Farmers near Wadebridge find solution to rising fuel costs
By Shayne_House | Saturday, January 15, 2011, 10:16
An enterprising couple from Sladesbridge near Wadebridge have found a traditional solution to spiraling fuel costs.
-
Horse and Cart pictured by St Mabyn Post Office & Stores near Wadebridge
-
Horse and Cart in St Mabyn near Wadebridge
Roger and Gill Derryman run their company Cornish Asparagus from their farm in Sladesbridge and can be found on a daily basis taking their horse and cart into the village of St Mabyn.
Roger said, “With the rise in fuel costs we thought we would exercise the horses while getting out for our paper and a pint of milk each morning.”
Gill also said, “It helps to get the horses used to the traffic too”
Hard-pressed motorists in the region are already paying record prices at the pumps following spikes in fuel excise and VAT and farmers have described the impact as colossal.
The National Union of Farmers regional spokesman Ian Johnson commented on increasing fuel costs saying: "It is a huge blow for farmers and we are making every argument known to man as to why the price shouldn't go up."
Perhaps Roger and Gill have found the answer.
What do you think? Should we be looking at more sustainable modes of transportation, and if so is the horse a practical solution?
Comments
That's great to see. Sadly I have no land and no horse so I'm stuck with the car and the soaring petrol prices for the time being. Brilliant idea though
By Em_Williams at 11:32 on 20/01/11
ReportWe need to find more sustainable sources of transport but the horse and cart isn't it. They're too annoying for other road users. An electric-biodiesel-horse-and-cart-hyrbid! Now there's a solution!
By irgmcdonald at 20:37 on 16/01/11
ReportLove the article! Perhaps we should think outside the box for sustainable travel - I've already asked the landlord of the Molesworth if we could attach a zip-wire to the pub from our flat. That's always been my childhood dream mode of travelling. If it wasn't for those pesky tides, the camel would be an ideal network for kayaking...
By Harrycornwall at 17:27 on 15/01/11
ReportFantastic story and great to see! I wonder if the cost of shoeing the horse is less than running a vehicle though even with rocketing fuel prices?! Oh and then, sadly most people do not have the land to keep a horse. I wonder if land owners and farmers would be willing to let owners keep their horses on their land for a cheap fee? Probably, sadly, not!
Nice idea though
By neil3 at 10:51 on 15/01/11
Report