Semi-feral ponies in the Dunes
Island Stories #7: a walk in the dunes of Schouwen-Duiveland.
Close to home is a nature reserve on the west side of the island, known as ‘t Zeepe, or the Zeepeduinen. I walked into this beautiful area this afternoon; my photo gives an impression.
More than a hundred Shetland ponies and a few Exmoor ponies ensure with their grazing and trampling that open areas remain in the dunes. In this way, the wind can regain a grip on the sand, and sand dunes can form again. This is important to retain the ecological balance. For example, sand bees and sand beetles live in the sand, and 'sand plants' such as marram grass grow in these dunes.
The herd has been there since 1982 and consists only of mares. Since 2016 they have been joined by Scottish highlanders. They live semi-feral, only twice a year all animals are checked by the vet for diseases and parasites.
What a lovely photo of the ponies and the dunes. Wonderful to see and to know they also serve a purpose to keep the dunes. What a great place to wander and recuperate.
What a beautiful, physically healing and soulfully calming walk. You are a very blessed person.