OHHAWA President, Ian Lockyer and the Association’s Veterinary Advisor, Dr Sheila Greenwell recently visited the area and also tracked some of the horses from the air. Dr Greenwell said that a number of the horses appear to carry the pangare gene which results in the “mealy” markings that are characteristic of the Belgian draught, Exmoor pony and other old breeds. “The infusion of old bloodlines has now been recognized as an important way of addressing genetic faults that have arisen as a result of generations of equine in-breeding in some areas,” Dr Greenwell said.
“We are concerned about the longer term welfare of these horses as we know that several have already been shot illegally by vandals”, Association President Ian Lockyer said. “As the number of horses observed was small it appears that they are having a minimal impact on the surrounding environment due to the soil type and hardy vegetation in the area,” he said.
“The Association believes that some of the horses may be descendants of horses turned out by farmers during periods of severe drought many years ago and also perhaps of horses that escaped from military camps during army exercises in the war years.” Mr. Lockyer said.
Anyone with information about the history of the horses should contact OHHAWA President, Ian Lockyer, on 0428 595 966.
Source: Outback Heritage Horse Association WA