MINEHEAD HARRIERS

Local Interests

EXMOOR PONIES:

The Exmoor pony is the oldest and most primitive of the British native ponies, as well as the purest, and some herds still roam on Exmoor.

The Exmoor is extremely hardy, resistant to many equine diseases, with great powers of endurance. The small, sturdy breed has ample bone, and can carry heavy burdens in relation to its build. It is very sure-footed, and has strong legs and feet with a smooth stride. The head is large, with small ears. The ponies' eyes have a toad-eye appearance due to the fleshy rims that serve to divert water. In the cold, wet winters the Exmoor grows a double coat, with a soft, woolly undercoat and a longer, oily, water-repellent outer coat. The ponies also have unique hair patterns, including a "snow-chute," where the hair splays outward toward the dock, channelling the water away from the belly.

The Exmoor is believed to be directly descended from the ponies that migrated from North America across the prehistoric land bridge. Possible ancestors have been studied in fossilized remains of ponies found in Alaska. These pony remains share a unique jaw type with the Exmoor. The earliest crossbreeding was with native European ponies of the region circa 1000 BC. Only the hardiest of animals survived. There has been very little crossbreeding, making the Exmoor the purest of the native pony breeds.

Exmoor was once a Royal Forest and hunting ground, and was sold off in 1818. Sir Richard Acland, the last warden of Exmoor, took thirty ponies and established the famous Anchor herd, which still exists to this day. Local farmers also bought ponies at the dispersal sale, keeping the bloodlines pure.

The Exmoor Pony Society was formed in 1921, aiming to preserve the purebred Exmoor.

The Exmoor is bred throughout Britain, and although the worldwide population is close to 2000, the effective breeding population is less than 250, making Exmoors a rare breed. Some ponies still roam on the moor, and are privately owned. Every October, they are rounded up and the foals are inspected and registered with the Exmoor Pony Society. They are branded. Colts considered below standard are gelded.

Those that are not wild are used for a variety of activities, including showing, jumping, long-distance riding, and driving.

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