Debbie Barker-Runiewicz watched proudly as her daughter Molly Barker won the Jacksons of Yorkshire M&M 122cm working hunter pony title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with their own Exmoor Moonpenny Delphinus (Finn) – with whom Debbie won this title three years ago.

Finn, a 14-year-old gelding, was making his fifth consecutive appearance in this final and his impressive record now includes two wins, and second place in 2023. This is Molly’s first-ever time qualifying for and riding at HOYS; she has won two HOYS qualifiers this season, and the pair were M&M 122cm working hunter pony winners at the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

“It was a bit of a fluke that she ended up taking the ride this season, so I think it is even more special than if I had done it myself,” said Debbie, who walked the course with Molly.

“The course was very big but I reassured her that he can jump these and she just needed to have him forward, but also stay relaxed!” added Debbie, who hopes to be able to ride Finn again next season.

“He loves to jump and he loves his job so I don’t think there would be any reason to not bring him back out again next year. Eventually I would love for my two other younger children to be able to ride and compete him – not necessarily at HOYS – but it would be magical if they could,” said Debbie.

Lullaby is a dream

The diminutive duo of eight-year-old Alice Hartenfeld and Exmoor mare Anchor Lullaby (Lulu) posted a flowing and careful clear to be crowned the Jacksons of Yorkshire M&M junior 122cm working hunter pony champions.

Having won an impressive four qualifiers this year with Alice, Lulu also contested the National Pony Society/Supreme Products M&M ridden Exmoor/Shetland final yesterday with Alice’s mother Katherine, where they finished sixth.

As the sole representative of her breed in the class, Lulu is the first Exmoor to win this final since its inception in 2022.

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Davinia Johnson’s emotional victory in the National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden Exmoor/ Shetland Pony of the Year final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with her own 17-year-old Exmoor gelding Stowbrook Red Kite left her speechless.

“I haven’t got any words. It is the dream to come here and win, but those things don’t happen to people like me,” said Davinia, who nursed the son of Blackthorn Sea Poacher back to health two years ago after he spent a week in intensive care at Rainbow Equine Hospital having shown signs of colic.

“His creatine levels were off the chart at over 300 and he was rushed to hospital where he stayed in intensive care for a week and scans showed his left kidney had reduced function,” explained Davinia.

“I even did a retirement post on Facebook as the vets advised his ridden career would be over and that his life expectancy would be reduced.”

After several weeks of antibiotics and Davinia’s round the clock care, blood tests showed a improvement. By Christmas they were given the green light to start hacking out again, having missed competing at London International Horse Show (LIHS) and a return to the show ring wasn’t on the cards.

“We went back to Rainbow just after Easter 2024 to check his bloodwork. The vet was astonished that his creatine level was 40 and said we could bring him back into full time work and continue doing everything we usually did,” added Davinia, who also took home the best gelding rosette at HOYS.

Finishing second was five-year-old piebald Shetland stallion Olivier VD Kortenhof, owned by Claire Connor and ridden by producer Aliya Khan, who is in his first season under saddle and was making his HOYS debut.

Aliya had taken a win on the first morning of HOYS with Andrea Baybutt’s Pricklegate Brown Owl in the National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden Dartmoor Pony of the Year final. The 11-year-old gelding last enjoyed a spin in the championship here in 2022 on his first visit to the show.

Grey stands out to take Dales title at HOYS

Jess Talbot bucked the all-black trend with the sole grey Dales representative Highcroft Romany to take the National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden Dales Pony of the Year final – the first time a grey has won this title. Owned by John and Julian Talbot, the six-year-old is in his first open season and shone like a diamond to impress judges Heidi Davis and Gillian McMurray.

Despite having produced HOYS winners before, Aimee Devane had never ridden one until today when she headed the National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden Fell Pony of the Year aboard Paul and Jane Steeples’ exquisite mare Greenholme Kate. The nine-year-old by Greenholme Warrior finished fourth at Royal International Horse Show this season and claimed her pass to LIHS at Royal Windsor Horse Show in May.

Opening the showing action in the TopSpec arena at 7am was the National Pony Society/Supreme Products Mountain & Moorland Ridden New Forest Pony of the Year final, which went to Lauren Brill aboard her own Trenley Trinket. The eight-year-old mare, who finished fifth here last season on her debut, also secured the best of breed sash at LIHS last December and took home the best mare award here.

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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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Davinia Johnson’s beloved Exmoor Stowbrook Red Kite has made a remarkable return to form, 18 months after a mystery illness meant he would probably never be ridden again.

Kite topped a strong field to win the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) open ridden Exmoor, Dartmoor and Shetland class at British Show Pony Society (BSPS) Area 4A then returned to the ring to secure his second Hickstead pass of the season at BSPS Area 5 on Good Friday in the open 122cm mountain and moorland (M&M) working hunter pony (WHP) class.

It’s been a fairytale comeback for a pony who, just over a year ago, wasn’t expected to be ridden again.

“We’re calling this bonus season number two,” said Davinia. “After everything he’s been through, every outing is a gift.”

In November 2023, Kite began showing mild signs of colic. After initial treatment, Davinia’s gut instinct told her something was still wrong, and the results of further investigation were sobering. Kite’s creatine levels were dangerously high, and he was rushed to Rainbow Equine Hospital.

Kite spent seven days in intensive care on 24-hour drips, undergoing extensive testing. No definitive cause was found, but scans showed his left kidney was functioning at a reduced level. At this point, vets warned Davinia that Kite’s ridden career was likely over, and his long-term future uncertain.

Davinia said: “I just wanted him home. We were heartbroken but focused on his comfort and quality of life.”

Luckily, Kite began to turn a corner and his creatine levels returned to normal within 10 days. Another blood test 10 days later showed further improvement.

By Christmas, Rainbow gave the go-ahead for short hacks. Following five clear blood tests, ongoing monitoring from Rainbow and support from TopSpec nutritionists, Kite returned to gentle work. A year and a half down the line, he’s on fantastic form.

Davinia has owned Kite for almost nine years. The pair have enjoyed incredible success. This season’s latest RIHS ticket is his 12th qualification across three classes. They have also qualified multiple times for Horse of the Year Show and London International Horse Show with placings at all three finals, and wins and championships at shows including Royal Cheshire, Lincolnshire and the Royal Highland.

“He is the sweetest little pony; he is so funny and so cheeky but there’s not a nasty bone in his body. He loves being the centre of attention so does funny little things to get noticed when I’m dealing with one of the others,” said Davinia.

“We haven’t set a plan for 2025; we’re just picking the shows we love and making memories together. The vets still call him a medical mystery. To us, he’s just our little legend.”

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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 multi-talented Exmoor pony has helped his young rider comeback from terrifying riding accident. Toby Johnstone, 14, and Cheritonridge Grenache won their second Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) qualifier at the National Pony Society (NPS) summer championships (6-8 August) at Three Counties Showground.

The home-produced pair added a junior small breeds ticket to an open pass achieved at The Showing Register’s summer show. This was only their second-ever attempt at a HOYS qualifier.

Toby is no stranger to show ring success, having been to HOYS and the Royal International, and winning Royal Windsor, with the family’s Dartmoor Pumphill Fandango. But last December, Toby fell from a pony while at a showjumping training show, lost consciousness and was airlifted to hospital.

It was every parent’s nightmare, as Toby’s mother, Zara Johnstone-Evans, explained: “The pony took a stride out and went through the back pole. Toby went head first onto his face; he was completely knocked out and fitted for around two minutes. It was a category-one call, and he was airlifted to hospital in London. His injuries included two compression fractures on his spine and a bleed on the brain. His body protector saved his life and now he always rides in one.”

Toby took three months off riding and he is still unable to recall the incident.

“He can remember coming into the jump, but nothing after that,” said Zara.

Cheritonridge Grenache — who is known at home as Ashley — is on loan from Kirsty Errington Anderson, who watched her own son, Charlie, qualify for HOYS for the first time on the lead-rein at the NPS summer championships with home-bred Dartmoor Rushfield Jura II.

Ashley’s show ring talents have come as somewhat of a surprise.

“He’s only really done British Showjumping previously and a little bit of showing,” said Zara. “He was recommended to me to get Toby’s confidence back and while he’s older he’s still a novice. He’s even taken Toby around two HOYS workers tracks; they finished second in their first one.”

At the NPS champs, Toby and Ashley were also champions of the novice M&M working hunter pony qualifier, and were fifth in their HOYS worker qualifier.

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A “mindless” member of the public who ignored advice and left a gate open put ponies, pedestrians and drivers at risk as four Exmoors escaped on to the roads.

