richard haines photography

Home       Galleries       Photography Trips       Terms      Links     Contact

Wildlife Gallery Wild Welsh Ponies

The Welsh pony is native to the mountains of Wales, and is descended from wild Celtic ponies  and has some Arab blood in its genes. The hardiness of the breed has been perpetuated by allowing ponies to roam, in a semi-wild state, on rough mountain terrain. The Welsh pony is well known for having tremendous endurance, with a high degree of intelligence, and is easily trained. The  photographs of Welsh ponies on this page were taken in  June 2009. The Stallion pictured on this page has a posse (herd) of around 30 mares and foals

Img 3366 Wild Welsh Pony Foal Resting

 

Img 3367 Frisky Wild Welsh Pony Stallion

 

Welsh Pony Foal and Mother Img3368

Img 3368 Wild Welsh Pony Foal and Mother

 
For the last 6 years I have spent most of my summers and autumns following the Wild Welsh Ponies roaming the hills and common land above the South Wales Valleys. During that time I have seen them flourish and expand considerably. There are now more than 6 posses (herds) in a 5 mile square area above the valley villages and towns .with the largest now comprising of around 50 or 60 animals and the smallest just 4.

Img 3369 Welsh Stallion Pony

Img 3365 Wild Welsh Stallion

 

Img 3370 Welsh Mountain Pony Stallion
Some of  the stallions are inquisitive and appear friendly while others are very protective of their mares and foals and one in particular is downright dangerous! You have to remember these are wild animals and should be treated as such and respected. I try to use as short a lens as possible which means I have to earn the trust of these animals in order to get in close without spooking them.

Img 3371 Mare & Foal

 

Img 3372 Mare With Stallion Foal

 

Img 3382 Mare & Foal

 
 I know of many photographers and cameramen who will feed wild animals just to ensure they get the shot they need or want. That's wrong! It is both lazy and ill conceived. I learned a long time ago that to associate humans and food with wild animals is a recipe for disaster. Ok you may get that shot but what about the next person who comes along and is bitten by the pony, deer or bear you fed! Please don't feed Wild Welsh Ponies, Deer, Bears or any other Wild Animals. If you need that special shot of a Wild Welsh Pony, Deer, Rocky Mountain Big Horn Ram. Bear or Elk give me a call. I will either get the photograph you need or guide you to the place you can get it without interfering with the wildness of our wildlife!
 

 

 

Home       Galleries       Photography Trips       Links

Home       Galleries       Photography Trips       Terms      Links     Contact

Copyright 2000 - 2009

richard haines