Want to buy an Exmoor pony? Then this guide on what to look for and where to search is a good place to start.

What is an Exmoor pony?

The Exmoor pony is one of Britain’s oldest breed of native pony. The Exmoor pony is a rare native breed recognised by the Rare Breed Survival Trust and is listed in their watchlist under priority.

The preferred height range of Exmoors is:

• Stallions and geldings can stand up to 12.3hh, from 11.3hh
• Mares can stand up to 12.2hh, 11.2hh

The Exmoor Pony Society (EPS) was founded in 1921.

The EPS states that: “Exmoor ponies are versatile, adaptable, very strong for their size and able to turn their hooves to a wide variety of activities. Historically, the Exmoor pony was used by the hill farmers to undertake all kinds of work from being ridden for shepherding to being used in harness for ploughing, harrowing, taking feed to stock and the farmer’s family to market and church. Ponies from wild herds were gathered and then trained to pull the carts and chariots of the Celtic settlers. The Doomsday book contains the first written evidence of ponies on Exmoor, when it was a designated Royal Forest. Records from the 1500s onwards reveal that the equine population varied in numbers rising to about 1,000 at times. Non-Exmoor mares came to the moor to join the indigenous British Hill Pony type stock but it is thought that the wardens ran native stallions.”

There are approximately 500 breeding mares and 100 licensed, registered stallions in any given period of five years producing between 100-150 foals per year.

Foals are bred into the free-living herds on Exmoor – the home of the Exmoor pony – and also in in-ground and free-living situations throughout the UK, Europe and North America.

All Exmoor pony foals are inspected each year and registered into Section 1 or Section X of the EPS studbook in accordance with EU/DEFRA legislation and the Rules of the EPS.

Each herd is assigned a number and then each foal is assigned a number in that herd – this makes up the registration number for the pony.

The EPS provides the following breed standard:

• General appearance: Definite “pony” character; hard and strong; vigorous and alert and symmetrical in appearance; mealy muzzle; prominent hooded toad eye
• Head and neck: ears short, thick and pointed; clean cut face; wide forehead, eyes large, wide apart & prominent with well defined fleshy hood and pale colouration outlining the eyes (Toad Eyes); wide nostrils; mealy muzzle; clean throat; good length of rein.
• Shoulders: clean, fine at top, well laid back.
• Chest: deep and wide between and behind forelegs; Ribs long, deep, well sprung and wide apart.
• Back: level; broad and level across loins; tail neatly set in.
• Legs: clean & short, with neat uniformly dark hoof walls; forelegs straight, well apart and squarely set; hind legs well apart, nearly perpendicular from hock to fetlock with point of hock in line with pelvis bone; wide curve from flank to hock joint; legs free in motion with no tendency to sweep or turn.
• Action: straight and smooth, without exaggerated action.
• Coat: summer – close, hard and bright. Winter – a double-layered dense coat with an under insulating layer of fine, springy hair and an outer waterproofing layer of hard, greasy hair.
• Colour: bay, brown or dun, with black points; mealy colour on muzzle, round eyes and inside flanks; no white markings anywhere.
• Quality: alert expression and general poise indicating balance and symmetry of movement; flat clean bone.

What should I look for in an Exmoor?

Jackie Webb has been breeding Exmoor ponies under the Blackthorn prefix since 1978. She is also on a number of judging panels, including NPS and BSPS, and Exmoor, Connemara and New Forest breed society panels.

Influential Exmoor stallions she has owned or bred include Dunkery Buzzard, Blackthorn Hawkwind, Siskin and Blackthorn Sea Poacher. Siskin was a three-time Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in-hand finalist, and Sea Poacher qualified for HOYS numerous times, including with Laura Collett who campaigned him in working hunter classes. Blackthorn Poldark won at Hickstead in 2023 with Jess Talbot, and Blackthorn Blush Rose won at HOYS twice with Katy Marriott-Payne.

“The pony has to shout Exmoor at you, which most of them do,” says Jackie. “An Exmoor is usually instantly recognisable.

“An Exmoor should be a well-made pony with good limbs and bone. It must move, too, and these days many good ridden ponies do have movement and are able to be schooled similarly to the other breeds you see out and about on the circuit. Once upon a time, not many people showed Exmoors, but they are increasingly popular, which has been positive for the breed.

“Mealy markings are important. I liked a well-marked pony, with obvious mealy markings. Darker ponies don’t have obvious markings and at certain times in the year they can lose their markings completely, especially if they are rugged during show season.

“A good Exmoor should have a bold eye and small pony ears.

“Our breeding stock should be as good quality as ridden ponies, however you arguably might want a pony with more scope for the ridden job.”

What can I do with an Exmoor?

Exmoors are a versatile breed and they can usually perform in multiple disciplines. They are hardy and tough, and they are often brave and nimble. They are a good choice as a working family pony as they can live out and require little maintenance.

Due to their stamp and size, Exmoors make ideal mounts for small adults as well as capable children.

Exmoors contend small breeds M&M ridden classes and they jump in either 122cm or 133cm working hunter pony classes. Many Exmoors jump well and the breed is also increasingly visible in the mini circuit, with representatives contending both lead rein and first ridden classes with success.

If I buy an Exmoor, will it suit me?

It depends on the pony, and your riding abilities as well as what you wish to do with your pony.

Exmoors are known for being a quirky breed that isn’t suitable for everyone, however Jackie says it’s very much a case of horses for courses: “They are known for their quirks, but they are usually highly intelligent which makes them not suitable for everyone. They’re always one step ahead of you, and people can mistake that for them being stubborn.

“Today, you see lots of Exmoor contending first ridden and lead rein classes, so it depends on the temperament of the individual pony. It depends on how they are educated, too. If you get a pony that is wild from the moor, then he will take a lot more work to get going compared to a pony that has been handled from the off.”

Where should I buy an Exmoor pony from?

“If you want to buy an Exmoor for the ridden job, then I’d suggest taking your time to go to multiple breeders and have a real good look around,” Jackie advises. “The more ponies you can look at the better; this helps you get your eye in.

“If you’re wanting a foal and are happy to wait for it to mature and grow, you can go to the breeders who run ponies on the moor. There really isn’t anything more rewarding than bringing one up yourself. But, if you’re looking for an older pony to bring on sooner than I suggest going to the up-country breeders as these ponies have usually been handled more. Be aware of your own capabilities as not everyone has the experience to bring on a wild Exmoor foal!”

How much should I expect to pay for an Exmoor?

Like all native breeds, Exmoors vary in price depending on temperament, age, competition record and other factors.

“There are cheap ponies around, but, like in any breed, the better ridden ponies are fetching higher prices,” says Jackie. “These days, a good foal can easily make between £500 to £1000.”

I’ve agreed to buy an Exmoor pony, now what?

It is time to organise a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended. If the pony is for a child, perhaps asking for a trial period would be sensible, but not all sellers will agree to this.

It’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting what you intend to use the pony for so they can assess it accordingly.

If you tell the vet that you want the pony for the show ring, they should hopefully inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which could impact its future career, even if they don’t impact its soundness or performance.

Do note that if you are buying an Exmoor off the hill, it will be unlikely that you will have the pony vetted as it could have had little handling.

“It depends on what you are paying for an Exmoor, too,” says Jackie. “But for peace of mind you could always get an older pony checked over by the vet.”

For more information, you can read H&H’s ultimate guide to buying a horse.

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How can I buy my perfect Connemara pony?

On the hunt for a Welsh section A pony? Then you need to read this first…

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The 2024 HOYS Exmoor and Shetland pony of the year final kicked off proceedings at the 75th Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with top honours going to a stand-in jockey aboard a Shetland stallion.

Aliya Khan’s seven-year-old Latijn V.D. Helling triumphed with seasoned Welsh pony and cob rider Libby Grota in the saddle. This was only the second time Libby, a five-time HOYS winner prior to today, had ridden on “Latz”.

“I was in Greece when Aliya messaged me to ask if I would like to ride him here,” Libby said. “I’ve always admired him so I said why not. I rode him for the first time last night so today is only the second time I’ve ever sat on him. I can’t take any credit for this, it’s all down to Aliya’s hard work.”

Libby added: “He’s really pingy for a Shetland. He’s powerful with a lovely trot. It’s been years since I’ve ridden a Shetland, a bit different to the Welsh ponies I usually ride.”

Shetland breeder Claire Connor imported Latz from Holland as a youngster and Aliya has ridden him for the duration of his career. In 2022, he cemented his potential by standing supreme M&M at the Royal Highland. He was bred by the Lap Family, being by Caz V. Stal Nieuwemoed out of Rylanda V.D. Helling.

Aliya, 20, rode him at HOYS in 2022 on his debut and she was presented with the opportunity to buy him last winter.

“He lives at home with me now,” said Aliya, who currently juggles her team of ponies around studying. “He’s so easy to do and he’s got such a sweet character.”

At this year’s HOYS, Aliya opted to ride Claire Connor’s HOYS debutante Jorenzo V.D Veldhoeve, a nine-year-old who qualified at the Royal Highland on his first attempt. He finished third, pipped by Jessica Talbot on the highest placed Exmoor, Julian Walters and David Hodge’s stallion Blackthorn Poldark.

“He’s a baby and he’s not mine, so I always think it’s the right thing to ride my client’s ponies ahead of my own,” Aliya said. “It feels absolutely amazing to have achieved this with these two ponies.”

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A home-bred Exmoor mare pushed her name further into the history books as she was called forward to win the RIHS BSPS Heritage M&M mini supreme at the 2022 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Sandy Wooderson and her daughter Madeline Haynes’ eight-year-old Badleybridge Ab Fab headed an ultra-competitive lead rein class with Jennifer Frost, also eight, and handled by her co-producer Christina Gillett.

“Molly” was the first Exmoor to be bred at Sandy and Madeline’s Badleybridge Stud. She broke breed records by becoming the first Exmoor to qualify for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) on the lead rein.

Molly is by the stud’s foundation stallion Elsinore Alan Partridge out of Bluebarn Primrose.

