"Exmoor Ponies" Photographic Art Print

Exmoor ponies are classed as endangered by the Rare Breed Society with no more than 300-500 ponies in existence. Due to their endangered status, the Exmoor National Park authority introduced young stock a number of years ago to the park in a bid to bolster the numbers of ponies. Seeing the ponies roaming the open moors is a highlight of a trip to the national park. In addition to the herds owned by the national park authority, there are also a number of other managed herds which are owned by private individuals.

The Exmoor pony has had an exceptionally long history in Britain with its ancestors going back some 30,000 years! The pony has contributed to man's evolution into farmer and then industrialist with the first written records of the pony found in the Doomsday Book when Exmoor was designated as a Royal forest. The moorland environment in which they have lived has shaped the size, intelligence, hardiness and independent spirit of the Exmoor pony. A typical Exmoor pony is sturdy, well-proportioned and sure footed. Their average height is around 12 hands and they are bay, brown or dun in colour with distinctive mealy markings on the muzzle and around the eye and flanks. Having adapted perfectly to their surroundings, Exmoor ponies grow a thick, two-layered protective coat in the winter to keep them warm and dry.

As with Dartmoor ponies, the 1940s nearly saw the demise of the Exmoor pony. As a victim of the many challenges faced by a country at war, the population was decimated with no more than 50 ponies left in existence. Careful breeding together with the policy of protecting managed herds on the moor has seen a cautious improvement in numbers of these beautiful ponies. Aside from the free-living herds, Exmoor ponies still very much have a place as our partners in leisure - their wonderful temperaments and strength make them fantastic all-round family ponies.

Long may their place by our side and in the rugged moorland they call home, be assured.