A pony called Alan Partridge – or Elsinore Alan Partridge to offer him his complete name – is the very first to contribute semen to a brand-new effort targeted at protecting Exmoors’ future.
The Exmoor Pony Society (EPS) has actually introduced, and raised £50,000 for, a campaign to produce a gene bank, intending to protect hereditary product therefore possibly safeguard the breed’s future.
Society chairman Nigel Hill said: “It is our function to protect the future of the Exmoor pony, among the most renowned native types in the UK. The Exmoor is a ‘priority’ breed according to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and this suggests they’re basically threatened.
“Instrumental in the launch will be the oversight of our recently announced scientific advisory panel, which will lead on genetic research and innovation. The panel comprises Exmoor pony experts from the fields of genetics, ecology and veterinary science, which ensures we are well placed to take advantage of developments in equine genetic conservation.”
Elsinore Alan Partridge is a 15-year-old signed up Exmoor pony, who has actually won at several programs. His steady name is Q, after the Star Trek character, and he has actually sired 12 ponies in the studbook. He is based in Suffolk with mom and child breeders Sandy Wooderson and Madeline Haynes.
“We were delighted to be asked to take part in the gene bank campaign,” said Sandy. “We bought Q as a yearling and he really kicked off our love of the breed and our stud. At the age of six he had qualified for the Horse of the Year Show under saddle and has also sired some beautiful stock who are now also winning in the show ring. We are very proud of him!”
Madeline included: “It’s wonderful that the EPS is introducing such a forward-thinking initiative, which is paramount for protection of this rare breed. Learning from history, a catastrophe really could happen. We’re proud to be involved and contribute to protecting this precious native pony that faces the real life possibility of extinction, as well as safeguarding Q’s rare genetic bloodline.”
The semen contributed by Q and other stallions will be owned by the Exmoor Pony Society, which will “coordinate the collection and preservation logistics”.
Only 600, or 15%, or the Exmoor population is actively breeding, that makes the breed susceptible owing to an absence of variety. Genetic variation is restricted in Exmoors as pony numbers crashed to 50 throughout the Second World War, numerous families were lost.
Preserving product in gene banks suggests that in future, a feasible population might be brought back if required, or vanishing families saved.
Ecologist Sue Baker, a member of the Exmoor Pony Society’s clinical advisory panel, said: “Currently semen from just 6 Exmoor stallions is saved in the National Livestock Gene Bank however just 3 of these have enough dosages.
“In order to reach the minimum quantity to provide breed ‘catastrophe insurance’, ideally 22 additional stallions need to contribute 50 doses each. The primary aim of the project is to achieve this within two to three years.”
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