“This means so much to us as breeders,” said Sandy. “But no matter where Molly comes on a show day, we’ll always love her. She always does her best and this is just the icing on the cake.”

“She’s super special to us in many, many ways,” said Madeleine. “Mum lost her husband in the same year Molly was born. Whatmore, the mare was late and Molly was born on his birthday. She’ll never leave the stud.”

Alan Partridge was an “accidental” buy:

“I saw a photo of him as a yearling online and fell in love with him,” said Sandy, of the stallion who has been prolific both under saddle and in-hand.

Jennifer, who is in her last year of lead rein classes, has ridden Molly for the duration of her career. Molly joined Christina and Kevin Cousins four years ago. She was third in the M&M lead rein final at the RIHS last year.

“She’s my best mate,” said Christina. “I have a cup of tea with her every morning on the yard. She’s quality but she likes the job; she sits up and pings along.”

This is the third time Team Gillett/Cousins have won the RIHS BSPS Heritage M&M mini supreme honour.

“The last time we won this championship was in 2019, but Kevin was leading so it’s nice to win it myself,” said Christina. “Sandy has always stuck by my bond with Molly.”

Craig Elenor led Finlay Clay and Dartmoor Springwater Tactician to second in the lead rein class and section reserve.

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Supporting a British pony by drinking gin — what is there not to like?

As part of its centenary celebrations this year, the Exmoor Pony Society (EPS) has commissioned a limited-edition gin inspired by the moorland ecosystem and in aid of the society’s work.

The gin is created at The Distillery in Notting Hill, at which EPS trustee Sue Burger’s son Jake is a director and master distiller. Sue has bred, shown and ridden Exmoors for 35 years, as well as being a judge, foal inspector and past EPS president.

Jake spent time researching plants connected to Exmoor, which has resulted in a “unique, Exmoor-inspired gin”.

“The Distillery is proud to be contributing towards one of Britain’s rarest and most beautiful native equine breeds,” he said.

“The gin we have created is a classic London dry style with a strong juniper character, its unique flavour inspired by the ecosystem of Exmoor.

“Alongside the more traditional botanicals, local whortleberry, heather flower, honey and samphire are in its botanical ingredients.”

Jake described the gin as having a “subtle floral aroma, and a notably dry slightly coastal finish”.

The gin is for sale online, with a £5 donation to the EPS from every bottle sold.

Sue Burger said: “We are really excited to be able to offer our members, supporters and the wider public the opportunity to purchase a high quality gin from a well-known distillery. We hope it will help to raise the profile of Exmoor ponies as well as providing some income to further the society’s work.”

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A seven-year-old mare has made breed history by becoming the first Exmoor pony to qualify for the mountain and moorland lead rein final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Madeline Haynes and Sandy Wooderson’s home-bred Badleybridge Ab Fab (Molly) picked up her ticket to the final at NPS Area 7, and while Exmoors have had a presence in open, junior and working hunter ranks at HOYS, this will be the first time a breed representative has qualified on the rein.

Ridden by Jennifer Frost, also seven, Molly is produced by Christina Gillet and Kevin Cousins. Molly and Jennifer were led by Christina on route to their golden ticket, where the pair also stood mini champions.

Molly is Sandy’s first home-bred Exmoor and is by the stud’s own stallion, former HOYS ridden finalist Elsinore Alan Partridge and is out of the late Bluebarn Primrose, who is a daughter of the prolific Blackthorn Sea Poacher.

“She’s had the most wonderful year,” said Sandy. “She qualified for the Royal International at the BSPS winter championships and stood third at the final, being the highest placed non-Welsh exhibit.”

Molly was also champion of the NPS qualifying classes at Midland Counties and was reserve champion in the M&M lead rein finals at the NPS summer championships.

“This is really only her second year in the ring as last year, as we all know, was pretty much written off and so she only managed one show,” said Sandy, of Molly, who was a former H&H one to watch. “Molly is such a genuine child’s pony and it’s very positive for the Exmoor breed to have a representative in this category.”

Molly was born on the birthday of Sandy’s late husband and was backed by Sandy’s good friend Sarah Knighton as a four-year-old.

“I sadly lost my husband in the February to cancer, and that same year Primrose was due to foal,” Sandy explained. “She was late so Molly ended up being born in April, on the same date as my husband’s birthday, so she really is a special pony.

“Sarah’s one-year-old son sat on her first when she was four, and so we knew from the start she was going to be perfect for the lead rein job. She went to Kevin and Christina as a five-year-old and she’s been brought on slowly; I find Exmoors are better if they’re given that little bit more time.

“She’s such a true-to-type Exmoor with quality, too. She’s beautifully schooled and goes really well; Kevin and Christina have done a fabulous with her. We’re delighted she’s got there and we’re equally delighted for the breed.”

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At the Norfolk Equestrian Show (28 July), an Exmoor pony and a New Forest pony took top honours as the two Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) rare breed supreme champions.

The winning Exmoor and receiver of the RBST priority breeds title was nine-year-old gelding Threeshires Edgar, owned and bred by Liz Barker and shown by Susannah Muir.

“He is such a calm and lovely pony,” said Susannah. “He wants to please and will try anything. This was only his second big show and he was absolutely perfect.

“Rare breeds have brought so much to other breeds – even some of today’s eventers have bloodlines that can be traced back to native ponies like the Exmoor.

“They are sure-footed and healthy ponies and it is important not only to keep the breed but also to ensure that the standards are maintained.”

New Forest pony Marleydenes Miriam (above), a four-year-old bay mare shown by Abigail Staff, was awarded the RBST at risk breeds accolade.

Abigail, who won at the Horse of the Year Show in 2015 on a New Forest pony, says that she has been gradually converted to the breed and now has three New Forest ponies:

“They are unique ponies,” she said. “They are show-offs, but extremely loyal and versatile, a lovely breed. We can’t afford to lose the native breeds that we are slowly losing and it is important to bring them out to shows like this so that more people can see and appreciate them.”

Seven of the rare native equine breeds listed as ‘priority’ or ‘at risk’ on the RBST watchlist were represented among the 19 rare-breed entrants. Other rare breeds showcased were the Fell pony, Highland pony, Dales pony, Dartmoor pony, and Cleveland Bay horse. The Shire, also on the RBST watchlist, was represented in the show’s Shire horse classes.

“It was fantastic to see so many of the UK’s rare native breeds showcased here,” said RBST chief executive Christopher Price. “The competitors did the UK’s native breeds proud with a very high standard of agility, skill and composure on display from them all.”

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In this week’s issue of H&H (out today, 8 April), we spend some time at the home of breeders Julian Walters and David Hodge, who run the Sharptor, Halstock and Blacketor prefixes from their stud in Okehampton on the edge of Dartmoor in Devon.

Breeding Shetland ponies, Dartmoor ponies and most recently Exmoor ponies, Julian and David are on a mission to breed “proper”, true-to-type natives for the ridden market. 

Take a look around their set-up, placed slap bang in the middle of some of the country’s most glorious landscape:

Breeders David Hodge (left) and Julian Walters with Blackthorn Poldark and Sharptor Trinity. David and Julian met in 1998. The pair were both involved in livestock showing and met through mutual friends. 

Their current home is a 1,500 acre farm nestled in the Dartmoor National Park, near Yes Tor, the second highest point on Dartmoor. The yard stands at 1,400 feet. 

Qualifying for the Cuddy in-hand final with a Shetland pony became an obsession for the breeders. In 2016, they made history when their Shetland mare Sharptor Trinity became the first of her breed in 30 years to contest the final after landing her ticket at Pembrokeshire county show. Trinity took the reserve spot in the pony section of the Cuddy in 2016 and 2017, having also finished second at HOYS under saddle as a lead-rein in 2013. 

Exmoors are a relatively new venture for the stud. Their interest was sparked when David saw Blackthorn Poldark for sale as a foal on social media. Now five, Poldark will be out under saddle this season after a successful in-hand career.

While conformation and breed type is at the heart of their breeding, David and Julian want to ensure that the ponies appeal to the ridden market and can go on to have jobs elsewhere.

Jessica Talbot (right) produces David and Julian’s ponies under saddle from her yard in Somerset. 

David and Julian rough the ponies off in the winter so they can apply condition by recommencing feeding in the new year for a fresh topline. 

“We are pretty old-school; we make our own mix from straights, too,” says Julian.

The stud breeds around 45 foals a year. They are a combination of all three breeds, but the majority is made up of standard Shetlands. 

Six-year-old Shetland stallion Sharptor Tricolore – by Sharptor Laser Red out of Sharptor Trinity — has already secured several wins with Jessica Talbot. 

 “Tricolore has the movement of his mother and he’s a very exciting prospect,” says Julian. 

Don’t miss the full interview with David and Julian in this week’s Horse & Hound, out (8 April). 

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A young show producer has certainly had her hands full this lockdown. As well as a string of other natives, Northamptonshire-based Lauren Brill has not one but five Exmoor ponies in her stables.

The Exmoor pony is classified as a rare breed and the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) currently reports that the Exmoor is in the endangered category, with only 300 to 500 registered breeding mares.

While Exmoors do have an increasing presence on the show circuit, the breed is still a minority when compared to some of the more popular small breed mountain and moorlands.

Lauren’s love affair with the breed began when she was just 10 years old, with the gelding Stowbrook Snipe, who she had on loan from Jill Cook.

She was then offered the ride on Yolande Jarvis’ gelding Edwinsfield Nocturne (George) who won a host of titles and also gained places at Olympia, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and the Royal International (RIHS).

“Exmoors are are a very unique breed,” confirmed Lauren. “They can be challenging and quirky, but also very trainable and loveable.

“George was the pony who put me on the map and I am forever thankful to Yolande for the opportunity to ride him.

“I love working with them because they are so rewarding and once you build a bond — which takes a lot of time — you are set for life.”

