The end of horses in Cockington? Why Patrick the Pony could soon need a new local
There’s concerns a popular Devon tourist attraction is just weeks from closure because of a row over Winter grazing fields.
Last updated 10th Sep 2021
Horses and horse drawn carriage rides have been a part of Cockington village near Torquay for generations - but the village business now warn they may have to leave in early October.
A vet believes the winter grazing land being offered has now become unsafe for the horses - and is advising K&H Cockington Carriages to find an alternative site.
Almost 4,000 people have signed a petition calling for help to save the business and the family of the former owner Rick Passmore - dubbed 'Mr Cockington' - have also backed the campaign, saying he too spent every day battling to keep the horses in the village.
Alongside horse drawn carriage rides, K&H Cockington Carriages, also work with trainee therapy horse 'Patrick' who is known for enjoying a sip of Guinness at Cockington's Drum Inn - much to the delight of locals.
The petition warns: "It is highly likely the heritage of horses in Cockington will come to an end after the summer season, due to dangerous and inadequate grazing fields on offer.
"This will mean many people will miss out on seeing Patrick The Pony, Cowboy and Annie. If you enjoy seeing the horses and want them to stay in Cockington and believe they deserve Lady Park Field, which is close to their stables, please sign this petition."
Cockington is overseen through a partnership between Torbay Council, the Torbay Coast and Countryside Trust and the Torbay Development Agency which have all been working to try and find a solution.
A spokesperson for the development agency said; “Cockington Court is managed by Torbay Development Agency as a craft centre, visitor attraction, venue and creative business space.
"Cockington Country Park is managed by Torbay Coast & Countryside Trust.
"Both parties recognise the heritage and tradition of carriage rides in Cockington. As landlords we are committed to working together to find an amicable and workable solution to support K&H Carriages to continue to operate a carriage service at Cockington Court.
"Whilst we acknowledge the grazing issues raised a solution needs to be found within the leasing and operating arrangements of the site.”
A spokesperson for Torbay Council added: “Council representatives along with Torbay Development Agency have met with the trust and K&H Carriages in recent weeks and have put forward a number of proposals for consideration to try and find a resolution.
"Both Torbay Council and Torbay Development Agency values the presence of a viable carriage operator working from the site and we are continually striving to find an appropriate long-term solution in support of that aim.”
For more about K&H Cockington Carriages click here