The Exmoor is the last surviving Pleistocene Celtic ponies and one of the oldest equine breeds in the world. This ancient breed of pony is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1085. Exmoors are believed to have existed during the Bronze Age.
Experiments have been conducted on the fossilized remains of the original Celtic pony found in Alaska and compared to those on the Exmoor. They have revealed the bones of the jaw in the same way and the beginning of a seventh molar that is not found in any other race. Due to its remote habitat in Devon and Somerset, it is one of the most purist breeds of the mountains and moors in Britain, having suffered very little external blood infusion.
Professor Speed and other scientists did much research on the skeletal structures and dentition of the Exmoor pony. Their findings suggest that the modern domestic horse descends from all four species subtypes:
The Exmoor Pony found in northwestern Europe resembles the Type 1 Pony, Ewart’s Celtic Pony. The Highland Pony – looks like the Type 2 Pony – Ewart’s Nordic horse. Akhal-Teke: resembles horse type 3: Nisaean and Bacterial breed. Caspian rediscovered in 1965 – resembles the Type 4 Horse – forerunner of the Caspian which is a horse the size of a Western Asian pony.
The Exmoor pony is exceptionally strong and tough with great powers of resistance. The height limit of the mare is not more than 12.2 hh and of the stallion 12.3 hh. Although they are small in stature, they are strong enough to carry an adult rider.
In 1912 the Exmoor Pony Society was founded to improve and encourage the breeding of moor types. They ensure that the breed is kept pure and only true Exmoor ponies are approved for registration and marked by the Society’s star on the shoulder. At the end of WWII, the number of ponies was reduced to just 50, as thieves killed them for meat and soldiers used them for target shooting. Today, although it is still considered a rare breed, it is estimated at around 2,700 worldwide; the result of a successful breeding program. Exmoor herds of ponies still run wild on the moor, they are gathered every year for inspection; the pony’s herd number is marked under the Society star and in the near rear quarter with the pony’s number.
The Exmoor pony has real character and appeal. The mealy, beige muzzle and markings around the eyes make the breed easy to recognize. The conformation is good and compact; the head is a typical pony head with a broad forehead, short straight nose, large, prominent and intelligent eyes (often referred to as “toad” eyes due to heavy upper lids), small, open, alert ears and nostrils wide nostrils; the head is well settled on a strong neck with a good length of reign; shoulders are bowed; the back is short, broad and strong; the body is deep with a broad chest and well sprung ribs; the hindquarters are round; the limbs are short and strong with hard, well-formed feet; the mane and tail are thick, the tail known as the “ice” tail, fanned out at the top to ward off the weather. The winter coat is dense and double-layered, making it stretchy, practically waterproof, and excellent protection against wind and rain. Sheds her coat in the spring Exmoor grows a sleek and shiny summer coat. The color can be bay, brown or buzzard brown with black spots and white markings are not allowed.
The Exmoor pony was originally used for herding on the moors, as it has sure feet and immense strength. He is stocky and athletic with a strong build and can be a good performing pony with the ability to jump. It is often used in the sport of riding and although it is strong with the correct handling and training it is a very good pony for children.
