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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.
In the UK we are lucky enough to have beautiful native horses and ponies roaming our land. Some of the Native breeds originate from particular regions across the UK & Ireland and roam in semi-wild herds that are accustomed to their particular environments. They graze in harsh, vast landscapes where hill farmers with commoner’s rights are custodians of these breeds. They care for them, protect them, ensuring their safety, health and continuing the long line of ancient gene pools continue for these native breeds to thrive and be healthy. Other native breeds are traditional workhorses with a long history of working alongside men from agriculture to industry over the years.
Their environments are changing, from intensive agriculture, expansive building, fencing off vast areas of moorland which restricts grazing, lack of interest in native breeds from horse enthusiasts, hill farmers whose families have farmed their land for many generations are unable to pass down their farms to new generations due to financial pressures and changes to farming legislation. All these elements are diminishing the likelihood of a future in the wild for our rare native breeds.
I’m passionate about our rare native breeds and the natural habitats they live in. I have loved every minute of creating this wonderful book project. I hope that Wild Hearts will raise the profile of our native breeds who have grazed and shaped our land for hundreds of years – some of which are facing possible extinction.
At a time when our world is fragile and in need of great change and care from us all. I believe it’s so important to cherish all our environments, nature and animals. With a passionate message of conservation at its heart, once complete, I hope that my fine art horse photography art book aim will show people the heart and soul of these wonderful breeds and to encourage people to support these vulnerable breeds, either by protecting them in their natural environment or by buying a registered pony; a step which could help save these rare breeds.
| Print Size (ISO) | 45cm x 32cm, 17.7in x 12.6in (Fits A3 frame), 64cm x 47cm, 25.2in x 18.5in (Fits A2 frame), 89cm x 65cm, 35in x 25.6in (Fits A1 frame) |
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| Frame Option | Sanctuary frame, Unframed (print only) |
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