At the start of the Easter weekend, a visitor to Northumberland Wildlife Trust’s Benshaw Moor nature reserve failed to close the gate. The ponies were rescued five miles away by a farmer.

“Leaving the gate open not only put the ponies at risk but motorists and walkers too as they made their way along the local roads,” a spokesman for the trust said. “Used to living out in open spaces and not used to open roads with cars driving among them, there could have been fatalities all round had they bolted into vehicles or members of the public.”

As a result, the wildlife charity has issued its “annual plea” to visitors to all its reserves, to ensure they close gates behind them, and take their rubbish home, especially items such as bottles, and disposable barbecues that could start fires.

“How many times do we have to ask people to act responsibly on our reserves?” said the trust’s director of conservation Duncan Hutt. “It’s simple – close gates, don’t trample down fences to access cordoned-off areas and take rubbish home. Every year we ask people and every year people ignore us.

“In this instance, the ponies were discovered safely at Wallington and looked after by a local farmer who we are very grateful to, but the outcome could have been totally different.

“Returning them to the reserve safely took a considerable amount of time and effort, which distracted us from our other conservation work on the site.”

The ponies, provided by the Moorland Mousie Trust in Exmoor, are allowed to roam freely over the 600-acre site as conservation grazers who benefit the environment.

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A pony called Alan Partridge – or Elsinore Alan Partridge to give him his full name – is the first to contribute semen to a new initiative aimed at securing Exmoors’ future.

The Exmoor Pony Society (EPS) has launched, and raised £50,000 for, a campaign to create a gene bank, aiming to preserve genetic material and so potentially protect the breed’s future.

Society chairman Nigel Hill said: “It is our role to safeguard the future of the Exmoor pony, one of the most iconic native breeds in the UK. The Exmoor is a ‘priority’ breed according to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and this means they’re essentially endangered.

“Instrumental in the launch will be the oversight of our recently announced scientific advisory panel, which will lead on genetic research and innovation. The panel comprises Exmoor pony experts from the fields of genetics, ecology and veterinary science, which ensures we are well placed to take advantage of developments in equine genetic conservation.”

Elsinore Alan Partridge is a 15-year-old registered Exmoor pony, who has won at multiple shows. His stable name is Q, after the Star Trek character, and he has sired 12 ponies in the studbook. He is based in Suffolk with mother and daughter breeders Sandy Wooderson and Madeline Haynes.

“We were delighted to be asked to take part in the gene bank campaign,” said Sandy. “We bought Q as a yearling and he really kicked off our love of the breed and our stud. At the age of six he had qualified for the Horse of the Year Show under saddle and has also sired some beautiful stock who are now also winning in the show ring. We are very proud of him!”

Madeline added: “It’s wonderful that the EPS is introducing such a forward-thinking initiative, which is paramount for protection of this rare breed. Learning from history, a catastrophe really could happen. We’re proud to be involved and contribute to protecting this precious native pony that faces the real life possibility of extinction, as well as safeguarding Q’s rare genetic bloodline.”

The semen donated by Q and other stallions will be owned by the Exmoor Pony Society, which will “coordinate the collection and preservation logistics”.

Only 600, or 15%, or the Exmoor population is actively breeding, which makes the breed vulnerable owing to a lack of diversity. Genetic variation is limited in Exmoors as pony numbers crashed to 50 during the Second World War, so many bloodlines were lost.

Preserving material in gene banks means that in future, a viable population could be restored if needed, or disappearing bloodlines saved.

Ecologist Sue Baker, a member of the Exmoor Pony Society’s scientific advisory panel, said: “Currently semen from only six Exmoor stallions is stored in the National Livestock Gene Bank but only three of these have sufficient doses.

“In order to reach the minimum quantity to provide breed ‘catastrophe insurance’, ideally 22 additional stallions need to contribute 50 doses each. The primary aim of the project is to achieve this within two to three years.”

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Exmoor ponies took both first and second spots in the Thor Atkinson Steel Fabrications Ltd HOYS 122cm M&M working hunter pony final at the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Coming out on top was Debbie Barker-Runiewicz and her own 10-year-old gelding Moonpenny Delphinus. Out of Firthesden Poppy, “Finn” is out of Moonpenny Aquarius, who Debbie jumped in the HOYS 133cm M&M working hunter pony of the year final just an hour before.

Finn was backed by Lauren Brill for his breeders, the Bryant Family, who were present at the NEC to watch him win this year. He then joined Frankie Currell, second in the HOYS 122cm M&M working hunter pony final with Jacqueline Wharton’s seven-year-old stallion Dunkery Black Grouse, before Debbie bought him in 2019.

“His Dad [Moonpenny Aquarius] jumps in the 133cms and Finn jumps in the 122cms,” explained Debbie, who runs a livery yard. “Finn has got better and better with time, and this is the icing on the cake after lots of hard work.”

“He probably has every typical Exmoor trait you could think of,” Debbie continued. “One of my friends said today ‘is this the pony you had to reverse off the lorry because he wouldn’t come off forwards’, and it is!”

Debbie and Finn qualified for HOYS at the North of England Summer show.

“This not only marks my first HOYS win but my first HOYS placing,” said Debbie, who rode at the NEC for the first time last year with both Finn and Aquarius.

“The course rode well, but I was mainly focused on keeping him relaxed; he can get quite tense so my aim was to keep him soft and light, and he loved it.”

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After a five-year long journey, Exmoor pony Dunkery Hornbill is making his NEC debut after qualifying for the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Dunkery Hornbill, who is known as Bill at home, qualified for the ridden Exmoor and Shetland of the Year final with his rider Stephanie Richards, who has him on long term loan from Suzy Port.

Stephanie saw Bill advertised on social media five years ago.

“I was looking for a novice and he wasn’t too far away from me,” says Stephanie, who runs a livery yard. “He’s always had a massive character and has been tricky to ride. When he was younger he would always escape from the field, too, and he generally finds everything hilarious. But I’ve always known he was worth persevering with.”

On their show ring debut, Bill — whose full brother is the prolific stallion Dunkery Wigeon — and Stephanie parted company, and the gelding has been known for throwing in the odd unorthodox movement during his performances.

“He’s had me off in the ring a couple of times,” confirms Stephanie. “In his very first ridden class, he finished his show and after coming to a halt he stood bolt upright on his hind legs and I rolled over his back. I fell off right in front of the judge and Bill just stood there staring at me!

“After checking if I was OK, the judge asked about him and his experience. While sitting on the floor I explained that he was in fact very young, but that as his brother had just taken best of breed at Olympia, I had high hopes for him.

“I remember the judge looking at me and probably thinking I was completely mad for thinking this small brown hooligan could be tamed. She said, ‘yes dear, I’m afraid it doesn’t always work like that’.”

Now 11, Bill has firmly cemented his name in the show ring. He qualified for HOYS 2022 on his first attempt of the year at Stoneleigh Horse Show in May, appeared at the Royal International in July and was reserve supreme champion at the Exmoor pony breed show.

“As he’s got older he’s improved so much,” says Stephanie, who has recently started jumping Bill in working hunter pony classes. “At Stoneleigh, Bill was back to his old tricks and exploded in the warm-up, but he kept it together in the class and he went beautifully, though the win was still very unexpected.

“I have family meeting me at HOYS and my sister will be grooming for me.

“It’s been a bumpy ride in more ways than one, but I’m so proud he’ll be representing the breed at HOYS.”

• Don’t miss a second of the action from HOYS on HorseandHound.co.uk with no limit on how much you can read from as little as £1 per week with a Horse & Hound unlimited website subscription. Join now. Plus enjoy our full 22-page HOYS magazine report, including in-depth analysis of all the showing and showjumping, plus exclusive comments, on sale Thursday 13 October.

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The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is “renewing its warning” about the future of the Hackney horse and pony, after just 31 registered foals were born last year.

The 2022/23 RBST watchlist published this month features seven breeds in the “priority” category; Hackneys, Cleveland Bays, Dales, Dartmoors, Exmoors and Eriskays. Clydesdales, Fells, Highlands, New Forests and Shires have been classed as “at risk”. Shetlands and Welsh ponies and cobs appear in the “UK native breeds” category, and Connemaras and Irish Draughts are listed in the “Irish breeds in the UK” category. The categories are based on population size, taking into account numbers of males and females and the degree of inbreeding. All the breeds remain in the same category as the 2021/22 watchlist.

The RBST reported that while the numbers of Eriskays, Suffolks and Cleveland Bays remains low, the “stability in the breeds’ data in 2021 is positive”. But there are “extreme concerns” around Hackneys.

