From the times of Woolly Mammoths and Sabre Tooth Tigres, ponies existed in the UK. Originally, ponies were well distributed across the land. However, around 10,000 years ago, environmental and other changes resulted in ponies moving to the hills and moors. People started to tame and domesticate them, introducing new bloodlines to their liking. However, Exmoor remained well off the beaten path until relatively recent times. This preserved their ancient lineage, hence reference to the Exmoor Pony as one of the oldest known breeds.
Numbers of Exmoor ponies dwindled to almost nothing around the time of the second world war. During this time, troops used Exmoor as a training ground. Stolen for their meat and ready target practice for soldiers, as few as 50 ponies survived the war. Following the war, a small group of breeders made efforts to preserve the population. Exmoor ponies increased in popularity, with small herds established in various parts of England, even exported to the US and Canada. Presently, although numbers have increased, they are given “endangered” status by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. This indicates estimated numbers at less than 500 in the UK.
It is always a special moment when you come across them on the moors. These photos were taken on the moors above Tarr Steps and on Bossington Hill which overlooks the Bristol Channel and is about five miles out of Minehead in Somerset. Bossington Hill offers a fantastic view down the South Somerset/North Devon coastline and is renowned for its sunsets.
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