There are two Konik ponies and eight Soay sheep resident on the Reserve. The Koniks are a small semi-feral horse originally from Poland and are used on several Reserves in the county. The Soay sheep originated on the Scottish island of Soay in the St. Kilda archipelago. Both are very hardy breeds.
Last month the Konik ponies had their annual hoof check. Reserve Assistant Warden Lyndsey Record writes about the event:
'Once again it was time to book the farrier to come into the woods and trim back the hooves of our two Konik ponies. As they’re partly wild this is easier said than done! They won’t just stand there and let the farrier handle them so we have to call the vet in as well to sedate them. They are sedated just enough that they’re still on their feet but calm so the work can be done safely, with the vet keeping a close eye on them the whole time.
We check our ponies every day and keep a close eye on their hooves. Very little interference from us is needed but every couple of years they are trimmed back, which helps prevent them from splitting.
The ponies, along with Soay sheep, graze our heathland area in the woods. Grazing, along with a little mechanical maintenance, helps us keep the heath in good condition and encourages breeding birds such as the Nightjar.'