“The Hackney breed, which already had very low numbers, has seen further decline over the past year with just 31 females producing registered progeny from only 12 breeders. This compares with more than 300 breeding females registered in 2011,” said an RBST spokesman, adding that the organisation is urging more people to support the breed’s modern uses.

Mark Hardy, chairman of the Hackney Horse Society, told H&H the pandemic and increase in the cost of living had caused issues for breeders, and they are also limited in choices as there are so few of them.

“After the Second World War, there was a big revival of Hackneys and at the time there were lots of breeders and trainers. But as time has gone on, many have passed away or moved on to other things,” he said.

“As an organisation, we are really trying to promote the breed and show how versatile it is and hopefully we will see more people using them in other disciplines and create more demand. People usually associate Hackneys with driving and showing, but they’re also very good all-rounders.”

According to the RBST, the number of Shire foals registered last year was 228, down from 250 in 2020. The number of overall New Forest breeders registering progeny has declined – as has the number of dams, which the RBST classifies as mares who have had at least one foal, but the breed still has the greatest number of dams of all the rare equine breeds. Though Dartmoors and Exmoors remain on the priority list for 2022/23, there has been an “important increase” in the number of dams, which is “crucial” for managing inbreeding in breeds with low numbers.

“The Exmoor data is the highest recorded since 2017, with the number of dams up 37% on 2020 and Dartmoors have also made significant progress with the number of breeders registering progeny at its highest since 2011, and the number of dams up 46% on 2020,” RBST senior conversation adviser Tom Blunt told H&H.

“Both breeds have also seen an improvement in effective population size which indicates successful management of inbreeding.”

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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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Jessica Rayner’s Exmoor pony Earl Harold has qualified for the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS)for first time aged 15. He will contest the Exmoor/Dartmoor/Shetland ridden class.

Jessica first met Harold 10 years ago when he arrived at the riding school she was at. He had spent the first four years of his life on Exmoor where he was born.

“Juliet Rogers owned him and said I could ride him to get him ready for the riding school, but he was far too good for that so I started schooling him and in time we tried showing him,” explained Jessica. “We competed in M&M WH classes for years, winning the Picton final at the NPS Championships.”

Unfortunately, just as the pair were about to start their qualifiers in 2015, Harold fractured his pelvis.

“We took him to a jumping clinic and he must have jumped a fence awkwardly,” said Jessica. “He wasn’t lame, but when he stopped jumping, we knew something wasn’t right and had him looked at.”

It was decided that the best thing for him was to be turned away, so he spent two years turned out on conservation grazing.

“Then in 2017, we brought him back in, and although he was weak, he was much better and so I cracked on again,” added Jessica. “I then fell pregnant in the April, so I turned him back out again.”

During this time, Juliet gave Jessica ownership of him.

“He had another few years turned away and then we finally brought him back in this year,” said Jessica. “He qualified for the RIHS on our first time out since he came back into work, so at the grand age of 15, he will be making his Hickstead debut.

“After all this time, it was like it was meant to be. I am extremely proud of him – he is my best friend and I can’t wait to ride him at the final.”

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H&H finds out why locals are concerned for the welfare of Exmoor ponies in a “rewilding” project in Denmark. We find out why, and what action is being taken

CONCERNS raised over the welfare of Exmoor ponies in Denmark are ​said to be a “prime example of what can go wrong” with using equines in “rewilding” projects.

The condition of the ponies living in the Mols Lab project on a Danish peninsula has ​allegedly been raised by locals, and even reported to the police by a vet.

Brit Heather Storgaard, who is currently living in the area, told H&H she first saw a large number of thin animals in the Mols Bjerge National Park last winter.

She ​says she soon found out more, and is now part of a group of some 5,500 people campaigning for the project to be stopped.

“It’s possible the area could be suitable but they’ve fenced the animals in so they can’t roam,” she said. They’re in quite small areas, which in winter were just fields of mud. They don’t have the opportunity to find more food.”

Heather said some of the ponies have been fitted with GPS tracking collars. One mare’s collar slipped over her ears, keeping them pinned tightly to her head for days, including while she gave birth, and causing open wounds.

“Some of the pictures are horrific,” she said. “My mum used to work with Exmoors, and she told me she couldn’t look at the pictures any more.

“As a Brit here on Mols, I am disgusted that our native breeds are being treated in this way. I know first-hand how brilliant Exmoor ponies that live in the wilds of Exmoor have life, and it saddens me greatly to see them here on Mols in this state.”

World Horse Welfare CEO Roly Owers told H&H the charity has concerns about the welfare of ponies used in some rewilding projects.

“There have been horrific stories in Europe and the issues with the Exmoor ponies at the Mols Laboratoriet project in Denmark are a prime example of what can go wrong,” he ​claimed.

“Ponies placed into rewilding projects are not evolved to cope with the conditions on site throughout the year as they are domesticated breeds and often far removed from the original wild grazers. Nor are they able to migrate out of the enclosed area in search of food when conditions become difficult as they would in a truly wild context.

“More needs to be done to agree basic animal welfare guidance for these projects to ensure projects assume the duty of care these ponies deserve. We are in contact with the leading animal welfare charity in Denmark about how we can help and will be raising the need for welfare standards in rewilding and conservation grazing at the all-party parliamentary group of the horse in July.”

​In reply to H&H​’s requests for comment, Mols Lab ​stated that the allegations come from a group of “social media warriors” who are “non-vet-educated”, and that it is false to suggest that Mols Lab, which is “part of” the Aarhus Natural History Museum, does not care about animal welfare.

A spokesman told H&H the report to the police has not led to any police action, and that the area allocated to the ponies is “more than sufficient for all animals to roam freely”. They said all animals are body condition scored several times a week, with any showing signs of weight loss removed from the area. They said the area is less muddy than most in Denmark, and that the mare whose collar slipped received no intervention until after she gave birth following police and veterinary advice, because her wounds were not apparent until her collar was removed two to three days later. The delay in removing the mare’s collar was due, H&H was informed, to various factors including not knowing the exact time of birth and the need to locate appropriately skilled vets to sedate her.

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Sadness at the sudden death of prolific Exmoor mare Stowbrook Jenny Wren — arguably the most successful of her breed under saddle, partnered by Katy Marriott-Payne — has been somewhat tempered by the remarkable survival of her filly foal.

Jenny, 23, still the only Exmoor ever to have taken the Olympia ridden title and also a Hickstead worker champion, was on loan to breeders Sandy Wooderson and her daughter Madeline Haynes, and heavily in foal.

But what looked at first like “labour pains” turned out not to be so and she was rushed to Rossdales Veterinary Hospital.

“Sadly, she was diagnosed with multiple pedunculated lipoma, causing twists in her gut,” said Sandy. “Despite valiant efforts by the vets, it was inoperable and she could not be saved.”

The team performed an emergency Caesarean operation to deliver Jenny’s foal and the newly named Badleybridge Penny Wagtail (Penny) was put straight into an oxygen tent in intensive care.

“Although she was slightly premature, the vets thought she was well developed and stood a chance of recovering, assuming she could pull through the week,” said Sandy.

Jenny’s “cousin,” Blackthorn Blush Rose (Blossom) — an Olympia best of breed and double Horse of the Year Show winner — had lost her own foal a few days earlier due to a severe malpresentation, so the decision was made to see if she would adopt the orphan. Blossom, like Jenny, is by Siskin and out of a full sister to Jenny’s dam, making her Penny’s “aunt.”

“We knew finding a foster mother was a priority, so we went back the next day with Blossom,” said Sandy. “Amazingly, she took to Penny within a matter of hours and the team at Rossdales got her milk running again. Blossom has proved to be an amazing mum.”

It was not all plain sailing, though. “On the Wednesday after Blossom arrived, Penny had a neurological seizure,” added Sandy. “This isn’t uncommon in premature foals but it was a real worry in these circumstances. Her slightly under-developed lungs were also a concern, but with the help of an oxygen tube, she built up the strength to breathe on her own after about nine days of being in intensive care.

“Because of the Covid restrictions, we weren’t allowed to visit them and it was awful waiting for our updates. Not only did we want so much for Penny to come through, but we didn’t want Blossom to experience losing two foals.”

Finally, Penny and Blossom arrived home this week [Monday 26th April].

“Penny has fought for her life every step of the way,” said Sandy. “We just didn’t want to tempt providence by saying anything while her life hung in the balance.

“She remains under the care of Rossdales and will be having regular check-ups. I am so very grateful to the team there, led by Charlotte Easton-Jones, for everything they have done to save little Penny and look after Blossom.”

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Charlotte said that as a premature foal, Penny had multiple issues, and needed a long period in intensive care.

“We are all thrilled that she has recovered fully and bonded so well with her new mum,” she said.

