Visitors enjoying pony ride at the Pony Farm in Kigwema.
Morung Express News
Kohima | December 6
Nestled amidst the quiet hills at the foothill of Japfü peak and located just one kilometre away from Kisama- the venue for Hornbill Festival, is the Pony Farm in Kigwema, featuring pony rides as one of the main attractions. Held as part of the 25th edition of Hornbill Festival, the activities at the Pony Farm are being organised by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services.
It also showcases Mithun, the state animal in collaboration with ICAR besides Milkcon products, Piggman, Tender Hygienic Pork from Tezpur Assam besides others.
Dr Amenla Walling, Joint Director & Sectoral Officer, Small Animal, Department of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services highlighted that the Pony Rides at the Farm has been part of the Hornbill Festival since 2016. During the first two years, she said, it was held at the main venue in the wrestling arena for the initial two years. The footfall during this time was much higher, she remarked.
However, owing to some inconveniences, she said it was shifted to the Pony Farm. “During the two-day period when wrestling takes place, we had to keep the animals tied,” she recalled.
In the year 2018 after the activity was moved to the Pony Farm, she said, “we successfully conducted it and the footfall was also very high.”
After that, she said that “the lockdown came and we did not participate, also for paucity of fund.” Having made a comeback with the activity this year, she however observed that there has not been too many visitors, which, she noted is also because of the travel arrangement in the main venue of the Hornbill Festival.
However, she exuded hope that from next year onwards it will improve. At the moment, she highlighted that there are four ponies. “We were trying to have more but because of the problem in Manipur, we couldn't bring more,” she added
As far as pony ride is concerned, she further divulged, “we are planning to do it all year round starting January 2025.” For this year, however, because of the festive season, it will also conclude with the closing of the Hornbill Festival on December 10.
Also stating that earlier, people used to come to Pony Farm for picnics or just to take pictures before the 'pony rides' were introduced, she said, “now, we have put up a fence. With more maintenance of the farm, she said, it will also come along with a nominal fee.
