The Exmoor
Profile: The Exmoor Pony is the oldest of the nine British breeds and is least influenced by outside breeding. The Exmoor was first prized as a chariot horse by invading Roman forces. Its best known for its driving abilities, but it also is used for riding and for conservation purposes to graze brush and other foliage down in parks and protected areas. Today, many Exmoor ponies are bred on the moors. The theory is that if the Exmoor is pampered in stable life, it loses its ancient characteristics.
Characteristics: hooded eyes, a double coat and an “ice” tail, which is thicker and wider at the top, protecting the pony against the fierce wind and cold of the moors. It possesses a seventh molar, which is a primeval pony characteristic. The Exmoor stands 11.3 to 12.3 hands high. They are ancient in color, such as dull brown, bay or dun with mealy markings on the muzzle, legs and belly.
For more information: The Exmoor Pony Society (United Kingdom), www.exmoorponysociety.org.uk
Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.
With a history spanning 25,000 years, the Lusitano’s roots run as deep as the trees…
The American Saddlebred has an unmistakable presence wherever the breed goes, and these horses can…
Dutch Warmbloods, or as their registry in The Netherlands is known, Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland…
Today’s harness racing trotters and pacers can do a lot more than pull a sulky…
Many horse owners have had the following experience: you put your perfectly healthy horse up for the night and the…
Read Vet Adventures: High-Altitude Rescue, Part 1 for the first installment of Doreen's story. I’d mistaken the emaciated mare for…
It’s almost summertime—there’s more time to ride and more time to spend outside with your horse. Unfortunately, the warm weather…
Welcome to Barn Banter, the official podcast of Horse Illustrated. In Barn Banter episode 19, hosts Susan Friedland and Horse Illustrated…
Mark Bolender is a busy guy… Mark and his wife, Lee, owners of Bolender Horse Park, are the founders of…
For beauty expert Jessica Andrews, equestrian underwear designed to flatter, fit and offer comfort to women in the saddle just…