Define pond. We have a pond which serves the bees as a water source, and was stocked with bream (before all the blue herons and eagles fished it up). Now, an alligator has made his home there. I mean, my friend’s pond looks nice, parties have been hosted on it, the horses cool off and drink from it, we swim in it, fish in it, kids can learn to ride through it, and the dogs have a water source. Multi-functional.
Discussion
My ponds are the same, but I don't let livestock in it. That's my point, letting livestock in the pond and in riparian ares for more than a couple days a year to clean up is detrimental to the pond and riparian zone and will lead to the destruction of the pond over time. I can send you pictures of my neighbors ponds that aren't fenced off VS mine and show you what I mean if you want.