The Pangare Ponies
2009 Update
Early in 2008 the OHHAWA got word about some wild horses running south of Geraldton who were reputed to be under possible threat due to the fact that a number of them were running on government owned land. (Department of Environment and Conservation {DEC}, formally CALM.)
As it turned out there was no imminent danger to these horses but it led us to discover more about a fairly unique group of WA brumbies.
The exact location is still being kept under wraps mainly because these genetically rare horses are all still safely running wild, and surviving well. They are an unusual group and the aim – in conjunction with a supportive DEC – is to keep them as undisturbed as possible.
In reaching this conclusion, basically Sheila drove north, collected our President Ian Lockyer and OHHAWA member Tom, and then met several locals who offered to show the group around.
They took Sheila's 4WD in to the nature reserve and after lots of driving and walking managed to find about 12 horses in about 4 separate groups. The country had very rough limestone coverage with lots of nasty holes and outcrops that would easily send a horse lame if they were to be pushed fast, although clearly the horses were very sure footed. There was virtually no grass, and all the horses appeared to be living off the low, scrubby bush. Some were a bit ribby, but their coats looked shiny and they appeared very healthy. The lack of foals and youngsters was a mystery although it was later reported that some individuals occasionally shot the younger wild horses to use as bait, among other things.
Many thanks to the locals who assisted in finding these horses.
Later, Sheila, Ian and Tom contacted an ex-mustering pilot friend of Ian’s, who offered to take they skyward to check out the area from the air. They stayed around 500ft and did lots of swooping, turning and looking for groups of horses and water sources. They noticed a number of salt lakes in the area.
The group saw some horses on their own, and also about 6 groups, the largest of which had 7 horses in it. In the relatively small area covered they counted 33 horses in all. {It has been guesstimated from this that in the whole fairly large area there could be up to 100 of these horses living and breeding as a fairly stable population, although this has not been confirmed.}
There appeared to be only one potential water supply and the coordinates were noted, however it was never established exactly where all the horses were drinking from.
The next step was to send the photos taken to several horse colour experts, because these were not your standard wild brumbies. Some had unusual and distinctive light markings around their eyes and muzzle area and there were lots of chestnuts with flaxen manes and tails...fairly sure signs of old bloodlines.
And so we found out about the Pangare gene, which is a gene causing a mealy mouthed muzzle look, flaxen mane and tail and paler underbelly/under tail area. It’s a very primitive gene - apparently Arabs and Thoroughbreds cannot carry it, although there is some debate about that. Colour wise, duns, bays and chestnuts do carry it. As you can see from the photos, these horses look like some sort of early British or European pony type, or as if they have Belgian heavy horse influence. There could also be Timoor Pony influence. Whatever the mix, they range from smaller and stocky to around 15hh, some with fairly broad, distinctive heads. They appear to thrive on the coastal scrub and saltbush.
While the pangare gene appears occasionally in domestically bred horses throughout Australia (originating from a number of old native breeds overseas), it is unusual to find a wild group of Australian horses with such a concentrated spread of this ancient gene.
There were many suggestions about what to do re these “pangare ponies” – trap and rescue them, relocate them, try to establish a managed herd...try to focus on the tourism aspect...?? Hard questions.
Weeks later, following a meeting with DEC representatives, the following points were established;
The OHHAWA were told that the DEC had no plans in the foreseeable future to remove or destroy the horses as they were having minimal impact on the environment.
The DEC reps also made a commitment to contact the OHHAWA if there were to be any change to that situation, in line with the recent MOU signed between the OHHAWA and the DEC.
The OHHAWA were informed that under NO circumstances would any horses be shot.
A local press release and story was later issued to note that the horses were now being watched and shooting them for any reason was not acceptable.
The OHHAWA sincerely thanks the DEC for their positive support regarding these horses.
The possibility of turning the area in to a wild horse sanctuary was also raised, but not much discussed, although the OHHAWA are still researching that possibility, given the location of these horses. Viewing platforms on high spots in the spectacular country where the horses are running would be fantastic and with some hay thrown out they would get used to coming in reasonably close without losing their "wildness" so the photographic opportunities would be great.
In the mean time, the horses are as safe as they can be, in healthy numbers in a healthy environment which they appear to be having little impact on. We hope they stay that way.
Anyone with any comments or further information on these horses (should they know the area) is asked to please contact the Secretary.
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Story by KA Waddington, March 2009 - thanks to all those who allowed the use of their photos of these special horses.
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September 2009 ~ UPDATE
SAMPSON
Recently we found out about "Sampson", a pangare brumby, who was sadly orphaned a few years ago but, fortunately, found and hand raised by a local family. He is around 13.1hh and as you can see from the above photos, quite solid. He has been likened to several old British/European breeds. Sampson (who now thinks he is half human!), is a happy chap who attends a local pony club.
Thanks to his generous owners, DNA has been taken from Sampson in an effort to understand the genetics behind this unusual line of heritage brumbies. Sampson would appear to be environmentally stunted - that is, because he was orphaned he suffered from a lack of mother's milk and subsequent nutrition. Other pangare brumbies may also be environmentally stunted from living on nothing but coastal scrub. Hard to tell. If Sampson had been born into domesticity and raised to weaning age by his mother, herself on good pasture, he may have matured a good deal taller than he currently is.
Only time and research will tell us more about these wildies. Recently there have been rumours of several of these brumbies crossing the main highway/s in their area of origin. Obviously this will be a worry to motorists and we are communicating with the local Shire in an effort to keep an eye on the pangares and ensure that they do not become a liability to themselves.
We trust that the locals will support us in our efforts to help these horses and keep them - and the community they live near - safe and happy.
*** *** *** KA Waddington, September 2009
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they now?