“Jenny was an absolute legend,” added Sandy. “But she was also the kindest, most beautiful mare, inside and out. We feel privileged to have had her in our lives and can’t thank Jackie Webb and Ann Nicholls enough for allowing us to have her in her later years. We honestly adored her and we will miss her happy face on the yard terribly.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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 duo on a mission to breed “proper”, true-to-type natives for the ridden market talk to Rebecca Haywood about their greatest achievements and plans for the future

A FARMING couple with a passion for promoting the versatility of the British native breeds have not let the global pandemic stand in the way of their ever-growing breeding mission. Despite last year’s showing plans being scuppered by Covid, Julian Walters and David Hodge have carried on at home with as much determination as ever.

Their breeding programme, which began with the Shetland pony, continues to evolve and the pair have recently turned their focus to the Dartmoor and Exmoor breeds, too. The sheep and cattle farmers, who are panel judges on both the Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society and the Dartmoor Pony Society, can look back on pre-Covid years with a huge sense of pride.

Not only have Julian and David achieved some enviable successes in the ring – including three Olympia best of breed titles and two wins of the Kellythorpe Stud Shetland sire of the year award with one of their top sires, Newbarn Piran – but they made history in 2016 when their Shetland mare, Sharptor Trinity, became the first of her breed in 30 years to contest the Cuddy in-hand final. Trinity took the reserve spot in the pony section of the final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2016 and 2017, having also finished second at the Birmingham venue under saddle as a lead-rein in 2013.

“The Cuddy is the ultimate for breeders and it became our obsession,” admits Julian. “We were determined to qualify a Shetland and we travelled miles and miles, and did years of county shows. To qualify at Pembrokeshire County Show that first time was the greatest achievement for us, showing that if you work hard enough, you reap your rewards.”

Other ponies propelling the stud into the limelight include Sharptor Bellisima, who won the first ridden final at the Royal International (RIHS) in 2016 and finished second in the open small breeds class at HOYS the year before. In 2019, David and Julian landed three breed accolades at the National Pony Society (NPS) summer championship show, with Sharptor Kittiwake also winning the NPS silver medal final. Kittiwake is a daughter of Schivas Kirsty, who won the NPS gold medal in 2012.

THE couple’s home is a 1,500-acre farm in the Dartmoor National Park, near Yes Tor, the second highest point on Dartmoor. The yard stands at 1,400 feet.

“Our ground actually runs higher than that,” says Julian, who met David in 1998. The pair were involved in livestock showing and met through mutual friends. David is the seventh generation to take over the family farm and it was his father, John, who started the Shetland pony stud, breeding under the Halstock prefix.

“I had already established the Shetlands when I met Julian; my father registered the first one in 1967,” says David, who started to source fresh bloodlines and stallions in the 1990s, many of which were miniature Shetlands. “In the year 2000, we did our first show and came home with a champion and reserve. This first outing kickstarted a new love of showing ponies.”

The couple continue to farm pedigree Belted Galloway cattle and pedigree sheep, including Valais Blacknose.

“When you start breeding, you’re constantly looking for ways to make the next generation better than the last,” says Julian, who notes that they regularly travel the country visiting Shetland studs to develop their breeding programme. “We search for both pedigrees we like and breed type. We try out different breeding lines, too. We particularly favour the Southley bloodlines, which are put across some of the established black Shetland lines. This blood has clicked for us.”

Julian is quick to credit Bob and Dorothy Griffiths – breeders of their prolific stallion Ladbury Rembrant – who gave them the opportunity to acquire more good bloodstock.

“Rembrant is the sire of Sharptor Trinity and Sharptor Armani, as well as numerous other county show winners,” says Julian, who explained they found late chestnut stallion Newbarn Piran at a stud in Shetland. Piran originates from Southley bloodlines and is the sire of Sharptor Bellisima and Sharptor Silver Skyline, two ponies who qualified for the 2019 HOYS mountain and moorland lead-rein final.

“We discovered some exceptional mares at the Schivas stud,” says David. “Some of these have been successful in the show ring, but have also bred exceptional offspring for us.”

Adds Julian: “What makes the UK unique is the variety of ponies. We love to promote the versatility of the breeds, especially the Shetland – their pedigrees go back to one of the oldest UK studbooks.”

JULIAN and David started to dip their toes into Dartmoor breeding in 2011 with their first Dartmoor foal, Blackertor Moorcroft, being registered in 2014.

“When we ventured into Dartmoors, we were fortunate to find some super ponies,” says David. “We didn’t realise how small the gene pool is. We brought a stallion over from Switzerland; he had old British lines that had been lost here.”

Julian – who has taken the in-hand championship at the Dartmoor breed show three times with three different ponies – adds: “The sire who has been the most instrumental here is Shilstone Rocks Rain Man; we bought him as a foal from Elizabeth Newbolt-Young and had great success with him right from the beginning. He’s been supreme champion at the breed show and has been champion at four Dartmoor society star shows.”

The Exmoor is still relatively new to David and Julian. Their interest was sparked when David saw Blackthorn Poldark for sale as a foal on social media. Now aged five, Poldark will be out under saddle this term after a strong in-hand career.

“We’ve had to source some wives for Poldark; one notable mare is Bluebarn Nancy who won the Exmoor championship for us at the NPS championships in 2019,” says David.

The stud set-up consists of a combination of old stone buildings that have been adapted to stables, mainly for the stallions, and two American barns with internal stabling, for the mares and youngstock. David and Julian breed around 45 foals a year. They are a combination of all three breeds, but the majority is made up of standard Shetlands.

“Our grazing is suited to native ponies, especially the small breeds, as the land is not the best quality,” says Julian. “Our ponies run in small herds all year, aside from covering time. We’re lucky we never have any ponies suffer from laminitis. The fact they have quite large expanses of land to move on is the reason why they have such free movement, too.”

DAVID and Julian are helped by full-time groom, Stacey Palmer, who has been with them for 15 years. There are two part-time grooms, Conlaed Hooper and Ruby Collyer. The ridden ponies are in production with Jessica Talbot in Somerset.

“Due to the height of the farm, we produce our show team indoors for the early county shows,” says Julian. “We bring our show prospects in around January or February and start the feeding, rugging and grooming to get them ready for our first major show, which is usually Royal Windsor.

“We rough the ponies off in the winter; we believe in stripping them back then starting afresh in the new year. We aim to apply fresh condition by recommencing feeding in the new year for a topline. We are pretty old-school; we make our own mix from straights. Last year, due to the pandemic, we ended up turning the show ponies back out in April,” adds Julian.

“This was really heartbreaking after putting so much effort into them,” says David, who admits they are behind this year due to the uncertainty surrounding the competition season. “It was hard not to have the shows last year and not see everyone, but it was great to be able to catch up with things on the farm.”

Adds Julian: “It’s been an amazing year for pony sales, too, so it’ll be interesting to see if the trade stays as buoyant this year.”

With hopes that we will get some form of showing term in 2021, David and Julian are looking forward to watching ponies they’ve bred out both in-hand and under saddle.

“We love being involved with these ponies in the show ring,” enthuses Julian. “Our main aim in life is to breed a pony that oozes breed type and quality but can ultimately perform and succeed under saddle.”

Four to watch

SHARPTOR TRICOLORE

Six-year-old bay Shetland stallion

Sire: Sharptor Laser Red

Dam: Sharptor Trinity

Julian says: “Tricolore is being produced by Jessica Talbot under saddle this year. He has the movement of his mother and is a very exciting prospect.”

BLACKERTOR MAGNETO

Seven-year-old black Shetland stallion

Sire: Clivocast Napolean

Dam: Bayview Maggie May

David says: “He had great success in 2018 and his foals from last year are making impressive yearlings. He is the one we have high hopes for.”

BLACKERTOR MERCURY

Three-year-old bay Dartmoor colt

Sire: Shilstone Rocks Rain Man

Dam: Newoak Myth

David says: “He was champion foal at the breed show in 2018 and we hope he’ll follow in his sire’s footsteps.”

SHARPTOR DIVINE

Nine-year-old black Shetland mareSire: Sharptor PredatorDam: Danethorpe DeliaJulian says: “Divine is the broodmare who has been waiting in the wings. She was shown successfully as a junior and was due to come out last year.”

This feature is also available to read in this Thursday’s H&H magazine (8 April, 2021)

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Countryfile’s Adam Henson on raising the profile of Suffolk horses and making a buck from his childhood animals

Visitors to the Cotswold Farm Park, which my late dad Joe founded in 1971 to help protect rare breeds of farm animals, are always impressed by the stature of our Suffolk horses and are amazed by their history. The animals are part of our living heritage; they ploughed the land, provided us with food and kept everything going before tractors.

