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The Exmoor pony is the oldest and most primitive of the British native ponies, as well as the purest, and some herds still roam free in the moors of southwest England (i.e. Exmoor). The Exmoor is extremely hardy, resistant to many equine diseases, with great powers of endurance. The small, sturdy breed has ample bone, and can carry heavy burdens in relation to its build. It is very sure-footed, and has strong legs and feet with a smooth stride. The head is large, with small ears. The ponies’ eyes are surrounded by a ring of light colored hair, and have a toad-eye appearance due to the fleshy rims that are used to divert water. In the cold, wet winters the Exmoor grows a double coat, with a soft, wooly undercoat and a longer, oily, water-repellant outer coat. The ponies also have unique hair patterns, including an “ice tail,” where the hair splays outward toward the dock, channeling the water away from the belly. The ponies have a primitive appearance. They are usually bay, but can be any shade of brown, and they have mealy (oatmeal-colored) markings around the eyes and muzzle. They usually only stand 11.1 to 12.3 hh, with the height limit for mares being 12.2 hh and the height limit for stallions and geldings being 12.3 hh. |