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Lauren’s current brace of Exmoors includes (L — R, pictured) Jill Stapleton’s three-year-old Thistle, Natasha Foster’s nine-year-old Teagle Swedish Rebel Diamond, Annabel Orrin’s five-year-old Coedywern Tegid, Annette Perry’s seven-year-old Bournefield Celtic Rose and Liz Barker’s eight-year-old Threeshires Edgar.

“I find they usually fit into two categories,” added Lauren. “They are either very sure of themselves, confident and cocky, or timid, nervous and often flighty. You rarely find one in between. But they are full of character one way or another, and they totally get under your skin.”

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The Exmoor pony is Britain’s oldest breed of native pony. Today, the Exmoor is recognised as an endangered breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

They have adapted to survive on low quality moorland grazing and can make good all-round family ponies, capable of carrying adults, but some have been known for having quirky temperaments.

Stallions stand up to 12.3hh and mares up to 12.2hh. They can either be bay, brown and dun in colour and carry characteristic mealy markings on the muzzle and around the eye and flanks.

The Exmoor Pony Society (EPS) was founded in 1921 and classify themselves as the ‘guardians of the breed’.

The EPS states that: “Exmoor ponies are versatile, adaptable, very strong for their size and able to turn their hooves to a wide variety of activities.

“Historically, the Exmoor pony was used by the hill farmers to undertake all kinds of work from being ridden for shepherding to being used in harness for ploughing, harrowing, taking feed to stock and the farmer’s family to market and church.”

Ponies from wild herds were gathered and then trained to pull the carts and chariots of the Celtic settlers. The Doomsday Book book contains the first written evidence of ponies on Exmoor, when it was a designated Royal Forest.

The EPS continues: “Records from the 1500s onwards reveal that the equine population varied in numbers rising to about 1,000 at times. Non-Exmoor mares came to the moor to join the indigenous British Hill Pony type stock but it is thought that the wardens ran native stallions.”

In 1818, the crown sold the Royal Forest of Exmoor and the outgoing Warden, Sir Thomas Acland, took 30 of the ponies and founded the Acland herd, which is now known as the Anchor herd and still running. Farmers from Withypool and Hawkridge also bought stock at the dispersal sale and founded several herds. Numbers 1, 10, 12, 23 and 44 still exist.

Today, Exmoor ponies are found winning under saddle in the show ring both in flat classes and as working hunter ponies. In 2017, Gail Wetter and her own Barhill Marigold won the 122cm working hunter pony of the year final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS). The only Exmoor pony to ever win the M&M ridden final at Olympia was Margaret Burnett’s Stowbrook Jenny Wren, who took the title in 2003 with Katy Marriott-Payne. Pictured above is the 2017 Olympia Best of Breed and 2018 Royal International Horse Show small breeds winner Dunkery Widgeon, owned by Mauren Richardson and ridden by Hayley Reynolds.

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When we asked you to send us photos of your Exmoor ponies this week, we were inundated with examples of

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Watch these ‘wild’ Exmoor ponies being gathered in from the moor…

Have you ever watched a herd of wild Exmoor ponies galloping across the moor? Now is your chance...

The EPS and its members work hard to ensure that this rare native breed continues to run free on Exmoor and exhibits all the traits and characteristics of its ancestors.

The EPS says that: “All the Exmoor ponies on the moor are owned by moorland farmers who have specific grazing rights. The farmers and local Society members monitor the herds at key stages of the breeding cycle, making notes of which mares are in foal and when the foals are born. This greatly assists the society in ensuring that the parentage of the ponies is correctly recorded at the time of inspection.”

Exmoor conservation is considered to be very important. At the end of the second world war, there were only around 50 ponies left on the moor. This means that there is a very small pool of breeding ponies. Nevertheless, dedicated breeders are working hard to ensure old bloodlines remain in the gene pool.

Exmoors can be versatile with several taking to the dressage and show jumping arenas, despite not having massive amounts of movement. They have also proven to be excellent conservation grazers and being used for this purposes at a number of locations both in the UK and around the world.

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Have you ever watched a herd of ‘wild’ Exmoor ponies galloping across the moor? Now is your chance…

This short film includes footage showing the semi-feral Exmoor ponies of Exmoor National Park being gathered in this year.

The ponies are seen crossing the River Barle on Withypool Common before cascading down to Lancombe Crossing on Brendon Common and galloping across the moor. It features Exmoor ponies from the Milton family’s Withypoole Herd 23 — a herd which is celebrating its 200 year anniversary — and Tippbarlake Herd 387, owned by the Floyd family.

Exmoor farmers and landowners in the Moorland Exmoor Pony Breeders Group (MEPBG) — which includes the Exmoor National Park Authority and the National Trust — are working to safeguard the ponies of Exmoor National Park, which are currently listed as an endangered breed.

The MEPBG Exmoor herd owners are seeking to improve breeding programmes, moorland management, welfare, promotion and opportunities for the ponies, particularly for the colt foals, which are required to leave the moor each autumn after weaning.

From this autumn, the group is issuing MEPBG Certificates of Authority for MEPBG members’ Exmoor ponies born and bred in Exmoor National Park. The certificate will recognise the status of both pedigree and non-pedigree Exmoor ponies, born out on the moor, or in ground on the farms. Certificates will be authenticated by herd owners listing details in the MEPBG Heritage Exmoor Pony Register.

“It’s a progressive step forward in giving status and recognition to the true, authentic Exmoor pony population, born and bred in Exmoor National Park,” said MEPBG Chairman, Nick Westcott.

Continued below…

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“While we continue to work with the authorities to try and resolve ongoing problems with DNA parentage verification and registering of stock, which is resulting in far too many perfectly good purebred Exmoor ponies being excluded from the stud book. The dangerously small gene pool can’t afford to lose these proper Exmoor ponies.”

Contact details of the MEPBG Herd owners can be found in the MEPBG Breeder’s Directory.

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After taking a malnourished, nervous Exmoor pony under her wing 10 years ago, Rachael Fear’s dream of qualifying for the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) finally came true. The hotel bar manager from Somerset rode her own 14-year-old mare to win the small breeds open ridden class at BSPS Area 13B, subsequently taking the ticket.

Hawkwell Valentine (Vally) and Rachael were first acquainted a decade ago, when a friend told her of an Exmoor foal she had heard was for sale at a local farm.

“When I went to view the pony, it quickly became apparent that it wasn’t a foal, but actually a four-year-old mare, who was severely underweight,” said Rachael. “You could see every bone in her body. I just said then and there that I would take her home — I just couldn’t leave her.”

When Rachael got her home, the real work began as Vally was completely unhandled.

She continued: “She was wild. We couldn’t do anything with her and it took us the best part of a year to get her to trust us.”

“We eventually got her on side but had to take it really slowly. After getting the tack on, we started to break her, but she was never, and still isn’t, very good to get on — if you tried to stand still, then the problems would begin. I fell off a few times, and even knocked myself out once.

“A lot of people told us to have her put down as she was dangerous, but I just couldn’t give up on her. I decided to send her away to a professional who worked wonders. Initially, it took five people to help try and get on her, but six weeks in, she was trotting and cantering like a normal pony. Nevertheless, she is still very quirky — I still have to just ‘get on and go.’”

The pair contended a few showing classes and also competed in some dressage and quadrille competitions, but it wasn’t until last season that they really started to show their potential in the show ring.

“The problem we’ve always had is that I get so nervous and she will never stand, so it’s a bad combination,” says Rachael. “But suddenly it just clicked and we started doing well. 

“Our Royal International qualifier didn’t bode well during the warm up, as she kept cantering on the wrong leg. But in the class she just went amazingly. All I kept thinking was how happy I was with our show, but when we were called forward as winners I started to cry, I couldn’t believe it.

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“She has been such a difficult pony, not just in training but we’ve also nearly lost her a few times. During winter she is so hard to keep weight on and she also gets temperature colic if not managed properly — it’s safe to say she has not been the easiest.”

The duo will head down to Hickstead for their open class and aim to compete in a couple of Horse of the Year Show qualifiers in the season.

“Whatever happens, I’m very proud of her,” said Rachael.

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The Exmoor Pony Centre is facing closure this autumn unless it can raise enough money to plug a large hole in its finances.

The centre, near Dulverton on Exmoor, is operated by the charity Moorland Mousie Trust and helps preserve the breed by protecting unwanted moor-bred ponies who would be facing slaughter.

It opened in 2006 and since then has helped more than 300 moor-bred foals find homes as riding ponies or in conservation grazing herds.

It has also welcomed more than 50,000 visitors over the past 11 years.

Following several years of rising costs and decreasing income, the trustees have this week given the charity an ultimatum — unless £20,000 can be found, the centre will be unable to stay open beyond the end of the summer.

“This will also mean the closure of the popular riding, education and community outreach activities enjoyed by local visitors and tourists,” said centre manager Linzi Green (pictured).

“We are all terribly worried about the imminent threat of closure, our target of £20,000 means we would be able to continue for the rest of 2017 while we work to raise further funding which we hope will ensure our long-term survival.”

Vet Fiona Dickson, who cares for the ponies, said the trust and the centre’s work is an “integral part” of the Exmoor pony’s future in finding homes, as well as education and rescue of equines in difficulty.

“It will be a devastating loss and a massive backward step in the safeguarding of the breed if the Exmoor Pony Centre were to close,” she added.

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Sarah Bryan, chief executive of Exmoor National Park Authority said the Exmoor pony is an important part of the area’s heritage.

“Visitors and locals alike delight in seeing the free-living herds grazing the moor and we are sorry to learn that the centre’s future is uncertain,” she said.

“We have worked with them for many years and we hope that people across the country and indeed the world will feel able to help.”

Volunteer Gail Cheeseman launched a crowdfunder appeal on 21 April, which has already raised more than £8,000.

“I just couldn’t sit by and watch the centre close without us all having fought as hard as possible to raise the funds to stay open.” she said, “I have been supporting the charity for years and have seen first-hand the good work undertaken by trustees, staff and volunteers to improve the lives of these ponies.”

Activities will continue as normal throughout the summer.

