The pony whisperer The plight of a depleting pony population in northeastern Thailand coaxed Chuchat Warapreedee into starting the first Native Pony Club in Ubon Ratchathani's Khong Chiam district over a decade ago.
Not in his wildest dreams did the thought of rearing ponies for the sake of keeping it from extinction ever occur to Chuchat, a physical education instructor at Ban Dan School, because he had no experience looking after them. A visit to a cattle auction changed his opinion. "I had previously heard of people consuming pony meat, but I didn't realise to what extent," said Chuchat. "At my first visit to the auction I had seen there were many ponies around, but when I visited the same place after a year-long absence, I found there were just a handful of them left. When I inquired what had happened, I was told by local traders that they had been sent to the slaughter house," he continued. "I felt very sorry for the animals, and purchased two in the hope of breeding them. I made this decision on the spur of the moment, so I had to go through a lot of self-learning and training before I could actually read the ponies, let only nurture them. I was fortunate to get training from old hands. And that was about 18 years ago, and I haven't looked back since." Chuchat realised that he couldn't single-handedly achieve his goal of breeding ponies, so with the support from like-minded pony owners in the province, the Native Pony Club took shape. Starting with just four ponies, Chuchat and his club members currently have 32 in their care. He teaches children and grown ups how to ride these mini horses, and is often called on to give lectures to students on field trips on the subject. Training these delightful creatures has become his hobby. Besides offering pony-riding lessons, the non-profit club arranges tours for visitors interested to learn about the upkeep and daily routine of these animals. There is also homestay for guests interested to spend the night. The maintenance of the ponies is made possible through donations, but it's not always enough. As it's not well promoted, the club doesn't receive a constant flow of tourists. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) is eager to see it become a tourist hub, said Chuchat, but the club has its limitations. There is no extra money to hire helpers to oversee the growing number of ponies. He is open to discussing the prospects of making the club into a business, if needed, to care for the ponies. Chuchat has slowly started pony riding at his school. "School children should be taught to preserve our native animals," he said, "otherwise there will be none left for us to enjoy. Thai ponies are graceful and clever and make great riding companions." Chuchat explains that a careful examination of its morphological characteristics shows that they are identical to those of larger horses and its grazing gaits are similar to those of the English thoroughbred. The structure of the head is straight profile, broad forehead, well spaced, big and expressive eyes and well set ears. The neck is well proportioned and of good length. It is also well attached to the head and the trunk. Shoulders are sloping and with correct inclination. The angle between the scapula and the humerus is large and open. Legs are straight, clean with well defined tendons. The coat colours can come in either reddish brown, dark reddish brown and grey with dorsal stripe. Other colours are also possible. Chuchat says Thai ponies are ideal for work and pleasure. Most of his ponies have a relaxed temperament, too. For more information call Acharn Chuchat Warapreedee at 01-955-8369 and 09-5845117
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