Exmoor pony herd gathered for annual inspection

Inspections are carried out by Exmoor Pony Society

A herd of ponies on Exmoor has undergone an annual inspection, a pony society says.

The Exmoor Pony Society said its annual check of the moor's anchor herd, which is made up of about 100 ponies, was carried out when animals were gathered at Winsford Hill on 21 October.

It said inspections involve separating spring-born foals from their mares for microchipping, health checks and a head count.

"A detailed head count is made, because one colt foal that’s left out could have a significant breeding impact in the future," organisers said.

WW2 impact

The society said the aim was to identify whether the foals were suitable to join the free-living herd or to be sold on for other purposes.

"Foals that meet the breed standard can be entered in the Exmoor pony studbook, which is maintained by Exmoor Pony Society," it said.

The anchor herd, which has been under the Wallace family since 1947, is one of several herds which are gathered for inspection throughout October.

The society said the Exmoor pony was Britain's oldest native breed, but added it was "once close [to] extinction".

Pony Society chairman Nigel Hill said: “The Second World War had a huge impact on Exmoor ponies, and only 50 survived.

"This put the pony at risk and, even today, it’s a breed that is classed as 'priority' by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust – which essentially means endangered.

"This is where dedicated management of breeding and the stud book becomes so important.”

The society said more than 500 registered ponies in 21 free-living herds were in the national park.