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When we asked you to send us photos of your Exmoor ponies this week, we were inundated with examples of your hardy natives proving that there are no limits to their talents — whether that's driving, showing, showjumping or even racing. Don't miss this week's issue of Horse & Hound magazine (16 February 2017), where we celebrate the Exmoor pony — plus other British breeds

‘This time last year I was on the look out for a 14hh Connemara mare which I could bring on for my eldest daughter. After a conversation in February with Emma Wallace we went to look at Anchor Elder (Billy) a 12.1hh gelding Exmoor pony, owned by Angeline Briggs. Not what we set out for in the slightest — but we fell for this loveable rogue. Within a month he'd been to Pony Club and qualified for the second round of Trailblazers showjumping. By the end of the summer he'd done two camps, mounted games, one day events, been placed at the Pony Club Area Dressage, qualified for the NPS working hunter championships and qualified for the trailblazers showjumping championships. The best thing by far that we have done with him is Pony Racing at Beverley Racecourse. He held his own and we have high hopes for him next season. Some more fitness work and less gawping at the grandstand would help. Owning an Exmoor has opened a whole new world of opportunities to us as a family and introduced us to some wonderful new people.’ — Mel Gaskell

'Alice can do most things — she loves children and they love watching her tricks. And Beau is my showing pony — I wish all my horses moved like she does. They really are a fantastic and loving breed.' — Claire Walker

‘This is my Exmoor pony Lavena. She was bred in a Nature Reserve in Germany and her sire is Little Lord. We do a lot of horse agility and have started riding training, mostly hacking out.’ — Urte Biallas

‘This is my three-year-old Exmoor Harold. I've had him right from the very beginning. He took a lot of time to build up confidence with me but now he trots along side of me with no headcollar and lead rope.’ — Sophie Dalee

‘This is Greenham Common Prince William, lovingly known as 'Clegg'. He's a 12.3hh Exmoor and has the typical pony character — cheeky with 'innocent until proven guilty' as his default expression. He is forever sticking his tongue out at the camera, and is able to unzip bags to steal the goodies within! We're working at prelim level in dressage but our true calling is showjumping which we started in August/September 2016.’ — Rebecca Jeffries

‘Anchor Godiva, also known at the yard as Lady is a 12.2hh, six-year-old Exmoor mare. I bought her off the hill as a three-year-old in October 2014. Owning her has been a real learning curve and she has taught me a great deal. Since she came off the moor we have achieved so much, recently winning our first prelim dressage competition. I am hoping that we can begin to compete in affiliated dressage and do some HOYS qualifiers in the future.’ — Becky Edwards

‘I have been lucky to have had two Exmoors in my life.
 The first was Dunkery Bewick aka Merlin. He belongs to Rosemary Keyser and was produced by Gary Docking and I drove him for three seasons. My current Exmoor is Woodman's Sheena. She loves show days and this year I hope to do veteran classes with her, although she has been turned out all winter and first I need to catch her. You've got to love an Exmoor… They are definitely character-building!
’ — 
Penny Richmond

‘I have a 23-year-old Exmoor pony. I used to ride her, but had a serious back operation three years ago and was told to give up riding. I therefore decided to break her to harness, as I was allowed to drive her. I knew nothing about driving. It was a really big learning curve for me, but she loves it. She is fantastic for her age — she is 23 and I will be 60 later this year, so we are a right pair of golden oldies!’ — Paula Kay

‘We have five Exmoor mares who came to help us conservation graze at Rosewood Farm in the Lower Derwent Valley National Nature Reserve. The reserve is a wetland of International importance and we wanted to add Exmoors to our cattle and sheep for more effective tree control and to help preserve such an ancient breed. We plan to breed the mares and keep geldings to drive.’ — Natalie Rose

‘I am one of the trek leaders with the Edinburgh Exmoors. We currently have a herd of 15 ponies used for trekking in the Pentland hills. The ponies are extremely versatile, they thrive on the hills just outside the city and make light work of trekking on all terrain.’ — Millie Crane

‘This is Mouse, a 12.2hh Exmoor pony. He is 14 and I've had him for five years. He is my first pony and has given me so many great experiences. I've hunted with the local hunt Four Burrow, he has qualified for Eland Lodge Horseware hunter trials series and we won our first ever dressage competition together. He is truly one in a million and at 18 and 5'6 I will never stop riding this boy.’ — Melissa Reeve

‘This is Monty, our rescue pony. He is the most gentle natured and loving pony. When Monty originally came to us, he was frightened, scared and not used to a lot of human contact. My mum spent a lot of time individually with him gaining his trust and he soon settled in with the other ponies. We have spent a lot of time with Monty working in an arena where he now jumps over poles well. Our goal for next year is to take him showing. He is a credit to Exmoor ponies and a credit to us. We are so proud and pleased that he is part of our family.’ — Melissa Hocking-Carter

‘This is my son William's pony Bowstraight Archer. Archer is eight-year-old William's best friend. We have owned him for four years and they have done showing, gymkhana and are starting showjumping.’ — Lucy Morrice

‘I am a showing producer and currently have three gorgeous Exmoor ponies. Edwinsfield Nocturne has been to HOYS, Royal International and been champion in hand at Lincoln County for the past two years running. He will be competing in the county circuit working hunter pony classes this year. George is owned by Yolande Jarvis.’ — Lauren Brill

‘Here is my Exmoor pony, Eric (who is often called Eric the Exmoor). Eric is from herd 23 and his passport name is Cricky Boy, his sire being Cricky Lad. I am now 21, and Eric is 18-years-old, and we have grown up being best friends. What makes Eric an extremely special pony is his quirky personality — he has always had his own views on life! Eric will take me along the path he wants to ride down, he will try his very best not to be caught, and loves his food. He is an incredibly sure footed pony, and loves to go hunting and will always take care of me. I have never come across a more cheeky pony, or a pony who gives so much love. He is incredibly special to me and I feel so lucky to have such a spirited and genuine friend that just happens to be an Exmoor pony.’ — Laura Brearley

‘This is Archie who was born in the wilds of the Scottish highlands. I got him as a two-year-old and he is now eight-years-old. I live in a small village in the highlands and have a small croft I work. Archie has been a great help on the croft and assists with moving cows, carrying hay and pulling strainers and fence posts up some of the steep croft, where the quad will not go as it's too slippery.’ — Kim Maclennan

'Here is mother and daughter with their ponies Dunkery Shrike and Tawbitts Golden Toffee Two. Our Exmoor ponies have done just about everything!' — Jenna Payne

‘This is Tawbitts Mystic Major who is now retired at the age of 16. He has previously won at the Royal International Horse Show (Ridden Small Breeds 2011), been placed third at HOYS, been to Olympia twice and been supreme at the Exmoor Breed Show. He lives out now with his other Exmoor friend Stanley.’ — Jessica Please.

‘I have three Exmoor ponies and wanted to share some photos with you of them being generally awesome and gorgeous. Here is Seòmar Karoo who was born in 2015.’ — Jen Bacon

‘This is my pony of a lifetime, Lindsay Pheobe. Pheobe is an allrounder and enjoys doing a bit of everything from hacking to showing. In 2016 Pheobe competed most weekend, taking it all in her stride. In June 2016 I rode Pheobe to my school prom, where she stood beside a monster truck, at least three stretched limos and a motor bike. She didn't even bat an eyelid at the whole experience.’ — Jade Abbott

‘This is our Exmoor pony Danewell Demelza, who will be 21 this year. Her Sire is 49/38 Siskin and her Dam is H60/2 Blackthorn Prudence. Demelza has had a very easy and simple life living on Northam Burrows and has recently moved into our field with our homebred thoroughbred April, and is thoroughly enjoying galloping after her.’ — Holly May

‘We have a 12hh nine-year-old Exmoor gelding called Bumble. He came to us on loan and never went home! We paid the princely sum of £1 for him. He's a gem, so brave, a great character and he adores my daughter Sophie. We both ride him and do all sorts with him. He's a dab hand at in-hand showing with her and a cracking little jumper for me. We've just started doing some classical riding techniques with him and he takes it all in. I think we will be doing dressage soon.’ — Helen Eshelby

‘This is my chap who will be 36 year old this year. My sister and I have had him for 20 years and he was bought by our mum who we sadly loss in 1999 when we were aged 14 and 16. He was our first pony and I owe him everything — he helped us cope with losing our mum as well as teaching us to ride. He is now teaching my three-year-old boy to ride. He really is a star.’ — Hannah Bateman

‘This is me and Whizzy, my 12.2hh Exmoor out hunting with the Haydon Hunt in Northumberland. This was his first time hunting and he spent the whole day with his reindeer antlers on. He is owned by Juliet Rodgers who runs the Mousie Moorland Trust. I bring on the young ponies for her to make them suitable Pony Club, hunting or showing ponies.’ — Georgie Courage

‘This is my Exmoor pony Elvis. He is a 'happy hacker' in his spare time but his main job is helping me to teach people about equine behaviour. He is very bright and great fun to be around, and will point out to students very clearly (but safely) where their handling techniques need some improvement!’ — Felicity George

‘This is my Exmoor Tangle (registered as Ulgrave 14/53). I bought her as an unhandled yearling and did all her handling and backing myself. Once she decided people were quite nice (it doesn't take long with packets of Polos!) she became an extremely sweet pony, loved by everyone. I sadly had to sell her last year after nine years together. She has showjumped, been cross-country, done gymkhanas but her true love is as a hunting pony.’ — Faye Hedley

‘This is my Exmoor Darshill Banshee. He's rising five, not backed yet, but we are having fun and taking our time. He came off Darwen moor to me at three-years-old and we are just working on trust and confidence. This year, I hope to back him and our goal for the future is to do hacking and perhaps some dressage.’ — Emma Atkinson

‘This is Galahad, an 11-year-old Exmoor pony. He has tried his hand at most things — dressage, showjumping, cross-country, trec and even gymkhana games. Although he knows his own mind he does his best to please (Most of the time…!)’ — Eleanor Lunn