As a child, my dad worked with heavy horses on the farm and so he had an incredible affinity to them. We used to run heavy horse working courses here with Shires and Ardennes – a heavy European breed that we imported – to keep the skills alive.

Suffolk owner and enthusiast Nigel Oakley gifted me the mare Victoria five years ago to have on show to the public at the farm. I was really keen to help promote the breed because they are so critically rare; it seems like they’re on this helix to extinction.

My livestock manager and I decided we ought to try to breed a Suffolk, and as Victoria was getting a bit old, we bought another called Lexi who was in foal. We followed her story on Countryfile but sadly the foal died two days after birth. It was tragic. Lexi is now back in foal and we’re hoping she’ll foal this spring.

With Countryfile we filmed at Stallion AI Services in Shropshire last year and looked at how they’ve used the process of sexed semen with Suffolks, where female-only sperm is selected to impregnate the mare to increase the number of mares being born.

I’ve heard from the Suffolk Horse Society that after the programme they had a lot of interest with people joining the society and donating money. It’s brilliant that it can help. Draught horses have served us over hundreds of years incredibly well, so it would be a tragic thing if they were lost for ever.

My dad was a great trailblazer and advocate for rare breeds’ conservation back in the late 1960s and early ’70s. I grew up with three older sisters and he gave us all a rare breed as children to help us understand the husbandry and responsibility of looking after those animals. We would go with him to sales and we had a financial interest because if we sold something, half the money would go into our piggy bank and the other half would go into the farm.

The animals that I had initially as a little boy were Exmoor ponies, which are categorised as endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. We now have half a dozen of them here on the farm. On Countryfile I’ve helped gather them up on Exmoor and they’re up there in all conditions; watching them graze gorse and moving those spiny stems around in their mouth is extraordinary.

There’s one Exmoor mare on the farm, May, who is now 28 years old. There was something wrong with her mother so we had to bottle-feed her as a foal and so she is super-friendly.

I always wanted to be a cowboy when I was little, but I was never very good at riding. My dad gave me a spotted pony called Domino with a Western saddle and I used to get about a mile away from home on him, he’d buck me off and then I’d walk home crying.

Because I don’t ride now, when I took part in the Golden Horseshoe Ride – a 160km endurance ride over two days – on Exmoor for Countryfile, I used muscles that I didn’t know existed.

We went out to Australia with the cameras for Countryfile and were rounding up cattle with helicopters in areas people can’t get to. They then dropped me off and I jumped on one of their stock horses, which were like sheepdogs, reacting if they saw a calf or cow about to break from the herd. You had to have your wits about you and make sure you were sitting on well.

Having loved cowboy films as a child that was an amazing experience, like a dream come true.

Ref: Horse & Hound; 3 December 2020

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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.”

Continued below…

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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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A trust that rescues unwanted Exmoor ponies has stepped in to save six purebreds who were destined for the slaughterhouse.

The Moorland Mousie Trust, whose work has given a future to more than 500 of the endangered breed, was alerted to the plight of the group, which included pregnant mares, foals, youngsters and a stallion.

The herd was no longer wanted by its owner and was at a dealer’s yard awaiting transport to an equine slaughterhouse.

Although the charity has already taken in nine moor-bred foals this year, it agreed to try and help as many of the ponies as its resources would allow.

After making a tough decision about which ponies it could afford to save, the trust discovered several of the group were already dead.

The 20-year-old charity bought six of the remaining ponies, transporting four foals to its Exmoor Pony Centre to be cared for, while two older mares travelled to Northumberland to join a conservation herd.

Juliet Rogers, trustee of the Moorland Mousie Trust said: “It was a fraught situation with very little time to arrange the ponies being taken into the charity’s care.

“We are pleased that we could help and look forward to offering these ponies a safe and secure future.”

The two mares, who may be in foal, will be able to live out their days in the Northumberland herd, grazing with other older mares.

Continues below…

The ultimate bargain: Pony bought for £12 becomes teenager’s ‘supercob’

The piebald was bought as a months-old colt, wild from the moor

Second Exmoor herd introduced to Czech Republic

A further 14 Exmoor ponies have been released near Prague

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The three fillies and one colt will join the group of youngstock at the charity’s base on Exmoor where they will learn all the skills they need for their future lives. They will receive any necessary veterinary treatments and the colt will be gelded.

A statement from the trust, which typically takes in excess foals from the moor, said it “did not usually find itself in this situation” and praised the efforts of “a helpful and speedy haulier, the dealers yard and local supporters” who had enabled the remaining ponies to be saved.

It added that it had spent more than £2,000 on the rescue, and was inviting sponsorship and donations towards the ponies’ care.

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An Exmoor stallion has made the long journey from Devon to a new home running with a herd in Denmark.

Farleywater Zeus, who was wild-born on the moor, has been acquired by the Danish Nature Agency to run with their Langeland ponies for the next five years.

Most recently, Zeus has been the resident stallion of the Coldicutt family’s Porlock 100 herd.

“Zeus has sired some beautiful foals but his fillies are now starting to mature, and are being retained, so he needed to find a new job,” Dawn Westcott of the Exmoor Pony Project explained.

“We always make an effort to find stallions new roles as being semi-feral and unhandled, it is not easy to find them new jobs. The Coldicutts told me a year ago they would need to move him on and fortunately the Danish Nature Agency were looking for a stallion at just the right time.”

The charismatic Zeus was registered and branded as a foal, but then went unnoticed until he was rediscovered at the age of five.

“The farmer didn’t know how he was out there, he’d avoided all the gatherings and hidden for four years,” Dawn recalled. “When I first saw him he jumped over a five-bar gate right in front of me into the pen next door — we knew we had to get him licensed and find him a job.”

Zeus found his first stallion role out on the Chains — in inhospitable part of the Exmoor that is hunting country — but when that herd had to be sold, he moved on to join the Porlock 100 herd.

“I was there when we let him go and we watched him with these new mares and he just rounded them all up and brought them into a herd, it was as if he was saying ‘I’m here now’,” Dawn said.

“A good, experienced stallion like him shouldn’t be daunted by joining the new herd at Langeland. He knows how to use the right combination of ‘assertion and seduction’. A sensible stallion will court his mares, and also show them that he is strong enough to take on the stallion role and lead the herd.

“The Langeland herd not only has mares to deal with but the foals from last year, and some geldings. They have a good amount of space and it will be interesting to see how Zeus decides to manage it.”

Zeus was transported to his new home in an LOC Transport luxury 3.5tonne horsebox that was converted into a “travelling stable” to minimise his stress.

“There was a little apprehension about how Zeus might feel being separated from his mares and detained at the farm, but he proved to be the perfect gentleman,” said Matthew Coldicutt,

“Thanks to a tip from the Exmoor Pony Project about putting him in our stock box first, then transferring him into the luxury side loading van, the operation was both safe and ordered.”

The pure but unregistered Langeland herd that Zeus has joined descends from stock that was imported to Sweden and Denmark in the mid-1960s, sourced from both Exmoor and a herd in the Welsh uplands.

The animals were initially located partly on a deserted area on Hallandsåsen in Sweden and partly on Tærø in Denmark but the ponies on Hallandsåsen were sold after a few years when the breeding project was disbanded.

“The animals at Tærø were allowed to take care of themselves until 2003 and 2006 when the Danish Nature Agency bought a number of these wild, and not pedigreed, Exmoor ponies from Tærø and placed them on the island on Langeland,” Kirsten Muus, from The Danish Nature Agency said.

“In 2006 we also bought our first breeding stallion Felix from Germany and 2013 he was exchanged with a new breeding stallion called Nemo.”

Zeus has been brought in to replace Nemo, and it is hoped that once the Exmoor Pony Genome Project is complete, it will be possible to register this herd and reclaim an important gene pool.

“Because there is no supplement and upgrading system in the Exmoor Pony Stud Book, none of the Langeland Exmoor ponies are being pedigree registered and are ‘invisible’ to the Exmoor pony breed,” Dawn explained.

Continues below…

Second Exmoor herd introduced to Czech Republic

A further 14 Exmoor ponies have been released near Prague

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...

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“As the breed is critically endangered and in decline, we are very much hoping that once the Exmoor Pony Genome Project is completed and there is the facility to offer a DNA ‘purity’ test to confirm that ponies are indeed Exmoor ponies, then a way can be found to recognise and embrace these beautiful and truly semi-feral Langeland Exmoor ponies into the breed.

“They are only using registered Exmoor stallions on their mares,” Dawn added.

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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.

