Jimmy Speed, Professor of Anatomy at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, Edinburgh, donated his group of Exmoor ponies to the vet students of the University.

Since then the ponies have been used for trekking over the Lothian Hills during the winter and over the Ochill Hills during the summer. Weekend day treks are available in the Pentlands from September to June. In the summer at Glendevon, treks are run every day (except Friday). The centre TRSS approved.

The herd is currently fourteen ponies, all Exmoors ranging from 4yrs to 20yrs. Anyone can come trekking (subject to weight restrictions) and all levels of riding ability are catered for. Due to the size of the ponies (approx 11hh to 13hh) the weight limit is 12 and a half stone (79kg) (or less in winter) to ride and any children 8 to 12yrs old must be accompanied by an adult. There are plenty of things to do in both the Pentland and Ochill Hills, including mountain biking, walking or just enjoying the beautiful scenery.

A listed rare breed, Exmoors have all the qualities required for survival in Britain's wilderness and moorlands.

Exmoor ponies are small at 11 to 12.3hh (preferred height range) and are bay, brown or dun, with black points and mealy markings on the muzzle, round the eyes and inside the flanks. They have strong compact feet and a 'toad eye' which consists of an extra rim of flesh to protect it from rain. Another breed characteristic is the 'snow chute tail' formed by short hairs at the root of the tail, which form a channel down which snow and rain can run off the body.

The Exmoor makes an excellent riding pony for both children and small adults, yet the number of ponies in the UK has fallen (there are only about 3,000 in the world currently) and they are considered to be an endangered breed. Other types of pony have been introduced onto the moors and the number of pure bred Exmoors has decreased, therefore pure breeding is encouraged. The Exmoor Pony Society is responsible for organising the inspection of Exmoor foals, and managing the stud book and ongoing health and preservation of the breed. The Exmoor pony's gene pool has remained 'pure' from outside blood since the Ice Age, making the Exmoor pony a 'prehistoric' national treasure. Exmoor ponies can be branded with the Society's mark, a star, and the herd number on the shoulder, and the pony number on the flank. Or, recently, owners now have the choice to microchip only.

The Exmoor pony aids conservation. They prefer to eat the wild grasses and leave wild flowers untouched, which provides a better environment for rare plants to grow. Their jaw structure is slightly different from domestic breeds of horse and their extremely strong upper and lower front teeth can 'snap' tough and rough vegetation, and also bite delicately and with precision around plants such as wild orchids. Their large gut and barrel-like structure enables them to consume large quantities of roughage such as wild moorland grasses, bark and gorse. Conservation grazing will help ensure the continuation of this ancient breed. However, greater awareness of their presence, usefulness and abilities as performance ponies is needed to ensure the future of this very special pony.

The Moorfoot Hills - Trekking in Edinburgh
Between September and June the ponies are kept on the Lothian Hills at Mount Lothian Farm, South of Edinburgh. Weekend day treks are available throughout the university semester, although if you would like to trek at another time please contact the centre and they will try to accomodate this.

A Trek Leader will contact you the night before your trek to arrange a meeting point and time. Midlothian Bus service 37, 47, 47X stops in Penicuik, where you will be met by your Trek Leader who will take you to the field by car.

To Book
To book a trek in the Lothian Hills send us an email stating:
•Your name
•Contact phone number
•The date you would like to come trekking
•If you have a car and could help with transport

Alternatively you can sign up on the notice board in the Vet School, Summerhall or phone the pony trekking mobile on 07866309677 and leave a message or text and they will get back to you

Glendevon - Trekking in Glendevon
Between June and September, the ponies move to Glendevon, near Dollar in Perthshire and treks are run 6 days a week (except Fridays) as well as the opportunity to do trekking holidays.

Treks
The centre offers full-day, half-day and evening treks as well as short lead rein rides, upon request, for younger children from the ages 4 years old and up.Please book treks directly with the trek leaders who can be contacted on: Pony Trekking Mobile - 07866309677 (leave a message and they will get back to you)