‘This is my 14-year-old registered Exmoor gelding Tippbarlake Charlie Brown 387/2 (also known as Tommy or Moose!) He is field mate to my cob x Shire Megan and has done a bit of horse agility. A long term project…’ — Claire Martin

‘I have one very special Exmoor — Dunkerry Whooper was spotted as a foal waiting to be killed at a slaughterhouse. He was broken to drive, has been hunting and now spends most of his days eating and finding different ways to make hacks out exciting.’ — Carole Kingham

‘This is Princess Daisy, an 11hh, 11-year-old cheeky Exmoor mare. Previously we have been competing at local level in M&M classes, however this year we are raising the bar and going county with the hope to qualify for HOYS at the great Yorkshire show. When we are not out showing we are either doing dressage, combined training, showjumping or fun rides. She's a very cheeky and difficult pony but she's made me the rider I am today. I love her to bits.’ — Beth Wadsworth

‘Exmoor ponies make amazing family ponies. This is Cosmic Doris with my daughters Isabelle, nine, and Emily, six.’ — breezebbreeze

‘This is my Exmoor pony Huntscott Jan Ridd 266/1, stable name Tawny. He has worked here at Barrow Farm as an RDA pony since 2005 and he is now 22. He is a great example of all the fantastic work native ponies do for RDA all over the country.’ — Anne Mitchell MBE

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Townend Schubert stood Blue Chip Native BSPS Heritage Supreme champion at Olympia yesterday (21 December), but many more were left celebrating when 12 breed winners were crowned. Scroll down to see pictures of each one in action

Fell

The overall winner was also the best Fell. “I spotted Townend Schubert on the Fells as a foal and instantly took to him, so I jumped at the chance to buy him as an unbroken three-year-old,” said owner/rider Rebecca Penny of the six-year-old stallion, who is produced by Aimee Devane. “Schubert came out this year with the intention of just testing him in a few open classes — little did I expect him to qualify for Olympia by standing champion at Suffolk county.”

Welsh section D

Katie Williams’ Ringside Game Over finished second overall and was crowned best Welsh section D. Ridden by Alex Williams, the seven-year-old stallion is by Llanarth Old Fashion out of Sydenham Gooseberry.

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Highland

The winning Highland was Mrs M Stanford’s Benbreac Of Croila, who was partnered by Matthew Cooper to overall third place. It caps a stellar year for the seven-year-old stallion, by Ulleam Of Croila, who won the Torne Valley £1,000 final at North Of England and stood Heritage supreme at the BSPS summer championships.

Welsh section C

Menai Celtic Hero, owned by Irene Gawith and ridden by Fiona Cork, was the best Welsh section C. Irene bought the seven-year-old gelding by Menai Caderivid as a foal and Fiona gained the ride in February this year.

Dales

Sarah Field’s Carrock Billy Boy-sired Tarbarl Matthew was crowned the best Dales. The eight-year-old stallion joined Sarah’s yard in 2013. “This year he has exceeded all expectations — qualifying for Horse of the Year Show first time out and then qualifying for Olympia,” said Sarah.

Connemara

The winning Connemara was Sandra Burton’s Banks Timber. The seven-year-old stallion, by Teglstrup Duke, only started his ridden career in March after being successful in-hand.

Welsh section A

Powys Sprite finished best of the Welsh section As for the second year running, ridden by India Latter. “Sprite is a real family favourite and cheeky — he likes to blow raspberries at people at home if they’re on the yard and not giving him any attention,” said Debbie.

Welsh section B

This was the fifth consecutive year that Kathleen Scott’s Cadlanvalley Sandpiper, ridden by Collette Green, competed at Olympia and the nine-year-old by Eyarth Troy walked away with the Welsh section B prize.

Dartmoor

Eleven-year-old Okeleat Navigator, owned by Debbie Barr and ridden by Alice Barr, was crowned best Dartmoor. This is the stallion’s third year under saddle and the third time he has qualified for Olympia.

Exmoor

The Exmoor title went to the sole representative Moonpenny Aquarius, owned by Mrs M Bryant and ridden by Elizabeth Etchells. The eight-year-old by Frithesden Phoenix has only been in the show ring a handful of times this term due to juggling dressage, showjumping, eventing and working hunter classes. “To win the breed Olympia qualifier for the second year running is the icing on the cake. He proves the versatility of an Exmoor,” said Elizabeth.

Shetland

The winning Shetland, Mrs A Stevens’ Brinleyview Camanchee ridden by Gemma Pallett, has barely been out of the prizes this season. The 12-year-old son of Womble Of Crafton’s tally includes standing supreme at the Shetland breed show and winning the Blue Riband small breeds title at the Heritage championships.

New Forest

Only one New Forest pony contested the championship — Mr G Jeffries’ Applewitch Magister, ridden by Charlotte Jenkins. It was an emotional moment for the 13-year-old stallion’s connections, as the pony’s owner Trudy Jeffries died earlier this year.

“We have been determined to have a season Trudy would be proud of,” said Charlotte.

Don’t miss the full Olympia report, including a column by conformation judge Henrietta Knight, in the 24 December issue of Horse & Hound magazine

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A second herd of Exmoor ponies has been introduced to the Czech Republic.

In March this year, the first 14 mares were released into a 40-hectare area on a former army base — around 20 miles from Prague — after arriving from the UK in January.

A stallion was introduced later in the spring.

The project was a success and the European Wildlife programme, part-funded by the Czech Republic State Environment Fund programme, decided it wanted more ponies.

On Thursday (17 December) a further 14 mares from Exmoor were released near Prague to form a second herd.

A stallion, called Tawbitts Merlin, is expected to join them by the end of the year.

The project was coordinated by the Moorland Mousie Trust, which runs the Exmoor Pony Centre, alongside the Exmoor Pony Society and the Exmoor Committee of Herd Owners.

Selecting the ponies began in the autumn when the herds were gathered in from the moors.

Strict veterinary testing was needed before they were allowed to travel.

“We were delighted to hear the Czech project wanted to source more Exmoor ponies,” said Sue McGeever from the Exmoor Pony Society.

“To take ponies from the free-living herds of Exmoor is a great boost to keeping the herds thriving and ensuring future sustainable breeding programmes.”

The ponies’ journey began on 14 December when they left Exmoor and took an overnight ferry from Dover to the continent.

They then had an overnight stop in Frankfurt before arriving in the Czech Republic.

The new herd will be running on a new 120-hectare pasture in a former military training area in Milovice near Prague.

They will also be sharing their grazing site with a herd of eight bison, imported from a nature reserve in Poland.

The area is a prairieland habitat, which includes critically endangered plant and animal species.

A young pine forest makes up part of the reserve and hawthorne groves will provide shelter.

As well as this, scientists have created several waterholes and a well to give the ponies a permanent source of water.

“Without the enormous support of the Exmoor Pony Society, herd owners, landowners and a compassionate vet the project wouldn’t have gone so smoothly,” added Juliet Rogers of the Moorland Mousie Trust.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Exmoor ponies had a taste of stardom after appearing on ITV’s flagship daytime show earlier this month.

Dawn Westcott visited the central London studios with her rescue pony Monsieur Chapeau and his equine friend, Farleywater Lady Stumpkin Pumpkin, on 12 November.

The co-founder of the Moorland Exmoor Foal Project told presenters Holly Willoughby and Phillip Schofield about the pony’s rescue.

In January 2014 a friend of Dawn’s — Tricia Gibson — spotted the foal alone on the moors.

“She knew immediately that this was a pony in trouble,” said Dawn.

“He was about four months old and had somehow been separated from his mother.”

Tricia, Dawn and their husbands went out to look for the foal and found him alone in a steep coombe.

Between them, they managed to help the youngster to the road, where Dawn picked him up in a trailer.

He also had pneumonia, rainscald and was severely malnourished.

She said he collapsed about eight times as the group helped him to safety and it was around 10 days before he could stand on his own without support.

During his recovery, Monsieur Chapeau bonded with “Pumpkin”.

“She took him under her wing and there is no doubt that she accelerated his recovery,” said Dawn.

The ponies, who are both two years old, now run with a herd of about 25 Exmoors.

On their way out of the studios, Monseiur Chapeau met American superstar and former Pussycat Doll Nicole Scherzinger, who was also appearing on the programme that day.

“That was just surreal,” Dawn told H&H.

“She must be a horsewoman, she really knew how to greet him.”

Dawn said she was “delighted” with how the ponies coped with the “strange environment”.

Dawn and her husband Nick started the foal project in 2013 and are also among the founder members of the Moorland Exmoor Pony Breeders Group, which was set up last year.

“For a little orphaned Exmoor pony, Monsieur Chapeau has done so much to promote the breed,” said Dawn.

“He is also helping to highlight that we need to do more to safeguard the ponies.”

She added that difficulties with the registration of ponies living on the moor is a major problem for the breed.

Preparation

The busy ITV studios on London’s South Bank are a far cry from the open countryside that the ponies are used to.

To prepare them for their trip to the city, Dawn and her team built a mock-up of a television studio in a barn at home.

Complete with spotlights, carpet and props, Dawn and her helpers walked the ponies into the “studio” daily and practiced negotiating narrow “corridors”.

ITV arranged for a lorry to bring the ponies up to London, but road closures due to the arrival of the Indian Prime Minister at Westminster meant they nearly missed their slot.

After pushing back their screen time by half an hour, the team arrived just 20 minutes before going live on air.

“The make-up artists were trying to do my face while I brushed Monsieur Chapeau,” she said.

“We went into the studio and just before we went live, Pumpkin did a massive wee on their carpet.”

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Catastrophic events during World War Two meant that by the end of the war there were just 50 of the hardy Exmoor ponies left — a culmination of owners being away at war, ‘trigger happy’ troops training on the moor and ponies being stolen for meat.