Article continues below…

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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.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine out every Thursday

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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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Eleven ponies have been sent from the heart of Exmoor to the Czech Republic, where they will join a successful conservation project.

The ponies are the third consignment of Exmoors to arrive at Podyji National Park; the first group having travelled there in 2015.

The project, run by Ceska-krajina and funded by European Wildlife, was so impressed with the initial group of ponies, it asked for two more herds to graze additional areas.

According to the Moorland Mousie Trust and the Exmoor Pony Society, which co-ordinated the export, the natives have proved themselves to be extremely effective at grazing alongside the wild European bison, controlling the vegetation and adapting to the Czech climate.

Sue McGeever, secretary of the Exmoor Pony Society, said getting the ponies together from all over the country ready to travel to their new continental home had been a “huge undertaking”.

“We couldn’t have done it without the volunteer time of so many people. It has been a real team effort and all worth it when you see the wonderful new lifestyle the ponies will have,” she said.

The organisations also reported that the Czech project had been ensuring “strict and exemplary management practices” with their herds and that offspring were being inspected and registered with the Exmoor Pony Society — important for ensuring gene pool diversity in the endangered breed.

Juliet Rogers, from the Moorland Mousie Trust added that they were “delighted that the Exmoor pony is proving popular for environmental and conservation work”.

“The breed is ideal for this and it is important that we continue to find outlets for these ponies to ensure continued breeding and diversity of bloodlines,” she said.

Continues below…

Exmoor colt shipped to the USA

An Exmoor colt has been exported to the USA by the Exmoor Ponies of America stud

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The Exmoors — who were transported by John Parker International — have apparently been warmly welcomed in their new home.

The first group to arrive received national television coverage and the latest small herd was also greeted by crowds as they came of the lorry.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

 This week’s edition (17 May) features a full report from Royal Windsor Horse Show, including all the showing, showjumping and dressage action. We go behind the scenes with the Household Cavalry as they prepare for the royal wedding, plus check out our interview with Irish eventer Padraig McCarthy.

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

This season, working hunter courses haven’t been short of twists, turns and the odd water complex. But these small yet mighty flying machines have certainly proved that size really isn’t an issue if you’ve got talent, scope and a whole lot of heart.

Check out these seven super-star working hunter ponies who have already jumped to glory this term.

1. Birchmoor Drover

Pamela Brown rides the Tomlinson family’s Shetland Birchmoor Drover to qualify for the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS) at the National Pony Society (NPS) spring festival.

2. Fortview Kitchens

After winning the starter stakes, Fortview Kitchens and Oliver Kinnear land the mini working hunter title at the Northern Ireland Festival.

3. Arad Tomos

Arad Tomos and Charlotte Smith take on the water feature at NPS Spring Festival.

4. Lacy Aldo

… as do Darcy Sproat and Lacy Aldo.

5. Blisland Hero

Despite standing second in their class, Blisland Hero and Freya Herring bag the restricted working hunter sash at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) winter championships.

6. Moonpenny Aquarius

The Exmoor gelding Moonpenny Aquarius, a previous HOYS and Olympia finalist on the flat, and Debbie Barker-Runiewicz stand intermediate worker champions at the North East Derbyshire Spring Show.

7. Noble Peppermint

The mannerly 133cm grey Noble Peppermint and 11-year-old Ruby Ward have qualified for the RIHS in both the open and nursery ranks and was also restricted supreme at the BSPS winters.

Don’t miss next week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (17 May 2018) for our full report and analysis from the Royal Windsor Horse Show

For all the latest equestrian news and report, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

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The public has been reassured not to be concerned about the welfare of Exmoor ponies grazing in Cleadon Hills.

The Moorland Mousie Trust has been contacted numerous times this winter by people concerned that the ponies were unable to cope in the freezing conditions.

“We’ve had a huge problem this winter,” said Juliet Rogers, trustee of the charity which works to protect the endangered breed.

“On the sites where the public have lots of access, like the Clevedon Hills, people want them to be fed, they want them to have stables and rugs.

“They don’t need these things. They are used to surviving in all weathers and are out on 200-plus acres — they move around to eat and keep warm.”

Ms Rogers said horse owners are as much as a problem as the non-equestrian public.

“Interestingly some of the worst offenders have been horsey,” she said. “They want the ponies to be treated like their own horses, given hay and stabled.

“I’ve had really nice people saying they have been kept up at night worrying about them.”

Ms Rogers added that the ponies are protected against laminitis if their weight is allowed to drop over the winter.

“If they lose weight over the winter, they’re not carrying too much into the summer,” she said.

“These ponies are incredibly lucky. They would be dead if they weren’t used in conservation.”

There has also been concern over the Exmoor ponies grazing in Prestwick Carr.

“There is lots of dry ground but the ponies like wading in the wet areas as there’s lots of grass that’s still green in those areas,” Ms Rogers said.

“They are perfectly capable of coming out of the water if they want to.”

Continued below…

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Ms Rogers urged visitors to not feed the ponies.

“People feel they should feed them carrots anywhere there is public access and then the ponies start to mug the public,” she said.

“We tend to be careful which ponies we put where. We have the wilder ones in the public areas so they keep away.

“The other problem is a lot of people feed them completely unsuitable foods, like potatoes, onions and cabbages.”

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The hardy Exmoor pony is one of the most identifiable of the native breeds, with their distinctive mealy markings on the muzzle and around the eyes. But this Friday (26 May 2017) a new photography exhibition will open at Dunster National Park Centre in Somerset, promising to show the breed in a new light.

‘Running Wild’ is a collection of different genres, post-processing styles and quirky point of views, with curator and photographer Nina Dodd having brought together 10 Exmoor photographers.

The exhibition will run in Dunster Steep until 1 September, before moving onto the Lynmouth National Park Centre (1 September-31 October) and finally to Toucan in Minehead (13 November-24 December).

Take a sneak peak at the photographs on display

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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.

Article continues below…

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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.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

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

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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Hurrah for Exmoor ponies! Hairy, loyal, strong, versatile... And on the cover of this week's issue of Horse & Hound magazine. Here's why we're (just slightly) in love...

If you are someone who learnt to ride on an Exmoor pony you may well have squealed in delight at this week’s front cover of Horse & Hound magazine, featuring the mealy-nosed Exmoor Warrenmere Woodcock.

You are also likely to have grown a uniquely thick skin as a child — riding an Exmoor is not always plain sailing (let’s say they know their own mind…)

But however many times you were left stranded at the start of the bending poles, you will always have their back. Here’s why:

1. They (really) taught you to ride

You may now be riding a smart 16.2hh Irish Sport Horse, but it’s your Exmoor that you have to thank for really teaching you to ride. They were loyal and trustworthy — but also injected a healthy dose of determination into your nine-year-old self. They were no push-button…

2. They were never too cold

On, off, on, off, on… Oh the rug dilemmas you have now. Your Exmoor was never too cold. Or too hot. He just sorted himself out.

3. Size is… just a number?

They may be small (the majority are 12-12.2hh) but they certainly pack a punch, with a weight carrying ability far beyond their size. Which means you haven’t ruled them out as a ride for later in life…

4. They beat the odds

Respect is what this hardy West Country breed deserves. Now categorised as endangered by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (which means there are between 300-500 registered breeding females), after World War Two there were less than 40-odd breeding stock on the moor. During the war American garrisons were stationed on Exmoor and when meat was in short supply, a lot of the ponies were eaten.

5. They may be hairy…

…But boy are they beautiful. Their thick winter coat (which is grown in two layers and designed to withstand the harsh Exmoor weather) gives ways to a sparkling bright bay colour come the summer. Combine that with their mealy markings on the muzzle and around the eyes and they are picture perfect for all those West Country postcards.

6. Not a one trick pony

Once used as working ponies, the Exmoor now turns its hoof to almost anything — whether it’s being a lead rein pony, jumping superstar or being ridden side-saddle.

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7. And that nose…

However bad your day is, the very sight of an Exmoor’s mealy nose is enough to turn your mood around. Now can someone please pass over this week’s issue…

For more information about Exmoor ponies visit www.exmoorponysociety.org.uk or www.mepbg.co.uk

Don’t miss this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine where we celebrate the Exmoor pony, as well as other British breeds

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

Twelve Exmoor ponies will be making the trip from Devon to Durham, after a wildlife trust raised an astonishing £10,000 in a week to purchase and support a new herd.

Durham Wildlife Trust (DWT) launched the crowd funding appeal as it wanted the ponies for conservation grazing on their nature reserves between the Tees and Tyne.

After receiving several large donations, the trust met its target in record time, and the ponies will be headed to Durham from the Exmoor charity the Moorland Mousie Trust in January.

