7 reasons the sight of an Exmoor pony makes us melt (however naughty they are)
Hurrah for Exmoor ponies! Hairy, loyal, strong, versatile... And on the cover of this week's issue of Horse & Hound magazine. Here's why we're (just slightly) in love...
If you are someone who learnt to ride on an Exmoor pony you may well have squealed in delight at this week’s front cover of Horse & Hound magazine, featuring the mealy-nosed Exmoor Warrenmere Woodcock.
You are also likely to have grown a uniquely thick skin as a child — riding an Exmoor is not always plain sailing (let’s say they know their own mind…)
But however many times you were left stranded at the start of the bending poles, you will always have their back. Here’s why:
1. They (really) taught you to ride
You may now be riding a smart 16.2hh Irish Sport Horse, but it’s your Exmoor that you have to thank for really teaching you to ride. They were loyal and trustworthy — but also injected a healthy dose of determination into your nine-year-old self. They were no push-button…
2. They were never too cold
On, off, on, off, on… Oh the rug dilemmas you have now. Your Exmoor was never too cold. Or too hot. He just sorted himself out.
3. Size is… just a number?
They may be small (the majority are 12-12.2hh) but they certainly pack a punch, with a weight carrying ability far beyond their size. Which means you haven’t ruled them out as a ride for later in life…
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4. They beat the odds
Respect is what this hardy West Country breed deserves. Now categorised as endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (which means there are between 300-500 registered breeding females), after World War Two there were less than 40-odd breeding stock on the moor. During the war American garrisons were stationed on Exmoor and when meat was in short supply, a lot of the ponies were eaten.
5. They may be hairy…
…But boy are they beautiful. Their thick winter coat (which is grown in two layers and designed to withstand the harsh Exmoor weather) gives ways to a sparkling bright bay colour come the summer. Combine that with their mealy markings on the muzzle and around the eyes and they are picture perfect for all those West Country postcards.
6. Not a one trick pony
Once used as working ponies, the Exmoor now turns its hoof to almost anything — whether it’s being a lead rein pony, jumping superstar or being ridden side-saddle.
Like this? You might also enjoy reading these:
‘Don’t cover too much — and no bling’: Sarah Parker’s secrets to winning on a native pony
17 reasons to be glad you own a native
7. And that nose…
However bad your day is, the very sight of an Exmoor’s mealy nose is enough to turn your mood around. Now can someone please pass over this week’s issue…
For more information about Exmoor ponies visit www.exmoorponysociety.org.uk or www.mepbg.co.uk
Don’t miss this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine where we celebrate the Exmoor pony, as well as other British breeds
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A graduate from Durham University, Madeleine joined H&H in 2011 and became Features Editor — producing content across the magazine and website, including the popular inside back cover article ‘The horse that made me’ and the weekly ‘The best of my fun…’ interview. She has written on topics as diverse as hay making and headcams, to hot totty in the horse world and circus horses. Madeleine now works as a freelance feature writer for Country Life, The Telegraph, Horse & Hound, cntraveller.com, The Spectator and The Field, as well as writing obituaries for The Times.