As a result they are classified as endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and in a new video made by The Exmoor Pony Society, breed expert Dr Sue Baker explains some simple precautions we can all take to make sure they thrive for future generations:

If you are visiting Exmoor…

1. Do not try to feed the Exmoor ponies

“It’s very important that people don’t try to feed Exmoor ponies because we need to ensure that they maintain their wild abilities to use the natural food plants. The moment they start to associate food with people, it places them at risk from vehicle accidents, but it also means we start to compromise their ability to live out freely,” says Sue.

2. Do not leave gates open

“Maintaining the genetic diversity of Exmoors is critical and the breeders have their individual breeding programmes that are aimed at making sure the gene pool is managed and the various family lines are continued,” adds Sue. “All those breeding programmes rely on the fact that their ponies will be in a set enclosure not mixing with other ponies, and so all of this can be completely wrecked if people leave gates open.”

Continued below…

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3. Be careful when you’re walking with a dog

This is particularly important in the spring/early summer when there are heavily pregnant mares and young foals that can be upset by a dog startling them.

4. Drive slowly

Every year ponies are killed in road traffic accidents, either dying outright or having to be put down as a result of their injuries. Foals can often be the casualty of these accidents because they’re oblivious to traffic.

Find out more about Exmoor ponies at www.exmoorponysociety.org.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Sick of riding on the roads or the same old bridleways? It’s time to start exploring. Box your horse up, check out local riding schools and hire a horse, or simply dream about riding some of the best hacking routes in the UK and Ireland.

Studland Beach, Dorset

Hacking along this glorious four-mile stretch of golden sand, in a sheltered and safe bay, is a dream come true for most riders. A National Trust nature reserve, you can wind your way among the sand dunes into the heathland beyond, spotting deer, insects, birds and beautiful wild flowers, before blowing the cobwebs away with a good old gallop across the beach. Studland is also home to the best-known naturist beach in the UK – your horse won’t know where to look! You will need to obtain a riding permit first.

Visit: www.nationaltrust.org.uk/studland-beach

Holkham Bay, Norfolk

Voted the best beach in Britain by leading travel writers because of its stunning natural beauty both in the heat of summer and on a crisp winter’s day, perhaps the best thing about Holkham Beach is that you can ride on it! Home to many rare flora and fauna, with gorgeous, fine golden sands as far as the eye can see, who wouldn’t want to head out for a blast? You don’t need a permit and there’s pay-and-display parking for horseboxes in Holkham Village.

Visit: www.holkham.co.uk

Continued below…

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Exmoor National Park, Devon

Ancient Exmoor, full of Mesolithic monuments, standing stones and undisturbed archeological sites, is a magical place. It’s also fantastic riding country; with over 300 miles of bridleways across varying terrain, riders can spend many happy hours exploring its wild moors, hidden valleys with trickling streams, and mysterious woodlands – and of course, meet the wild Exmoor ponies. It’s also home to some of the darkest skies in Europe, making it perfect for star-gazing – so romantic.

Visit: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Connemara, Ireland

Horses are as much a part of the Irish landscape as its green hills, and a huge part of its mythology – according to Irish legend, the great hero Oisin rode his beautiful white steed into the sea to be with his true love Niamh in Tir Na Og, the Land Of Eternal Youth. Home to the feisty grey horses, Connemara is a horse lover’s paradise. Majestic mountains, long beaches, bubbling bogs, enchanting woods and quiet roads – it’s got it all, and you can explore on horseback, along the ancient Connemara Trail. 

Visit: www.connemara-trails.com

Cheviot Hills, Northumberland

There’s no better way of enjoying the fabulous views in Northumberland National Park than from the back of a horse. Follow ancient cattle-droving routes used by our ancestors (who would have also herded on horseback) and ride the border between Scotland and England through a wild and romantic hilly landscape dipping into lush valleys. This route is across the Cheviot Hills, and it’s a wonderful place for experienced riders to let their hair down, make like the Celts who once lived here, and gallop across the hills.

Visit: www.northumberlandnationalpark.org.uk

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

There’s nothing sweeter than the sound of an airhostess welcoming you back to the West Country when your easyJet plane lands at Bristol airport. Or boarding a First Great Western train to the land of Cheddar Gorge and Glastonbury Tor.

But if you’ve spent time with horses in the West Country, there’s a whole lot more to love about the home of The Wurzels and Exmoor ponies.

1. Mendip Farmers’ point-to-point

An outwear company is yet to design a coat that will protect you from the wind at Ston Easton during the Mendip Farmers’ point-to-point. You’re unlikely to be able to get out of your car because the rain will be horizontal — but you wouldn’t miss it for the world.

2. Wincanton racecourse

Something’s gone seriously awry with your Christmas plans if you’re not at Wincanton on Boxing Day. And if you can muscle your way into a box to thaw out with a cup of tea, then it’s a Christmas to remember.

3. Mole Valley Farmers

Mole Valley Farmers is where you spent all your pocket money on things you did — and mostly didn’t — really need for your pony as a child. Shavings or show jackets, wooden poles or water troughs — MVF never let you down.

4. The Wurzels

The Wurzels’ 1976 number one hit “Combine Harvester” is enough to get any Pony Club disco started. And everyone knows the words (Cuz I got a brand new combine harvester/ An’ I’ll give you the key/ Come on now let’s get together/ In perfect harmony…).

5. Cider

Home-grown cider means that every hunt ball you’ve ever been to is a hazy blur.

6. Weston-Super-Mare

Brean beach near Weston-Super-Mare is where you find out pretty quickly what your horse thinks of the seaside.

7. Lush

“She’s well lush” is an appropriate way to describe a nice moving mare with good conformation. And if you’re feeling enthusiastic “gurt” (West Country for ‘very’) can be added.

8. Proper job

“Proper job” is about as good as compliments get if you have a nice clear round.

9. Paul Nicholls

Your heart skips a beat out of pride every time champion trainer Paul Nicholls has a winner. It was Ditcheat-based Nicholls who put Shepton Mallet on the map.

10. The Royal Bath & West Show

Is there a greater combination of showjumping, sheep, cheese, cider, mounted games and heavy horses? Four days of bliss.

11. Real country

Hunt or hack anywhere further east and you dismiss it as being desperately suburban. If you want real country, head to the West Country — this is where hillwork was invented.

12. Olympia

Olympia is the only time you visited London as a child. All you remember is that it was a very, very long way from home — and you breathed a sigh of relief when your train pulled out of Paddington and fields of green came back into sight.

13. Mary King

You claim Mary King as one of your own. Born (well nearly — she moved there at three days old) and bred in Devon doesn’t get much better. And if you are in the Axe Vale Pony Club, even better. You’ve already taken your first steps to Badminton glory.

14. Exmoor ponies

Despite spending the majority of your time out of control while your pony proved it was strong enough to carry an adult, you are forever loyal to Exmoors if you had one as your first pony.

15 signs you’re totally addicted to horses (and wouldn’t have it any other way)

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An orphaned Exmoor filly was crowned in-hand champion at the first Moorland and Exmoor Pony Breeders Group (MEPBG) show earlier this month.

The show was held at Bredon Country Show at Brendon Barton in the Exmoor National Park on 10 August.

The winning three-year-old filly Que Sera Sera was bred by the Bryant family and owned by Bethany Hernaman.

Ms Hernamen reared the filly after the pony’s mother was killed by a car when she was just two-weeks-old.

The in-hand judge, Rex Milton, said she was a good, strong, traditional pony with good points and was “everything an Exmoor should be”.

Steward Mrs Liz Bulled said: “They were perfected impeccably, especially the yearlings who had never been out in public before.”

The quality of the ponies at the show was described as “very encouraging” by Mr Milton.

He described the winning unhandled moor-bred mare and foal combination as a “lovely, typical Exmoor mare,” while he felt the foal had a good future as a showing or riding pony.

“We need these ‘modern Exmoors’ as it allows the breed to slightly evolve to protect the future, combining the traditional characteristics with modern flare,” added Mr Milton.

The MEPBG was set up to promote moorland Exmoor ponies and recognise the wider genetics in the breed.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An 18-month-old British-bred Exmoor colt has been exported to stand at stud in the USA.

Punchards Heimdall — “Ezra” — was bred by Ann Tompkinson in Suffolk and bought as a weanling by Liz Wright from Cambridgeshire.

Earlier this month she sold him to Joseph Struckus and Sonya Kahn of Exmoor Ponies of North America, a conservation group that owns 21 of the USA’s 40 Exmoors.

“We have the largest herd outside the UK, with the most diverse stallion lines in the world,” said vet Dr Lisa Wojan, farm agent for the stud.

“And we hold the rarer, old-fashioned stallion lines so our animals are true to moorland type.”

Punchards Heimdall carries rare bloodlines, as his sire goes back to Royal Duke, one of the first stallions registered in the Exmoor studbook.

According to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, there are fewer than 500 Exmoor breeding mares in the UK.

This article was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound, 18 November ’10

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

‘And this is Jazz’ said a smiling Karen Jones, one of GB’s leading endurance riders, handing me a diminutive chestnut 14-year-old arab. But I know how tough these little horses are, and was soon to be reminded of it.

Like many things in horses, Exmoor’s Golden Horseshoe Ride — a legendary 100-mile challenge — has reinvented itself in recent times. Most participants come to tackle still challenging but shorter rides, including a 50-mile one-day ride, and a 50-miler split across two days, rather than the main 100-mile whopper.

This year, the enterprising Golden Horseshoe team persuaded several equestrian journalists to take part in a 25-mile ride at race pace, and thoughtfully secured brilliant weather for it.

Listen to an interview with Lucy before the ride

Jazz had reassuringly smooth paces, and a dreamily comfy endurance saddle. Off we set at a brisk hunting trot, with Karen advising on the pace. Keep going, seems to be the rule — never mind the gradient, the rocks, the precipitous drop on one side — you daren’t really walk for a minute.

Exmoor is especially stunning from the back of a horse. Local school children waved us past in Exford, and we pressed on through farmland, over open moor, across rivers and up the odd massive incline, barely touching roads at all.

