Exmoor Pony

Looks how to spot one

double coat

In winter the Exmoor Pony grows a dense, woolly undercoat for insulation, topped by longer, greasy outer hairs that repel rain and snow. The tail has a fan of shorter hairs at the top called a 'snow chute' that channels water away from the dock. In summer the coat becomes short and glossy.56

Personality what they are like

Exmoor ponies are intelligent, spirited and sometimes described as quirky. They are often one step ahead of their handler, which can be mistaken for stubbornness. With proper handling and education they are docile and make wonderful mounts for children and small adults, but they may not suit every novice owner.34

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Exmoor ponies are athletic and versatile. They need regular exercise and mental stimulation. They can be used for riding, driving, and even conservation grazing. They thrive when given a job to do and enjoy hacking out, showing, and other activities.23

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Their double coat is self-cleaning to a degree, but regular grooming helps keep the skin healthy and allows you to check for injuries or parasites. Hooves should be trimmed by a farrier every 6-8 weeks. Dental checks are important because their teeth are adapted for coarse grazing. Like all ponies, they need routine vaccinations, deworming, and veterinary care.53

Home where they are happiest

Exmoor ponies are extremely hardy and can live outdoors year-round with access to shelter such as a field shelter, trees or a stable. They need secure fencing and enough grazing or hay. They are well adapted to poor, rough grazing and can thrive on sparse forage that other horses would not eat. Fresh water must always be available.27

Food basics what goes in the bowl

Exmoor ponies are good doers and can maintain condition on poor grazing. Their diet should consist mainly of grass or hay, with careful monitoring to prevent obesity. They have large, deep-rooted teeth that allow them to graze coarse plants like gorse, thistles and rushes. Supplementary feed is rarely needed and should be given only if required for work or health reasons.54

Company who they like around

Exmoor ponies are herd animals and should not be kept alone. They need the company of other horses or ponies. They can live in mixed herds and are often used for conservation grazing alongside other livestock. They are generally docile with people when handled correctly, but ponies taken directly from the moor may require more patient training.23

The story where it all began

The Exmoor Pony is one of the oldest native pony breeds in Britain, believed to have roamed the moors for over 5,000 years. For centuries they lived semi-ferally on the Exmoor moors in Devon and Somerset, where they were used by hill farmers for carrying peat, ploughing, and as pack animals. Their numbers declined sharply with mechanisation in the early 20th century. The Exmoor Pony Society was founded in 1921 to preserve the breed. Today most Exmoor ponies live in private ownership, though some still roam the moor in a near-feral state. They are also valued as conservation grazers because their neat grazing helps increase plant diversity.127

Recognised by the official bits

Exmoor Pony Society

Founded in 1921, the society registers pure-bred Exmoor ponies and maintains the breed standard.2

The Livestock Conservancy

Lists the Exmoor Pony as 'Critical' on its conservation priority list.4

Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST)

Included on the RBST watchlist as a native UK breed.7