Exmoor Pony

In southwestern England, the Exmoor Pony are descendants of horses that walked along the land of Britain before it was an island.  The oldest native pony breed, the Exmoor pony is evidenced to exist over 60,000 years.

The Exmoor Pony is suited to survive in we and cold climates, and can do so without assistance from people for food or shelter.  The Exmoor breed has hooded-eyes that protect them from rain and wind, and a chute down the tail that channels snow and rain off the bodies of the horses.  Exmoor's have shiny and sleek coats in summer, and grow a double layer in the winter for waterproofing and insulation.  They are always brown in color, with black points and a ring around the eye and muzzle.  Their height ranges between 11 and 12 hands and weight about 750 pounds.

Originally, Exmoor's were horses used for tending and herding to livestock, but they are also great in competition and win events in dressage, jumping, and long distance riding with both children and adult drivers.  Exmoor's seem to enjoy working, are intelligent and can jump like a cat!

In the 1950's, Exmoor's were imported into Canada.  The breed is still rare, with only about 800 ponies existing around the world, but the foal number is increasing.