With every passing mile one’s sense of ‘So what’s the big deal with this sport?’ crumbles as you realise that endurance is a description, not a label. My admiration for the gutsy, ever willing Jazz grew with every passing kilometre. He tried his heart out up murderous hills, and as soon as he had got his wind back, offered canter wherever the terrain allowed. He hated the sight of a horse in front of him — good endurance horses have to be very competitive, self motivated, and unbelieveably forward going.

One soon learns how to handle the terrain to suit the horse. Through occasionally gluey soft peat patches on the open moor, Jazz almost preferred to canter than to get bogged down in trot. And you can barely afford any walking time if you are to achieve ‘gold medal’ speed of 12kmph, as was our goal.

Karen’s wonderful crew met us at certain intervals, to sluice down the horses, offer water or sloppy sugar beet (Jazz’s favourite) to the horses, and a banana or sweets to the riders.

With about 8km to go, and the feet getting a little tired, I suddenly lurched in the saddle — my left stirrup leather had broken. A makeshift knot sufficed until we could intercept our support crew and hastily swap it.

‘We may just make gold by the skin of our teeth — but we will need that 7min gate allowance,’ said Karen, scrutinising her stop watch. The final couple of kilometres afforded good going and there was a real sense of determination as Jazz wove at a canter through the gorse and crossed the finishing line.

The final challenge

But in endurance, the finish line marks the start of the final challenge — passing the vet, with a heart rate (for the horse) of under 55 beats per minute within 30min. It was perhaps the most fascinating part of the contest. We leapt off, unclipped the bits from the horses’ endurance bridles, and immediately start washing off with cold water.

Karen fitted a heart rate monitor to Jazz and used a stethoscope to double check it. ‘88. He’s very hot. More water.’ The team worked with calm efficiency, washing, scraping, a small walk, checking them again.

The horses’ heart rates dropped steadily, then seemed to rise again. ‘There’s a breeze — rugs!’ ordered Karen. We tried to distance them from the PA system and keep the horses together lest noise or separation anxiety might raise their heartbeats. Twenty minutes passed, and finally we thought we could present them to the vet. Pass!

It had been a marvellous experience. But the abiding memory is of a fit horse’s largely unexplored reserves. How many of them in Britain have become prisoners of the loosebox, manege or horsewalker? The Golden Horseshoe shows them doing what they are meant to do. So, all you riders — something to add to the ‘do before you die’ list?

Listen to an interview with Lucy after the ride

• Lucy completed the course at 12.2kph to receive a Gold Award

Don’t miss H&H’s full report from this year’s Golden Horseshoe ride, out on Thursday 27 May

Photos supplied courtesy of Ian Wigley

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

An Exmoor foal has died and another is seriously injured after they were shot in their field at a horse sanctuary.

Police believe they were mistaken for deer.

When grooms at the Exmoor Pony Centre in Dulverton, Devon, discovered the eight-month-old foals on 27 December, one was lying on the ground and the other standing over it.

“The foals were unhandled so it was difficult to see exactly what injuries they had suffered,” Valerie Sherwin, who runs the centre, told H&H.

“We managed to get them in to the stables, but we practically had to carry one.

“Over the next few days, ‘Champ’ declined markedly and seemed to be suffering more and more pain. He had to be put down four days later.”

A post-mortem examination revealed the bullet had shattered his shoulder blade.

The other foal, “Bear” (pictured), shot in the lower neck, is recovering.

“The ponies were only 500 yards from my house so someone must have been out with high velocity rifles on private land,” said Valerie.

“We don’t believe it was a malicious attack, but it is absolutely disgusting that someone took a pot-shot at them and left them to suffer.”

An Exmoor National Park ranger told H&H: “I can almost guarantee the people who shot these ‘deer’ were there unbeknown to anyone and without permission. We have a problem with poaching.”

Police from Avon and Somerset Constabulary are investigating.

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (14 January, ’10)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The Exmoor Pony Society has defended hot branding after a pony welfare organisation made fresh calls to stop the process, calling it “barbaric”.

People 4 Ponies, based in north Devon, rehabilitates “traumatised” Exmoor ponies.

The group says that now microchipping is compulsory, hot branding is unnecessary and “inconsistent with animal welfare in the 21st century”.

“We have seen the permanent, emotional trauma that is caused by these procedures,” said Cilla King from People 4 Ponies.

“Moorland ponies need to be easy to handle so microchips can be read, feet trimmed and medical attention given if necessary, without further stress to the pony.”

But the Exmoor Pony Society insists brands are necessary.

“This lasting, visible means of identification will ensure the welfare of that pony and help preserve the breed for many years,” said a society spokesman.

“Hot branding prevents theft and allows a semi-feral pony to roam, free from direct contact.”

She added that handlers who brand the ponies all undergo a strict three-year training programme, and said the method is invaluable in helping to identify the parentage of foals to ensure they can be registered in the stud book.

But the RSPCA and some vets believe hot branding is outdated.

President of the British Equine Veterinary Association Chris House told H&H: “In this modern era inflicting burns is not acceptable. There are better ways of identification — microchipping is far superior.”

An RSPCA spokesman said branding should be phased out.

But added: “We recognise being able to identify moor-kept animals quickly and from a distance may be important.”

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (12 November, ’09)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

It was always going to end in tears. The children had been up since 4am to allow us to be at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in time for the Carrs BMW Mountain and Moorland Pony of the Year classes, and understandably they were very excited.

It was our first HOYS and my five-year-old niece’s pony Gherkin had made it in to the Dartmoor, Exmoor and Shetland final. Gherkin, or Penbryndhu Trixie Dixie as he is formally known, has come a long way in his six years.

Born on Exmoor, he ended up as a foal at the Moorland Mousie Trust, the charity set up at Capt Ronnie Wallace’s behest to help safeguard the future of the Exmoor pony.

The yearling Gherkin was given to my niece as a christening present and was sent to Fiona Harrison at Mendlesham, Suffolk, to be broken. The successful Dartmoor producer decided to taken him round a few shows to see what he’d do, and two of the most expensive years of my sister’s life started!

He did well, and two years on, that scruffy, wild colt was a shiny, well-rounded M&M class regular, appearing at his first HOYS.

As I said, the children — in their Go Gherkin Go T-shirts — were excited, but my sister was unperturbed. “Chasing them around takes my mind off the class,” she said, as we watched the two classes before Gherkin’s debut.

Then finally they were in the ring. Out of a class of 22 there were six Exmoors, including Tawbitts Mystic Maggie, who was second at the Midlands Exmoor Show last week. The competition was intense.

Debbie Harrison has ridden Gherkin almost exclusively since he was broken and as this was probably their last class — my niece has finally claimed her ride — emotions were running high.

When the pair were called in the final 11 we were all on the edge of our seats. The nine places were called in reverse order and as we got down to fifth place my heart was racing; then fourth, third, second and first.

Gherkin has come away with either the tenth or eleventh place – we don’t know which – and two of the loveliest rosettes you’ve ever seen.

I said there would be tears, but I didn’t think they’d be mine!

www.moorlandmousietrust.org.uk

www.hoys.co.uk

Stay in touch with all the showing and show jumping action from HOYS on Horseandhound.co.uk with reports throughout the show

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Eqvalan® has donated a quantity of wormer to the Moorland Mousie Trust for their Exmoor ponies, as part of the worming product’s 25th birthday celebrations.

Exmoor ponies are an endangered breed which provide invaluable habitat management in nature conservation areas. Their selective grazing allows various flora and fauna to survive.

But these areas are managed by wildlife organisations that do not allow ponies to be wormed on site, which means this only takes place twice a year. Although Exmoor ponies are hardy, any problems they have are often worm-related. The donated wormer will save the Moorland Mousie Trust valuable funds.

“With the number of ponies we look after [more than 100 on 30 sites], the costs to the charity run into thousands,” said Moorland Mousie Trustee Juliet Rogers.

Eqvalan has also made a birthday donation earlier this year to the upkeep of the Pewsey White Horse landmark, Wiltshire.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

EXMOOR National Parks Authority has launched an investigation into the death of a pony in a stampede in July.

Eight ponies — normally handled by park staff on horseback — were frightened into a stampede by rangers on a quad bike and in a four-wheel drive car who were trying to round them up.

An eyewitness, who asked not to be named, said: “It was absolutely disgusting. They came galloping out of the field and straight on to the road.”

He said the pony who died tried to hurdle a barbed wire fence and broke a leg.

“I’ve lived on Exmoor all my life and I’ve never seen them moved with anything but other horses,” he told H&H.

“I asked the guy in charge what he was doing and he said he didn’t know a lot about Exmoor ponies. He seemed to think it was a success as he only lost one.”

Exmoor National Park Authority staff were moving the ponies back to their normal grazing pasture at Haddon Hill from a field at Bury Hill.

Spokesman for Exmoor National Park Authority, Clare O’Connor, said: “We do this a couple of times a year with two or three herds. It’s just one of those unfortunate things.

“The ponies were collected by national park authority staff, supported by a local landowner and two community support officers to assist with traffic control. As the ponies were being herded out of the field, they bolted.

“A vet from the Dulverton Veterinary Practice was called and recommended that one pony should be destroyed.”

She said the national park authority regrets the incident and will carry out a review.

Exmoor ponies are classed as endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. There are less then 500 breeding mares worldwide.

This news story was first published in Horse & Hound (21 August, ’08)

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Triple Olympic medal-winning event rider Matt Ryan is holding a demonstration and masterclass at The Calvert Trust, Exmoor.

The Australian eventer will be taking a break from preparations for the 2008 Beijing Olympics to host the session on Saturday 23 February.

Matt was part of the gold medal winning three-day event team in the Sydney Olympics in 2000 with Kibah Sandstone. Partnered by Kibah Tic Toc Matt also took individual and team gold in the 1992 Olympics.

The Calvert Trust was set up more than 30 years ago to help people with disabilities enjoy the countryside and outdoor activities. There are three centres in the UK that have more than 11,000 visitors annually.

