Wellgate Community Farm used funding from the Leader Award Grant Fund at the Jack Petchey Foundation to purchase Red, a Rare Breed Dartmoor Pony Mare.

Red has replaced Dingle, the farms’ Shetland pony who has now retired due to his age and health. Red is a great addition to their educational resources. Work experience students, college placements and young adult volunteers can learn about how to care for her. Whilst at Wellgate Community Farm they learn how to groom, prepare and attach Red’s tack and harness. They also get to have pony and cart rides on the farm and older young people experience driving the cart under the supervision of trained staff.

Young people also get to show her at events and shows. She is also a breed that is on the Rare Breed Survival Trust watch list and aids staff in educating young people about the importance of conservation and protecting traditional breeds of animal.

Two Young Farmer’s from the group showed her recently and received places at the London City Farms Harvest Festival in the ‘Best Pony’ and ‘Best Rare Breed’ categories. Competing and being quizzed by judges about the animals is seen as a great challenge and confidence booster for young people, whilst also teaching them independence and transferable skills.

It is estimated that so far around 800 people have enjoyed the company of Red and have learnt something from her presence. This figure shall increase year on year as Red continues to work alongside staff at the farm.

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