by Sue Burger

All Exmoor ponies originate from moorland stock. Some are many generations removed but each year a new cohort of first generation stock leaves its native moor for a variety of locations. Exmoor ponies are now being bred all over the British Isles and also in a number of other countries. The numbers have increased significantly over the last 20 years, so why do people believe that it is important, some would say vital, that we maintain a healthy breeding population on Exmoor itself?

The first things to consider are the characteristics that make the Exmoor pony what it is: its hardiness, the ability to thrive in conditions so testing that other animals would struggle to survive. Its excellent food conversion, an Exmoor pony can digest the toughest of plant fibres. Its surefootedness and the ability to travel safely over ground conditions that other equines would find difficult to cope with. Its ability to think for itself Most Exmoor owners have had to enter into serious discussion with their ponies at some point in the relationship. Perhaps most important of all the are the physical features that enable it to survive: the double layered winter coat with its soft downy inner layer and waterproof top coat with strategically placed whorls to deflect water: the hooded toad eye that protects the eye from harsh weather: the fan of hairs at the top of the tail, protecting the dock area. These characteristics are defined and refined by the harsh conditions the ponies endure on their native territory.

The close breeding of family groups on the moor has fixed certain types and characteristics within individual herds. Some old breeders used to say that characteristics such as coat colour were specific to certain parts of the moor. A good example would be the consistent red colouring of some lines within Herd 23 on Withypool common. This is only possible to maintain when a relatively large number of closely related animals are used for breeding purposes. It is very difficult to replicate that type of breeding programme, using the much smaller number of breeding animals that most (but not necessarily all) up country, or in-ground, breeders have at their disposal. It is not always so easy to identify strains and types in ponies, which are several generations removed from the moor and which have been subject to a greater degree of outcrossing of lines than would usually happen on Exmoor. Therefore the moorland herds provide a valuable reservoir of type variation, which breeders off the moor can return to when the need arises. This is not to denigrate up country breeders in any way (I am one myself in a small way). The ponies need the support of all their breeders and enthusiasts.

There are other free living herds such as 14 in Cumbria and 21 in the north west highlands of Scotland, which although many miles from Exmoor are being performance tested by the severity of their habitats in much the same way as the ponies on their native moor. These herds also provide a reservoir of hardy, hill tested ponies from which breeders can draw but nothing can ever replace the magic of seeing Exmoor ponies roaming freely on Exmoor itself.

They are part of the natural history of our islands and an example of living heritage, which can never be replaced once it is lost. It is vital that we keep the free-living herds and maintain the individual bloodlines within those herds or we risk losing thousands of years of history. We, as a nation, invest millions of pounds a year to preserve historic buildings and areas of our countryside that are considered to be of particular significance. Our living heritage is just as important but all too often seems to be overlooked.

No one who has visited Exmoor and seen the ponies in their natural environment can forget the sight of large numbers of almost identical ponies living out their daily lives on the hill. A glimpse can be seen on the Society’s recent film “Discovering Exmoor Ponies”, of the entire Anchor herd wheeling like a flock of birds as they are brought in at the annual gathering.

I will never forget my first visit to Exmoor and the sight of the combined herds 23 and H8 as they surged across Bradymoor and up into the funnel on a glorious sunlit October day. It was twenty odd years ago now and I have witnessed a few gatherings but the sheer thrill of that first sight of a herd of “wild” ponies will stay with me as long as I live. That experience is priceless.

One vital way we can ensure the continuation of the moorland herds is by buying ponies from the moorland breeders and paying a fair price. There can be little more rewarding than taking an unhandled foal, born in the wild, and winning its trust and confidence. Once tamed these ponies can often make the very best of companions.