dr Gareth Starbuck (Animal and Equine Science)

The project formed part of a larger investigation into how weaning affects the welfare of feral ponies within the UK. The Equine Health and Welfare Strategy for Great Britain (2007) identified the need for additional information regarding the health and welfare of semi-feral ponies, some of whom go through an unnatural and abrupt weaning process. The student identified the number and location of British native pony studs in UK, compiled and conducted a survey on weaning, recorded information within a database and determined whether there were any consequences of weaning methods. A research proposal for a 3-year project was submitted to DEFRA (Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) in January 2008 in collaboration with ADAS (Agricultural Development and Advisory Service) for funding to carry out the research.

Project poster