QUANTOCK farmers have asked members of the public to stop feeding the ponies.

They say ponies on the Quantock Hills live on grasses, heathers and plants on the hilltops and do not need extra food.

"Some horses have special dietary considerations and can be intolerant to foods such as carrots and apples and cannot have too much sugar," a spokesperson for the farmers said.

"Giving them sweets and treats can result in stomach ulcers, which are very painful, and colic which can kill them.

"Many fruit and vegetables may seem like healthy or normal horse treats, but they are not suitable for many horses including the ponies which graze the Quantocks."

Another issue raised by the farmers, is that the ponies begin to associate people and cars with food and so will actively approach them.

This increases the risk of people being bitten or kicked, and the ponies being injured by cars.

Ranger Andy Stevenson added:“Although they are beautiful to look at, the ponies are pretty wild and certainly not pets so keeping a little distance from them and appreciating them from a far is the best for everybody's wellbeing.”