Exmoor ponies are Britain’s oldest, native breed of pony in the region of Southwest England known as Exmoor.
The breed dates back to the Ice Age and today is on the rare breeds Survival Trust’s “critical list”.
The society for Emoors was not formed until 1921.
The breed ranges from 12hh to 12.3hh (1.22 – 1.30m), and is usually a mousy dun colour recognised by the mealy- coloured muzzle and markings around the eyes, inside the ears and thighs and underside of the belly.
The breed colour can also be bay or brown.
White markings are not permitted by the society.
The breed is hardy and sure-footed, with a head that is somewhat large in proportion to the body, small ears,and eyes are known as “toad eyes” as they are prominent and hooded to provide protection against the harsh climate.
The mane and tail are thick and long, and the dock of the tail is of a type common in cold-weather ponies, having coarse white hairs, known variously by terms such as "frost cap," or "snow chute," which deflect rainwater away from the groin and underbelly areas to fall from the long hairs on the back of the hindleg.
The winter coat is double layered for extra warmth to survive the harsh winter climate.
Some Exmoor ponies still roam as semi-feral livestock on Exmoor,
a large area of moorland in Devon and Somerset in southwest England.
The Exmoor is one of the British Isles mountain and moorland pony breeds, having conformation similar to that of other cold-weather pony breeds.
Every autumn the herds are rounded up for the foals to be inspected.
All pure bred foals are inspected and branded with a star near the shoulder and a heard number underneath.
This breed of pony is very versatile and Exmoors that are not feral, are used for a variety of activities which include, showing, jumping, driving, long-distance riding,and pleasure riding.
The breed's hardiness makes it suitable for conservation grazing, and it contributes to the management of many heathland, chalk grassland and other natural pasture habitats, as well as to the conservation of Exmoor itself.
Exmoor ponies > > Home
Pony Breeds
Horse Breeds INDEX
Horse Types
