A pony known as Alan Partridge – or Elsinore Alan Partridge to provide him his full identify – is the primary to contribute semen to a brand new initiative aimed toward securing Exmoors’ future.
The Exmoor Pony Society (EPS) has launched, and raised £50,000 for, a marketing campaign to create a gene financial institution, aiming to protect genetic materials and so probably shield the breed’s future.
Society chairman Nigel Hill mentioned: “It’s our position to safeguard the way forward for the Exmoor pony, probably the most iconic native breeds within the UK. The Exmoor is a ‘precedence’ breed based on the Uncommon Breeds Survival Belief and this implies they’re primarily endangered.
“Instrumental within the launch would be the oversight of our not too long ago introduced scientific advisory panel, which can lead on genetic analysis and innovation. The panel contains Exmoor pony consultants from the fields of genetics, ecology and veterinary science, which ensures we’re effectively positioned to make the most of developments in equine genetic conservation.”
Elsinore Alan Partridge is a 15-year-old registered Exmoor pony, who has gained at a number of reveals. His steady identify is Q, after the Star Trek character, and he has sired 12 ponies within the studbook. He’s primarily based in Suffolk with mom and daughter breeders Sandy Wooderson and Madeline Haynes.
“We have been delighted to be requested to participate within the gene financial institution marketing campaign,” mentioned Sandy. “We purchased Q as a yearling and he actually kicked off our love of the breed and our stud. On the age of six he had certified for the Horse of the 12 months Present below saddle and has additionally sired some lovely inventory who at the moment are additionally successful within the present ring. We’re very pleased with him!”
Madeline added: “It’s great that the EPS is introducing such a forward-thinking initiative, which is paramount for defense of this uncommon breed. Studying from historical past, a disaster actually might occur. We’re proud to be concerned and contribute to defending this valuable native pony that faces the actual life chance of extinction, in addition to safeguarding Q’s uncommon genetic bloodline.”
The semen donated by Q and different stallions might be owned by the Exmoor Pony Society, which can “coordinate the gathering and preservation logistics”.
Solely 600, or 15%, or the Exmoor inhabitants is actively breeding, which makes the breed susceptible owing to a scarcity of variety. Genetic variation is proscribed in Exmoors as pony numbers crashed to 50 through the Second World Conflict, so many bloodlines have been misplaced.
Preserving materials in gene banks implies that in future, a viable inhabitants might be restored if wanted, or disappearing bloodlines saved.
Ecologist Sue Baker, a member of the Exmoor Pony Society’s scientific advisory panel, mentioned: “Presently semen from solely six Exmoor stallions is saved within the Nationwide Livestock Gene Financial institution however solely three of those have enough doses.
“To be able to attain the minimal amount to offer breed ‘disaster insurance coverage’, ideally 22 extra stallions must contribute 50 doses every. The first goal of the challenge is to attain this inside two to 3 years.”
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