as Loopyloop said, this is a way of life for these people.
What right have we to critisise their customs.
These rituals have been going on for thousands of years.
I once attended a Bullfight in Barcelona, the atmosphere is amazing...would I go again?? NO but I am pleased that I experienced it!!
Well they do look thin..but in one of those photos they have obviously been given a large round bale of hay!!
Are you sure that these ponies havent been bought in thin?? Perhaps the owner is rescueing them??
My vet actually recommended that I put my Lami welsh A in foal.
She duly went to stud but didnt take!!
Having lost another mare with Lami after giving birth Im not sure that there is enough reasoning behind this idea.
Sounds like you are doing everything right.
I would stop riding her about 4 weeks before due date. This is just my opinion. I have been breeding for 20 years though!!
By 4 weeks to go she will be feeling full of foal and the last thing she will want is someone sitting on her and causing more...