Breed Registries | History & Origin |Population |Area of Breeding | Uses | Breed Standard | Breeders

Exmoor Pony History & Origin

The Exmoor is believed to be directly descended from the ponies that migrated from North America across the prehistoric land bridge. This breed, commonly referred to as the Celtic pony, has been studied in fossilized remains of ponies found in Alaska. These pony remains share a unique jaw type with the Exmoor. The earliest crossing was with these Celtic ponies, who bred with the European native ponies of the region in 1000 BC. Only the hardiest of animals survived. There has been very little crossbreeding, making the Exmoor the purest of the native pony breeds.

Exmoor was once a Royal Forest and hunting ground, and was sold off in 1818. Sir Richard Acland, the last warden of Exmoor, took thirty ponies and established the famous Anchor herd, which still exists to this day. Local farmers also bought ponies at the dispersal sale, keeping the bloodlines pure.

Some farmers tried crossing the pony with other breeds, but the offspring were not hardy enough to survive the harsh moor, and these herds died out early this century.

The Exmoor Pony Society was formed in 1921, aiming to preserve the purebred Exmoor.

World War II was disastrous for the ponies. The moor became a training ground, and the breed was nearly killed off, with only 50 ponies surviving the war.[1] However, local people were able to rescue and reestablish herds. Exmoor numbers remained low until the early 1980s, when a publicity campaign drew outside attention to the rarity of the breed.

Exmoor Pony Population

World War II was disastrous for the ponies. The moor became a training ground, and the breed was nearly killed off, with only 50 ponies surviving the war.[1] However, local people were able to rescue and reestablish herds. Exmoor numbers remained low until the early 1980s, when a publicity campaign drew outside attention to the rarity of the breed.

Exmoor Pony Area of Breeding

The Exmoor is bred throughout Britain, and although the worldwide population is close to 2000, the effective breeding population is less than 250, making Exmoors a rare breed. Some ponies still roam on the moor, and are privately owned. Every October, they are rounded up and the foals are inspected and registered with the Exmoor Pony Society. They are branded with a star and herd number on the near shoulder, and the pony’s number on the left hindquarter. Colts considered below standard are gelded.

Exmoor Pony Uses

Those that are not wild are used for a variety of activities, including showing, jumping, long-distance riding, and driving.

Exmoor Pony Breed Standard - Courtesy of The Exmoor Pony Society, England

*References:
- Exmoor Pony Society, England
- The Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. Tamsin Pickeral.

Exmoor Pony Breeders

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