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The Exmoor PonyHeight The preferred height range is 11.3hh to 12.3hh for Stallions & geldings, 11.2hh to 12.2hh for mares. Colour Bay, brown or dun. Markings Mealy colour on muzzle, around eyes and inside the flanks. No white markings permitted. Build The body should be deep, with well sprung ribs, good width and depth through the chest. The neck should not be set too high, being of medium length. Shoulder should be muscular and sloping. Legs should be short, with neat, good hard feet. The head should be wide and broad between the eyes, with prominent ‘toad eyes’. Movement Straight and smooth, without undue knee action. Trimming rules for showing No trimming or thinning is permitted. History The Exmoor pony is native to the High Moors of Exmoor, the highest point of the moors being Dunkery Beacon at 520m above sea level. Undoubtedly one of the oldest and most primitive of the native breeds, they retain similar characteristics to those earliest wild ponies. The origin of the Exmoor pony is somewhat controversial. Some believe the Exmoor to be truly indigenous to Great Britain. Others say they are descendants of ponies who migrated 130,000 years ago, when Great Britain was still part of mainland Europe. From the harsh climate and rugged terrain of Exmoor, the Exmoor ponies evolved to be exceptionally hardy and tough in relation to their size. The Exmoor pony’s past is certainly colourful. It is believed the early Celts would use Exmoor ponies to pull their chariots; in later years, smugglers relied on them for transportation of contraband along the coast. Exmoor ponies domestic duties would be general agricultural work; to include ploughing, harrowing, pulling carts and sledges. Farmers would use them as transport to and from market, a surefooted mount for shepherding across the rugged hills; perhaps for a days hunting. In the early nineteenth century, local farmers and land owners founded herds of ponies to roam wild on the commons. Thankfully, there were few cross breeding plans introducing foreign blood. Exmoor ponies were not selectively bred for a specific purpose. Hill farmers were keen to maintain the heritage of the Exmoor pony, they worked hard keeping the breed pure and increased their numbers. Most notably, Sir Thomas Acland III, a former warden of Exmoor, made a significant contribution to the breed. With just 20 ponies, the Acland herd was formed. Each pony was branded with an Anchor symbol, over the years the Acland herd steadily flourished as it was passed down through the generations. The Aclands were the first to keep a Stud Book of Exmoor ponies, but sadly, these papers were destroyed in World War II. The onset of the First and Second World Wars had a devastating effect on the Exmoor pony. Sadly, many Exmoor ponies were sent for slaughter; some used as target practice by trigger happy soldiers. During WWII, the Exmoor pony almost became extinct; numbers dwindled to just 50 registered mares and four stallions. Were it not for the tireless efforts of those who sought to preserve the breed, the Exmoor pony may well have become extinct. Numbers have risen steadily over the years, the Rare Breeds Survival Trust still recognises the Exmoor pony as endangered. In order to presrve the true characteristics and qualities defined by the breed society, all Exmoor foals must be inspected prior to registration. Those accepted are branded with the societies four point star symbol and herd number. Ponies from the original Acland herd have an anchor brand instead of a herd number. The Exmoor ponys enduring strength, stamina and sure footedness make him an ideal ‘all rounder’. A popular choice for competitive children and adults alike; competing in a range of spheres from endurance riding, pony club activities, driving and showing. Some herds of Exmoor ponies still roam free on Exmoor today. The Exmoors popularity has increased greatly, they can now be found in several European countries; the Falklands, Canada and the United States. Breed Society http://www.exmoorponysociety.org.uk/home.php Did you know? There are Roman carvings in the West Country, depicting chariots pulled by ponies which resemble the modern Exmoor pony. Horse bones dating back 12,000 years, found in caves in the Mendip Hills, were found to be identical to modern Exmoor ponies. Exmoor pony, Stowbrook Jenny Wren, made Exmoor pony history by being the first of her breed to win the NPS Olympia ridden final in 2003. The oldest recorded Exmoor died in 1990 aged 42. The earliest reference to the Exmoor pony can be found in the Doomsday Book (1085-1086). Documents show that Exmoor ponies were referred to as "horse beasts", or "widge beasts", until around 1710; as there was no word 'pony' at that time. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust lists the Exmoor pony as 'endangered'. Time line 1921 - The Exmoor Pony Society (EPS) formed. 1963 - First EPS stud book issued. 1967 - EPS becomes a registered charity. 1979 - Friends of Exmoor Ponies, fund raising body founded. 1995 - Height limits revised. |
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