Geoffrey Williams, a 63-year-old man from Aberbran near Brecon, was fined £1,000 after admitting to using an unacceptable and inappropriate method of handling a pony by dragging it behind a vehicle. The RSPCA received videos showing Williams tying a young pony to the back of a quad or gator-style vehicle and pulling it down a sloping field, causing the animal pain, distress, and risk of injury. Williams acknowledged the footage and admitted to using this technique for years to “break in ponies,” though he accepted that training methods have since evolved and claimed he had not repeated the behavior.

A veterinary expert reviewed the footage and concluded that the pony experienced harmful physical and mental trauma, likely resulting in lasting fear of handling and vehicles, which could affect its welfare long-term. The RSPCA emphasized the importance of modern, ethical, and science-based training methods, advocating for calm, consistent, and reward-focused handling by qualified professionals to ensure the well-being of horses and ponies.