Characteristics of the Exmoor Pony [page 2]

The ponies have neat, hard feet well suited to coping with rough terrain Their legs are clean and short, straight and set apart, and their action is straight and smooth, without exaggerated action. The long low stride of the Exmoor gives them easy movement over rough terrain, providing a well balanced ride.	They should have mealy markings on the muzzle and around the eyes.
Their winter coat has 2 layers providing protection against harsh weather...snow is easily shaken off.	A good Exmoor pony will have well laid back shoulders, fine at the top with a deep chest. The ribs should be long, deep, well-sprung and wide apart, with a broad back and level across the loins. Because of their build they are well able to carry an adult - up to 12 stone in weight - which must make them one of the strongest equines, relative to height. In summer their coat is close, hard and bright, but to contrast the rigours of an Exmoor winter they grow a coat in two layers which provides, in effect, thermal underwear and a raincoat .
The hairs next to the skin are fine in texture and form a layer of insulation; the outer hairs are coarser and greasy giving waterproof protection to the animal. That this system is highly efficient is best demonstrated by the phenomenon of snow thatching : snow collects on top of the ponies coat as insufficient body heat is lost to melt it; and the snow can be periodically shaken off.

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