Horses Of The Grass Verge

   There are many traditions that have been followed here in the fens for many generations, not all looked upon as healthy and in fact, some questioned strongly by many of us who now find certain country traditions barbaric, cruel and to say the least very unpleasant. We all know those extreme traditions such as Fox Hunting, Badger Baiting, Dog Fighting, Hare Coursing and Cock Fighting, many of which continue here in the fens as they do all over this country of ours.

   But here I'd like to talk about one tradition that has very mixed reactions, the use of roadside grass verges to graze horses and ponies. Since moving to the fens 18 years ago a very common sight in the spring and summer months is that of horses and ponies being tethered on these grassed areas by their owners and basically left there all day grazing on the grass. In every case I have seen their owners do supply water tubs for these beautiful creatures yet something makes me feel very uneasy. I have spoken on this subject to horse owners and each of them said they didn't like the way these horses were treated, being left out all day often in very warm weather and often with no shelter or shade at all. I know some people will say they look very healthy and it's no different to them being out in a paddock all-day and as long as the owners take them in at night and make sure they are given fresh water and additional food there is no problem, but what do you think?

   Next time you're out and about and you notice any ponies or horses tethered out, often piebald or skewbald have a little think about these beautiful creatures and if you feel ok with their situation and maybe like me, you'll take the time to stop and speak to them, I'm sure they enjoy human company.