The History of the Exmoor Pony continued...

Val Sherwin

The Present and Future of the Exmoor Pony   At the culmination of the recent Pony Pilgrimage (see previous issue of The Joy of Horses) at the Royal Show, a group of ridden Exmoor put on a wonderful display, by re-enacting the role they played during the war as an integral part of the Home guard. Strong enough to carry a not overlarge adult they are ideal for all riding club activities, they can perform dressage feats and jump and keep up with the hunt. Their surefootedness is legendary so what better means to sight-see on Exmoor than by riding a native pony? They shine in harness and their only fault seems to lie in their not being fashionable but of course this is largely due to lack of awareness.
All round the country small groups of Exmoor Ponies are being pressed into ecological service by grazing open spaces in such a way as to maintain the natural balance of the indigenous flora - their effectiveness even being recognised by the National Trust. This is due to their teeth being well adapted to a coarse diet. A pony that cannot eat successfully in harsh conditions will not survive, so the Exmoor has evolved incisors that meet cleanly and have a most effective bite - this even endures into old age. The effect being that the ponies do not damage plants as readily as other breeds and indeed they neatly graze around many allowing the plants to flourish and increase in number.		"What does the future hold for this colt foal born on Winsford Hill this year?"
Surely, however, they have much more to offer than this? To secure the future of this enchanting breed it is essential to develop a broad base of non-breeding individuals, actively used in our leisure and competitive activities who will in turn support our larger breeding population by guaranteeing a demand for the resulting progeny. Once the free living herds on the moor represent the tip of the iceberg their future as part of the natural fauna of these islands be secured for the next century.
Next Issue: The gathering of the ponies off the moor and branding A visit to Exford show
EXMOOR PONIES FOR SALE At weaning, colt and filly foals, and a few yearling fillies available from the famous Acland herd, the property of Mrs R Wallace. These ponies have been hillbred and reared on Exmoor, in their natural surroundings. We have a large selection available at reasonable prices. All foals can be halter-broken and will be available from October 6th 1998. The Exmoor pony s versatility makes it an ideal family pony, capable of carrying up to 75 kilos (12 stone). It is hardy in winter, an efficient grazer and exceptionally sure-footed. For more information contact: Mrs R Wallace c/o Mr D Sparkes Ashwick Farm Dulverton Somerset TA22 9QE Tel: 01398 323582