The Exmoor Pony is a rare, unique, survivor. For many centuries it existed on the moor with little human interference, except for the annual 'harvest' of young animals. In the last 200 years, changes, such as enclosure of much of the moor, intensification of agriculture, 'improvement' of our native ponies by cross-breeding, and the spread of motor transport, led to a decline.
In 1921 the Exmoor Pony Society was set up, largely by local breeders and enthusiasts, to ensure the continuation of the true, pure-bred Exmoor Pony and to overcome its many threats. |