Exmoor Pony

The Exmoor Pony is believed to be the descendent of a native wild horse that has been preserved in its qualities from the earliest of times. Its history is quite obscure and it is believed to be one of England’s oldest breeds.

The pony runs wild over the Exmoor, a large wild moorland in Northern England. The Pony has a heavy coat during the severe winter months and a shiny light coat in the summer.

The Exmoor excels in harness having been used to pull chariots. It is also a good child’s pony if taken at a young age from the moor and trained with both care and consideration. Some have been known to carry a man during a full day of hunting or considerable weight for great distances.

The Exmoor is small, hardy and vigorous pony. It is very courageous, alert, strong and fast, having great endurance. The neck is quite distinctive being thick. The head pointed with a mealy nose. It has a seventh molar which is not present in any other equine. Their eyes are set wide apart and quite prominent. The ears are thick and pointed. Their shoulders are clean and well laid back. The ribs are wide and well sprung. The legs are strong and well set with very hard feet with action that is free and straight. They can be in bay, brown or dun but never exhibit white markings. A stallion will not exceed 12.3 hands or a mare 12.2 hands.

The Exmoor reproduces true to type. The introduction of other blood in attempts to increase its size has not succeeded. Exmoor enthusiasts have to continually return to the original herds in order to maintain its characteristics on their farms and stables.