Tickets including a buffet lunch cost £22, or £19 without lunch. Family tickets (two adults and two children under 16) are £65.

To book tickets tel: 01598 763221

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There were no gold medals awarded at this year’s two-day, 100-mile Exmoor Golden Horseshoe endurance ride. The wet weather combined with Exmoor’s challenging terrain to ensure that only two silver and three bronze results were achieved.

Silver medal-winning Belfast solicitor Helen McFarland and her part-bred Arab, J St Jake, took home the special prize of a free entry to next year’s Tevis Cup in California. This endurance ride covers 100 miles between Lake Tahoe and Auburn. The other silver medal went to David Yeoman riding Eleazar de Landas.

The new Exmoor Experience class, designed to give riders the taste of a two-day ride over the moor with 25 miles covered each day, produced two gold, seven silver and five bronze medals. The gold medals were won by Alex Nicholls with her Arab/Cleveland Bay gelding, Jimmy Mac and Liz Taylor with her pure-bred Arab, Karaanza.

Organiser Barbara Wigley said: “The elements plotted against us, although I think the rain and mud were less harmful to the horses than the baked ground just a week before the event.

“We are thrilled with the enthusiasm and support we have had this year and the results from the new Exmoor Experience class. It is sad that there were no gold awards in the hundred, but it is the hardest endurance course in the country.”

Read H&H’s full report on the Exmoor Golden Horseshoe Ride, including photos and further analysis, in 24 May issue

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The 100-mile Golden Horseshoe Ride (13-15 May) has drawn one of the largest entries for years.

At least 16 horses and riders will contest the two-day endurance competition which will start and finish at a new venue in Exford and will cover private, National Trust and Exmoor Park land.

This year the event will also run a 50-mile ride for the first time. The new Exmoor Experience is designed to give riders a less demanding taste of a two-day ride and has attracted 37 entrants.

Organiser Barbara Wigley said: “Interest this year has been magnificent. We are delighted at the number of riders in the 100-mile class, but the response to the new Exmoor Experience class is really encouraging.”

A 15-mile sponsored ride will take place on Sunday 13 May in aid of local charity, the Moorland Mousie Trust.

For more information visit www.goldenhorseshoe-ride.co.uk

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Endurance riding’s esteemed Golden Horseshoe ride (13 – 15 May) has been honoured by the Exmoor National Park Authority. A 12-strong panel from the Authority have decided to administer a £5000 grant from the Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund to the event which attracts competitors, supports and visitors from across Britain.

The sustainable development fund is designed to help groups and businesses living and working on Exmoor. “This grant is the best news we could have hoped for,” she organiser Barbara Wigley. “It is a mark of confidence from the National Park, which has given permission for us to ride over its land, and a signal to the equestrian world that our sport is gaining even more official recognition.”

This year the Golden Horseshoe ride will start and finish at a new venue and follow a different route. The two day, 100 mile (160km) Golden Horseshoe Ride is the centrepiece of the event, and widely acknowledged as one of the most demanding challenges in the endurance calendar. This is supported by the 75 mile (120km) Exmoor Stag, the Exmoor Experience, a new class designed to give Open riders and horses experience of a two day ride on Exmoor, but of 25 miles (40km) each day and the Exmoor 80, one day of 50 miles (80km.)

There will also be a 15 mile (25km) sponsored pleasure ride on Sunday, May 13, in aid of the Moorland Mousie Trust – a local charity to promote and support Exmoor ponies.

For more information visit www.goldenhorseshoe-ride.co.uk

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Tension is building on Exmoor following the perceived clumsy handling by police of their first prosecution under the Hunting Act.

Devon and Somerset Staghounds senior master Maurice Scott, 63, and second whipper-in Peter Heard, 23, were held in cells at Minehead last Monday for 2hr 30min before police laid charges.

Last Thursday, the pair appeared in Taunton Deane magistrates court charged with breaching the Hunting Act during an incident at Higher Broford, near Dulverton, on 25 April this year. The two were bailed, and their case adjourned until 2 November.

The arrests have heightened already strained relationships between local people and the region’s police.

The Countryside Alliance (CA) is “urgently” compiling a team of hunt stewards to assist Exmoor packs subjected to relentless monitoring, while hundreds of people are expected to attend a meeting in Exford village hall tomorrow (27 October) to address “serious and growing concern about police priorities”.

Devon and Somerset Staghounds chairman Tom Yandle said anger has been building since the hunting community learnt how Avon and Somerset police had met representatives from the League Against Cruel Sports (LACS), International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and RSPCA.

“Everybody feels it’s not the job of the police to connive with these groups,” he said. “It seems they’re looking for a way of giving in to them.”

He added: “We did have a very good relationship with the police — they would talk to us, we would talk to them — but it’s all blown up. The arrests look political to us and it’s not the job of the police to be political.”

Individuals from three packs in the area have now been accused of illegal hunting — two private prosecutions have been brought by LACS against the Exmoor Foxhounds and the Quantocks Staghounds, and now a first case has been brought by the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) against the Devon and Somerset Staghounds.

Labour MP and CA chairman Kate Hoey has written to the Chief Constable of the Avon and Somerset police, Colin Port, saying she is “increasingly concerned that [the] force is giving allegations of offences under the Hunting Act that are wholly out of context with the status of the legislation, national guidelines and public interest”.

She continues: “I hope you will be able to reassure the rural community of Exmoor that they can have confidence in the impartiality and integrity of policing, free from bias and undue influence.”

Two other MPs, Jeremy Browne for Taunton and Ian Liddle-Grainger for Bridgwater, have written to Chief Constable Port, who has been invited to the meeting in Exford.

The meeting has been called by Endangered Exmoor, a group started by the local community seven years ago.

Secretary Pat Bawden told Horse & Hound: “People feel neglected by the police — feeling is running very high. They seem to be spending an extraordinary amount of time in charging these pillars of the community.”

• Read this news story in full in today’s Horse & Hound (26 October, ’06)

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The Moorland Mousie Trust is planning a new £100,000 development in the heart of Exmoor to provide tourists and locals with an opportunity to interact with the ancient Exmoor breed.

The facilities on the Ashwick estate, near Winsford Hill will include an information centre for visitors, as well as stabling and training facilities for the unwanted Exmoor ponies, which the trust buys from the autumn sales each year.

“There are always a surplus of animals after the autumn sales,” explains trust founder Valerie Sherwin. “The ponies which remain unsold are bought by the trust. We domesticate them, so they are used to being handled by humans in the same way as a stud-bred weanling would be, before finding them new homes.”

Valerie believes the new centre will play a vital role in promoting the breed, which is listed on the Rare Breed Survival Trust’s “endangered” register.

“Visitors to Exmoor have few opportunities to meet the ponies at present, other than at the far end of a pair of binoculars,” explains Valerie. “The new training facilities will include a viewing gallery so people can watch the team working with the young ponies and demonstrations by older ridden ponies.

“Ultimately, we hope to set up a trekking establishment so people can experience the beauty of the Exmoor countryside from the back of an moor-bred Exmoor pony.”

The first stages of the new development have been funded by £60,000 grant from the Exmoor National Park’s sustainability panel and the trust hopes the remaining funds will be generated through fund raising and further grants.

“We have an amazing network of volunteers, without whom we simply couldn’t function,” says Valerie. “They have been helping raise funds for the project, but we are always in need of further donations.”

If you would like to make a donation to the project please send a cheque made payable to “The Moorland Mousie Trust” to The Old Barn, Moorhall, Barhill, Madeley, Ceshire, CW3 9NG. To become involved in the trust’s work contact Valerie Sherwin (tel: 01782 752247).

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For the first time this autumn, the Exmoor pony charity The Moorland Mousie Trust will be giving a basic training to some of the unwanted colts it purchases before finding them homes.

The scheme was started in 2000 after it became apparent that while the fillies tend to get sold for breeding purposes during the autumn, the colts are often unwanted.

Valerie Sherwin of The Moorland Mousie Trust says: “It seemed ridiculous that foals from a rare breed, which is an endangered species, can’t be sold. Of course taking on a colt off the moor is quite a different proposition to taking on a domesticated weaned foal and they do need experienced handling.

“A year after the scheme was set up we got in touch with Kelly Marks of Intelligent Horsemanship and developed a kind of ‘puppy-walking’ scheme where the ponies were fostered out until they were at the same level of training as a normal weaned foal.

“This year we’re taking it even further. We will purchase about 20 colts, and some will be fostered out again. People practising Monty Roberts’ Intelligent Horsemanship methods are particularly interested in the colts as it is the nearest they will get to a wild horse in this county.”

However, for the first time some of the colts will be kept at the charity’s centre on Exmoor and where they have employed Sasha Holden to train them. She will halter break the ponies, teach them to have their feet picked out and to load onto a trailer.

“In a couple of months the colts should be at the stage you would expect at weaning for a foal who has been domestically bred, although these colts have already been through the stress of leaving their mothers. How long the training takes varies as the ponies are so individual. They are really intelligent,” says Valerie.

“Once the foals are manageable they will be re-homed and the new owners are asked to make a donation to the trust, normally about £120-£150.”

The trust attained charitable status in 2000, and has the aim of increasing the sales of the Exmoor ponies and improving their exposure, which will hopefully increase the breed’s popularity.

To help fund the cost of the training, the trust wants to encourage people to sponsor the ponies while they are in training.

There are different levels of sponsorship available. Bronze sponsorship at £75 will pay for a pony and headcollar, silver at £100 also covers worming and delousing while gold at £250 completely covers the colt’s initial handling and education. Benefits include newsletters, a sponsorship certificate, quarterly updates on the foals acquired that autumn and invitations to Sponsor Days.

There are also some adoption packages available for older ridden ponies, from £10-£20 a year, with benefits including an adoption certificate, pin badge, newsletters, photograph, opportunities to visit the centre and a quarterly update on your pony.

If you would like more details contact The Moorland Mousie Trust (tel: 01782 752247) or e-mail: moorland.mousie.trust@ntlworld.com.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now