turnbuckle
Well-Known Member
Are there any? Can they be exported? (I have a vague memory they can't).
In any case, they sound quite fun. Any views on them?
In any case, they sound quite fun. Any views on them?
Mongolian ponies in the UK?
- Thread starter turnbuckle
- Start date
Shay
Well-Known Member
They are very specialized for their environment. And fairly so - the Gobi dessert is one of the most inhospitable places on earth. I'm not sure how well they would do outside of that environment.
That said - The Icelandic is said to be the closest in type of the Mongul - or the Japanese Hokkadio. Both do very well in their respective fields. I don't think Hokkadio are available here, but Icy's definitely are.
That said - The Icelandic is said to be the closest in type of the Mongul - or the Japanese Hokkadio. Both do very well in their respective fields. I don't think Hokkadio are available here, but Icy's definitely are.
Dry Rot
Well-Known Member
We have something better. It's called a Highland pony!
Just make sure you get one of the type best suited to your requirements. If you want a slow, safe, plodder, there are Highlands that fit that description. If you want a fun pony that is a jack o' all trades and with a bit of fire in it's belly, you can get that too, but don't confuse the two!
Just make sure you get one of the type best suited to your requirements. If you want a slow, safe, plodder, there are Highlands that fit that description. If you want a fun pony that is a jack o' all trades and with a bit of fire in it's belly, you can get that too, but don't confuse the two!
Merlod
Well-Known Member
New-forest!
MDB
Well-Known Member
I used to live in Mongolia. All the ponies I rode were kind of semi feral. They are very tough little things. Adapted to harsh, dry environments, +35 C in summer, -35 C in winter, often with very little food. Not sure how they would cope in a wetter climate with lots of lush grass.
I have absolutely no idea about the logistics of importing one to the UK.
I have absolutely no idea about the logistics of importing one to the UK.
Melody Grey
Well-Known Member
I have no idea either on import logistics/ rules. Are there any in UK zoos or wild life parks? They may be able to offer advice on how they adapt to our environment and how they manage them?
Zebras aren't exactly adapted for the uk but they seem to do ok! Even years ago those travelling with zoos used to just graze with everything else.
Dry Rot
Well-Known Member
DEFRA could advise on importations.
I suspect, they'd have to go into an approved quarantine facility in Mongolia, then under go stringent health tests, then more quarantine and more tests here in the UK. We are an island and have pretty strict health regulations for good reason. It would certainly be expensive.
I once imported some hatching eggs from the USA. The Americans decided they did not need to bother with all the paperwork and "forgot" to supply one document although I had pretty much done everything for them, apart from a vet's signature and rubber stamp. The DEFRA inspectors at Heathrow had a hissing fit and blamed me! It would definitely be advisable to employ specialist agents at both ends.
I suspect, they'd have to go into an approved quarantine facility in Mongolia, then under go stringent health tests, then more quarantine and more tests here in the UK. We are an island and have pretty strict health regulations for good reason. It would certainly be expensive.
I once imported some hatching eggs from the USA. The Americans decided they did not need to bother with all the paperwork and "forgot" to supply one document although I had pretty much done everything for them, apart from a vet's signature and rubber stamp. The DEFRA inspectors at Heathrow had a hissing fit and blamed me! It would definitely be advisable to employ specialist agents at both ends.