“We are privileged to live in a region that has some very special animals and plants, alongside more common species. Durham Wildlife Trust is doing all it can to protect and conserve wildlife now and for the future and traditional grazing with Exmoor ponies is one of many actions that the trust is undertaking,” said DWT chairman Steve Gater.

“It is good to know that so many people are interested in their local wildlife. I would like to thank all those who have very kindly contributed to this appeal.”

The Moorland Mousie Trust loans ponies to sites all over the country to graze as and when required, but this herd of young geldings will be owned by the DWT and will graze their sites full-time.

“We’ve been providing ponies to projects all over the country but mostly in the north, we even have ponies grazing inner city sites, including one at the back of the metro Centre in Newcastle,” said Moorland Mousie trustee Juliet Rogers.

“Most of these are ‘flying herds’ that move between locations and we also work in conjunction with an outfit called Flexigraze that rotates cattle, ponies and sheep.”

Continued below…

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The Exmoor ponies are the oldest native breed in the UK, and their double-layered coats make them ideal for coping with hostile winter conditions on reserves, where their natural grazing preferences help improve species diversity.

“Some places have started to bring in Koniks from Poland to graze special interest sites, but we’ve found the native Exmoors do the job best,” added Juliet.

Most of the ponies the trust uses are sourced straight from farmers on Exmoor as foals, where they are then handled and gelded before suitable homes are found.

“We take in the colt foals to stop them being slaughtered,” said Juliet. “This year we’ve had around 20 foals come in and then probably another five to 10 ponies that need rehoming from other sources.”

DWT member Robin Laycock and his wife Sue were among the first people to donate to towards the Durham herd.

“Not only does it give these rare-breed ponies a secured future, but having them on our local nature reserves will make a significant contribution to nature conservation,” he said.

“By their very nature, the ponies will encourage more people, young and old to get out and visit their local nature reserves and to value their local wild places.”

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

Knowing what your native pony was bred for will enable you to show them off correctly in the show ring. From a fast but smooth walk perfect for ploughing fields or carrying large loads over great distances, to ground-covering trots ideal for shepherding sheep and hunting wolves, this is what native breeds were used for in bygone years:

Shetlands

Small but hardy, Shetland ponies were commonly used to transport peat from the bogs and seaweed to fertilise fields. Some also became pit ponies, or were used as pack animals.

Highlands

Highlands were bred to work on farms in their native Scotland. From carrying deer and game off the hills, to transporting timber and ploughing fields — these sturdy ponies are capable of hard, heavy work.

Fell

Native to the North of England, Fell ponies were used by the Vikings to plough and pull sledges, as well as for riding and pack work. Their fast but comfortable walk made them ideal for carrying anything from material and food to local metal ores. Fells were also used for shepherding and hunting wolves to protect the flock.

Modern Fell ponies are renowned for their ground-covering trot, and have been used for trotting races in the past.

Dartmoor

Native to Devon and recorded as living on Dartmoor since the Middle Ages, this breed’s metabolism enables them to survive in tough conditions, ideal for working in the mines, carrying large loads as a pack animal and shepherding sheep. Their temperament made the ponies a popular ride, as they are today.

Exmoor

This breed dates back to when the Celts settled in Britain. The ponies were tamed and broken to pull chariots, as well as being ridden, used as pack animals and ploughing the land.

Welsh ponies

Section A: The smallest of the Welsh mountain ponies were useful for shepherding sheep, mining and riding, as well as being pack animals.

Section B: These ponies were also intended for pulling carts and carriages.

Sections C and D: All of the above, plus useful for farm work. Welsh mountain ponies could also be seen driving cattle.

Dales

Known for strength, hardiness, courage and stamina, the Dales pony has strong mining links. Evolved from the Scotch Galloway pack animal, the breed was used to transport lead, coal and ore from the mines of North Yorkshire, Teesside and Tyneside to the ports on the coast.

Dales ponies are capable of carrying heavy loads over long distances, and were also driven, ridden and used for farm work.

Continued below…

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Connemara

This compact, surefooted and intelligent breed stands on short legs but covers a lot of ground. Still popular for riding with adults and children alike, the attributes of a Connemara has made them ideal for farm work and driving for years.

New Forest

Having roamed the New Forest, Hampshire, since the end of the last Ice Age, these fast and sure-footed ponies have been a popular riding choice for centuries. History shows them being used to carry large weights over long distances, plus hunting and farm work.

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.”

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

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

The first breeding herd of Exmoor ponies is being established in the Czech Republic to help restore rare grassland habitat in a national park.

Fourteen mares left the UK on 26 January and were released in a former army base in Milovic Nymburk, about 20 miles from Prague.

After an acclimatisation period in a small enclosure the ponies were released into a 40 hectare area on Saturday (21 March).

A stallion will join the mares in April.

The EU-funded project has been organised by European Wildlife, a Czech-based conservation organisation.

The Moorland Mousie Trust was given €18,000 to find the mares and a stallion. All the ponies had to be registered Exmoor ponies between five and 15 years old.

“We had to find 14 mares of different bloodlines that could be handled as they were going out to be a breeding herd,” said Juliet Rogers, chairman of the Trust.

Two ponies came from the Tawbitts herd and three more from the Knightoncombe herd on Exmoor. The John Parker horse transport lorry was too big to get into Dulverton so the ponies had to be shipped over to Wheddon Cross for collection.

These were joined in Dover by others collected from the Trust’s Northumberland grazing base from breeders in Inverness and the north of England.

A 40-hectare enclosure has been built in the Czech national park to enable the ponies to get to know each other before the stallion arrives in April. The site will be gradually extended to give them more room to roam. Animal behaviourists will be studying them to see how they all get on.

The ponies will be grazed with big black Aurock cattle to get rid of the scrub that is encroaching the wildflowers in the park.

The Czecks looked at other breeds including Konigs and Hucul but decided the Exmoor was the nearest pony to the one that originally grazed mainland Europe.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to increase the profile of the Exmoor pony, which is a versatile and hardy pony with a well deserved reputation as a conservation pony,” added Juliet.

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 are concerns over the future of an important herd of Exmoors after the Exmoor Pony Society has said it cannot register them.

Christina Williams told H&H the herd of more than 40 ponies on her family’s Molland estate represent a significant bloodline, but will not pass the society’s “unnecessarily rigorous” DNA testing.

The society argues it has made every effort to register the ponies, but under strict Defra and EU legislation, it cannot, because they are not out of a licensed stallion.

A Defra spokesman said: “A recognised breed society must enter a horse in the main section of its studbook if its parents are entered and it has a pedigree established in accordance with the studbook rules.

“There are some limited circumstances where horses that do not meet these criteria may also be entered in the main section.”

Mrs Williams is in 1 of 7 big moorland families on the recently formed Moorland Exmoor Pony Breeders Group, which is independent of the Exmoor Pony Society.

This was set up in January in response to vet Peter Green’s Exmoor Pony report, which highlights the difficulties facing the free-living moorland herds.

Mr Green said the future security of the free-living Exmoor pony cannot be guaranteed because “there are no restrictions in place on non-Exmoors grazing the moor and interbreeding with the Exmoor herds”.

Under the present arrangement, landowners, farmers and graziers do not have to remove the obviously non-Exmoor colts currently running free on some areas of the moor and breeding with Exmoor ponies.

The report mentions the difficulties with the registration of Exmoor-looking ponies, where parentage cannot be proven, as another factor affecting the future of the breed.

Dawn Westcott from the group admitted there are some issues regarding the Molland ponies’ DNA parentage verification. But she said they are “a genetically important herd of long-standing ‘true to type’ Exmoor ponies, where the mature mares have passed the strict physical inspection required for Exmoor ponies”.

The Exmoor pony is in the endangered category on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust’s watchlist, with just 300-500 registered breeding females.

As part of Horse & Hound's 130th birthday celebrations, we will be supporting and promoting "130 equestrian good causes" via regular online round-ups of events being run by the equestrian community.

Team GBR sponsors Badminton

Team GBR is the official benefactor of the Mitsubishi Motors Badminton Horse Trials. Course walks led by Zara Philips, Richard Waygood, Phil Surl and other top eventers will take place at the event. There will also be merchandise and competitions to raise money for WEG and the Olympics.

“The Hoof mechanical horse, Henry will also be at Badminton — not only will he be giving rides to the public but he’ll also be doing his own warm up for Badminton, training with a couple of riders, checking out the stables, appearing at the trot up and getting a preview of the cross-country course,” said Claire Shand, from the British Equestrian Federation.

