The Horse - Where in this wide world can a man find nobility without pride, friendship without envy, beauty without vanity? Here, where grace is laced with muscle and strength by gentleness confined, he serves without servility, he has fought without emnity. There is nothing so powerful, nothing less violent. There is nothing so quick, nothing more patient. England's past has been borne on his back. All our history is his industry. We are his heirs - his is our inheritance - the horse.

Free-living Exmoor ponies will usually command great respect from those who come to know them, for they thrive in an environment which can be harsh and unsympathetic - with limited food and foul weather in winter. They find their own food, water and shelter, unaided by their owners, and live out on the moorland all year independently. Unlike many 'man-made' breeds of horse, there is no trace of human design in their characteristics - even their breeding season is governed by Nature and not altered to suit their owners convenience. However, the ponies are 'managed' by humans in that certain stallions and filly foals are now chosen to continue and develop bloodlines and in this respect, they are not entirely 'wild'.

For such an ancient breed to have survived, unchanged and resolutely determined to retain its place in our modern society, is some considerable achievement. As wild and natural areas of the UK become steadily smaller, it is fortunate that the Exmoor pony has many friends and admirers, who are dedicated to protecting and conserving the breed.

This is a complex task as, not only do the herds, with their valuable and ancient bloodlines, need careful nurturing and management - albeit from a distance - there is a strict limit on the number of ponies allowed the graze the natural areas. This means that, each year, surplus ponies - often just 'weaned' at five months old - are taken off the moorland areas and homes must be found for them. This is not always easy as, while many of the ponies, with careful handling and socialisation, go on to make firm friends with man - it can be a sensitive and time-consuming project for the handlers.

What Happens to Moor Bred Youngstock?
Some of the pony foals stay with the breeders in a domestic or 'farm' environment and may be brought on and backed for riding at around three or four years of age, or are sold privately. Alternatively, some of the ponies go straight 'to the sales' as foals, where they are bought and brought on by their new owners. Others are found 'foster parents' who handle, socialise and care for them until good homes can be found.

Exmoor Ponies - All Round Performance Ponies....
What is becoming increasingly clear - in the show ring and in a wide range of equestrian activities - is that the Exmoor pony, when handled and developed correctly and sensitively, is emerging as a top quality all-round performance pony. More often than not, the judges at County and Breed shows are commenting on the exceptional quality, conformation and condition of the Exmoor ponies exhibited. And visitors to shows are increasingly likely to see Exmoors taking part in Ridden classes, Mountain & Moorland classes and even performing with their own Exmoor Quadrille Display Team.

Click here to see a sequence of pictures of an older pony playing with a colt foal, brought in for socialising.

A Friend For Life
Once socialised and having learned to trust man, the depth of friendship offered by an Exmoor pony is often a surprise to those new to the breed. Considered by some to be difficult and 'tricky', this is more often than not a result of unfair or rough handling that an Exmoor will neither tolerate or forget. They are an acutely intelligent breed, which has literally had to stand on its own four feet and has learned to survive and flourish against all odds. They are used to working out problems for themselves, and finding their own way. This strength of mind, resolve and resilience commands respect from anyone looking to get involved with an Exmoor pony.

With time, patience and positive, trust-based methods of communication, the Exmoor is capable of offering the sort of equine partnership that forms deep and lasting bonds with humans. However, the word 'partnership' must be emphasised. The Exmoor not only commands respect, he needs to respect too, so he'll be looking for good treatment, fair handling and clear communication. Give him that and he'll give you a friendship in return that you'll treasure for life.

By Joining The Exmoor Pony Society - Every Member Counts!
The Exmoor Pony Society was set up in 1921 and exists to preserve and protect the Exmoor Pony Breed and to support and encourage the breeding of Exmoor ponies. It is the first point of contact for anyone interested in finding out more about the breed and you'll find a large network of members and supporters.

It's not expensive to join the Exmoor Pony Society and by doing so, you will be helping to raise important funds to support and conserve the Exmoor Pony Breed. The Society runs the Exmoor Pony Stud Book, organises Exmoor pony events and shows all around the UK, and runs research projects to ensure a healthy gene pool and encourage the breeding of Exmoor ponies. The Society is currently supported by about 700 members and new members are encouraged and welcomed - whether they want to get fully involved with the ponies, or simply support the breed with their membership. New members will be put in touch with their area representatives around the UK and area events. Overseas members are also welcomed and there are various Exmoor pony herds in places like Sweden, Germany and Canada.

Please Join today - At only £25 GBP per year for an adult member, it's great value for money and the ponies will appreciate it! To join, visit www.exmoorponysociety.org.uk. Thank you!

By Supporting Friends of Exmoor Ponies is an affilated organisation which represents the Exmoor Pony Society at events all around the UK and raises funds for the EPS through its Exmoor Pony merchandise sales. So next time you see a Friends of Exmoor Ponies stand at a show or event, please say hello and even better, buy one of the lovely Exmoor pony items on offer - from the delighteful 'Discovering Exmoor Ponies' DVD, to calendars, greetings cards and tea towels - there is a gift for everyone.
You can order Friends of Exmoor Ponies merchandise online at www.friendsofexmoor.ltd.uk.

Edinburgh University Exmoor Pony Trekking
TRSS Approved

A wonderful opportunity to ride one of Britain's national treasures - the Exmoor pony - and experience beautiful, Scottish landscapes. Sept to June, the ponies are kept at Mount Lothian Farm, South of Edinburgh, for mainly weekend day treks. June to Sept, they move to Glendevon, near Dollar in Perthshire - treks run 6 days a week (except Fridays) plus trekking holidays. Plenty of accommodation nearby.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL DETAILS

Edinburgh University Exmoor Pony Trekking Section, Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies, The University of Edinburgh, Easter Bush Veterinary Centre, Roslin, Midlothian EH25 9RG