The Exmoor pony is the only native pony that has retained its pure blood since the Ice Age! It is neither wild nor domesticated - as all the ponies are owned - yet at least a quarter of all Exmoors live 'as part of the natural world' in the UK's few remaining areas of wilderness - most extensively in Exmoor National Park.
Exmoor ponies are considered to be an Endangered Breed as there are so few of them, perhaps 3,000 worldwide. As Britain's truly prehistoric pony - which has dwelt here in the UK for over one hundred thousand years and is largely unchanged today - the Exmoor pony is undoubtedly a national treasure.
Free-living Exmoor ponies will usually command great respect from those who come to know them, for they thrive in an environment which can be harsh and unsympathetic - with limited food and foul weather in winter. They find their own food, water and shelter, unaided by their owners, and live out on the moorland all year independently. Unlike many 'man-made' breeds of horse, there is no trace of human design in their characteristics - even their breeding season is governed by Nature and not altered to suit their owners convenience. However, the ponies are 'managed' by humans in that certain stallions and filly foals are now chosen to continue and develop bloodlines and in this respect, they are not entirely 'wild'.
For such an ancient breed to have survived, unchanged and resolutely determined to retain its place in our modern society, is some considerable achievement. As wild and natural areas of the UK become steadily smaller, it is fortunate that the Exmoor pony has many friends and admirers, who are dedicated to protecting and conserving the breed.
This is a complex task as, not only do the herds, with their valuable and ancient bloodlines, need careful nurturing and management - albeit from a distance - there is a strict limit on the number of ponies allowed the graze the natural areas. This means that, each year, surplus ponies - often just 'weaned' at five months old - are taken off the moorland areas and homes must be found for them. This is not always easy as, while many of the ponies, with careful handling and socialisation, go on to make firm friends with man - it time, patience and understanding from the handlers.
What Happens to Moor Bred Youngstock?
Some of the pony foals stay with the breeders in a domestic or 'farm' environment and may be brought on and backed for riding at around three or four years of age, or are sold privately. Alternatively, some of the ponies go straight 'to the sales' as foals, where they are bought and brought on by their new owners. Others are found 'foster parents' who handle, socialise and care for them until good homes can be found. Sadly, some ponies, who can not find homes, end up being sold for meat or culled, which is a very great shame for a breed which endangered. With better understanding of wild pony handling an socialisation, every Exmoor pony is capable of making a successful transition to domestic life - in the right hands.
Exmoor Ponies - All Round Performance Ponies....
The Exmoor pony, when handled and developed correctly and sensitively, is emerging as a top quality all-round performance pony. Judges at County and Breed shows are commenting on the exceptional quality, conformation and condition of the Exmoor ponies exhibited. Exmoors are increasingly taking part in performance disciplines including ridden showing, endurance, dressage, show jumping, hunter trials, Horse Agility, hunting and driving.
A Friend For Life
Once socialised and having learned to trust man, the depth of friendship offered by an Exmoor pony is often a surprise to those new to the breed. Considered by some to be difficult and 'tricky', this is more often than not a result of unfair or rough handling that an Exmoor will neither tolerate or forget. They are an acutely intelligent breed, which has literally had to stand on its own four feet and has learned to survive and flourish against all odds. They are used to working out problems for themselves, and finding their own way. This strength of mind, resolve and resilience commands respect from anyone looking to get involved with an Exmoor pony.
With time, patience and positive, trust-based methods of communication, the Exmoor is capable of offering the sort of equine partnership that forms deep and lasting bonds with humans. However, the word 'partnership' must be emphasised. The Exmoor not only commands respect, he needs to respect too, so he'll be looking for good treatment, fair handling and clear communication. Give him that and he'll give you a friendship in return that you'll treasure for life.
It is our opinion that Hot Branding Exmoor pony foals does not help them to fulfill their potential in building relationships with humans and actually hinders their progress as well as compromising their physical wellbeing. Unbranded foals do not display the intense 'inherent fear' of restraint and lasting pain experienced by hot branded ponies. |
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