Get more information

The Exmoor Pony Festival poster competition

The Exmoor Pony Festival is holding a poster competition for schools. The top prize is an Exmoor pony experience. There are 2 age groups for the competition — 5-9 years and 10-13 years with 2 separate categories — Exmoor and Out of Exmoor.

“We are delighted to be running a competition to involve schools in the Exmoor Pony Festival and we are hoping for a great turnout of entries from far and wide,” said Sue McGeever from the Exmoor Pony Society. “The competition will be running throughout the spring so that the winning artwork can be used in the promotional work for the Exmoor Pony Festival in August and a display of the posters will be available for all to see.”

Get entry details here

World Horse Welfare needs volunteers

Badminton final scores

World Horse Welfare is appealing for volunteers in Norfolk. Extra help is needed for general yard duties and to help maintain the garden areas.

“I really enjoy volunteering at World Horse Welfare. I love having contact with the horses and doing different jobs around the yard,” said Sue Haughey, who currently volunteers with the charity. “Fresh air, exercise, and the company of the staff that work here make it a very worthwhile experience for me.”

Find out more about volunteering

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 week of activities celebrating the free-roaming moorland breed, the 2013 Exmoor Pony Festival will take place at Exmoor National Park from Saturday 24 August-Sunday 1 September.

Events include foal handling courses with the Moorland Mousie Trust, an Exmoor pony fun day, a pleasure ride organised by the Exmoor Pony Society, an art exhibition, talks on the breed, a ‘meet the herds’ day at Cutcombe Market and walks across the moor with Exmoor National Park Authority rangers.

Two-time world champion Exmoor pony stallion Hawkwell Versuvius will also appear in an agility and handling demonstration.

Advance booking is required for some events at the festival, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund.

For more details, visit: www.exmoorponyfestival.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

Congratulations Kate and William on the birth of your baby boy.

Once you have settled on a name — and put him down for Eton — it’s never too early to focus on the next most important question. What should his first pony be?

Although Kate is reported to be allergic to horses, there can be no doubt that the next heir to the throne will be expected to take up the family’s equestrian obsession.

So what would be the most suitable pony for the job?

Shetland

The Shetland is arguably the front-runner in the first pony competition. It can boast a royal heritage, as The Queen’s first pony was a Shetland called Peggy.

Their small size makes them a natural fit as a first pony although they have a reputation for being cheeky. Jane Dennis from Kerswel Stud in Devon, who has been breeding Shetlands for more than 40 years, believes it would be a good choice.

“They are great confidence boosters because of their personalities,” she told H&H.

“The only thing is you have to make sure that they are broken in properly.

“Some people stick a headcollar on and a child on the pony’s back and then wonder why they don’t behave.

“I think this is where their reputation for being naughty comes from.”

Exmoor

The Exmoor may be the preferred choice of the baby’s step-Grandmother, the Duchess of Cornwall. Camilla’s favourite childhood book, Moorland Mousie, tells the story of an Exmoor who is determined to become a hunting pony.

Juliet Rogers of the Moorland Mousie Trust, said: “Exmoor ponies are reliable, strong and clever, able to take care of themselves and their precious cargo.

“These wonderful ponies are sure footed, versatile and a suitable size, making them perfect for a future king”

Event rider Andrew Nicholson has an Exmoor pony for his 8-year old daughter Lily.

“If we go cross-country schooling, I canter over the little jumps and the pony jumps along behind us,” said Andrew in a recent H&H interview.

“If it thinks a jump is too big, it quietly goes around it and hopes I won’t notice — it’s a good pony.”

The pony is also used on the lead-rein for his 4-year old son Zach.

New Forest

This is another favourite choice for children due to their small size and naturally calm temperament.

Shirley Young, who has been breeding New Forest ponies at Farriers Stud since 1985 believes they are “simply the best” for young children.

She also pointed out that they have royal history because, “they come from the royal hunting ground for King William I.”

Too much too soon

Although breed and size is important it is also crucial that the pony is right for the child.

International dressage rider Steph Croxford discovered this when she acquired a Shetland pony, Jess, on loan for her daughter Annabelle when she was three-years old.

“Unfortunately it didn’t work out.” Steph explained. “The pony wasn’t being naughty, but as a first pony she was just too much.

“You just had to give her a squeeze and she was off. Unfortunately Annabelle fell off 4 times in 2 days, mainly into icy puddles.

“That put her off riding for 3 years, but she has just gone back to having riding lessons and is enjoying it.”

She added: “It is so important to get the first pony right. My advice would be make sure you just get a pony on loan so if something goes wrong there are no financial concerns.”

Hopefully Zara Philips’ 2-year-old niece, Savannah, will get on better with the Shetland which has just been purchased for her by her aunt.

Mother knows best

Showing producer Katy Carter, who has 3 children, believes that temperament is the most important factor when choosing a pony whether for the ring or just for fun.

Harry, Poppy and Harvey were lucky enough to start off with Sprinter the Shetland who is now 22 years old and has been shared around numerous children.

“He was great because he was a real play pony. I know Shetlands have a reputation for being a bit sharp but he wasn’t at all,” Katy explained.

“Poppy used to put pink ribbons in his hair and a crown on him. It was a great way for her to start.”

Both Poppy and Harry have gone on to ride at the Royal International and Horse of the Year Show after their successful start on Sprinter.

Have your say

What do you think would make the best first pony for the future King? Visit our Facebook page and let us know.

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 campaign has been launched against the hot branding of Exmoor ponies multiple times.

Exmoors can be given several brands, including the Exmoor star, herd and animal number.

The campaign by Exmoor pony producer Dawn Westcott calls for ponies that are not going back on to the moor not to be branded at all.

She also wants the number of brands on the other Exmoors, and all equine breeds, to be cut down.

More than 11,000 people have signed the petition.

“Branding domestic ponies and those coming off the moors and not going back, should be stopped,” said Mrs Wescott.

“There is no justification for putting as many as seven marks on Exmoor pony foals.

“Hot branding should only be used where it is necessary for welfare and management.”

But a spokesman for the Exmoor Pony Society said: “Moorland ponies quite often have successful showing careers as youngsters and then return to the moor to breed because of the importance of their bloodlines.

“Hot branding, when requested by the breeder or owner of the pony, remains the most practical solution for visual identification.”

Hot branding was banned in Scotland last year.

Vet Keith Chandler, from Kessock Equine in Inverness, said: “As far as I’m aware, there’s been no negative feedback from breed societies.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (5 July 2012)

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

Does your Exmoor pony have the “EX Factor”?

A competition is being run on Facebook by the Moorland Mousie Trust – a charity that works to promote and conserve the Exmoor breed.

Exmoor pony fans can upload photographs to the Exmoor Pony Centre Fan page, www.facebook.com/ExmoorPonies. The winning photograph will be chosen by the number of “likes” it receives.

Each month will be themed and the winning photograph will receive a prize. In October the theme is “spooky” and the prize is a tackbox full of goodies donated by Carr Day Martin.

Next year the winning photographs will be made into a calendar for 2013 and sold on behalf of The Moorland Mousie Trust.

For more information: www.moorlandmousietrust.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

A five-year-old Exmoor mare made history at Olympia when she became the first of her breed to win the coveted NPS Baileys Horse Feeds Mountain and Moorland supreme ridden title.

Stowbrook Jenny Wren, a superb example of this rare breed, is in her first season under saddle. In the expert hands of native specialist Katy Marriott-Payne she gave a foot-perfect, charismatic display in the daunting atmosphere of a buzzing arena to score the highest performance mark of the 34-strong final.

Co-owned by Katy and breeder Margaret Burnett, Jenny Wren began the season contesting mostly novice classes. She went on to stand reserve supreme at East Anglian Natives; reserve in the Garrick Wareing Collins £1,000 ridden M&M championship at North of England; second in the Picton final and working hunter pony championship at NPS, and gained her Olympia ticket at the Exmoor breed show.

“Six months ago, this pony couldn’t even canter properly,” said an overwhelmed Katy, for whom this was a first Olympia triumph after a career that has brought HOYS and RIHS victories on various different breeds.

“I’ve always wanted to win this but I never dreamt I’d do it on an Exmoor — I don’t think one has even been placed here before!”

It was close at the top with Sheila Peet’s super Fell gelding Townend Hamish, beautifully ridden by Amie Houghton, finishing only one mark adrift.

Richard Telford finished third with Bill Ireland’s home-bred Dales mare, Kilmannan Black Velvet, a full-sister to last year’s champion, Black Pearl, while one of the hot favourites, Vanessa Compton’s former HOYS supreme, Castle Comet, stood fourth.

Don’t miss the full report on the NPS Baileys Horse Feeds Mountain and Moorland final in this Thursday’s issue of Horse & Hound (8 January).

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