Made on Exmoor

Preserving this rare and charming native pony, an emblem of its original West Country home, has been a labour of local love for two centuries, says Kate Green

- Kate Green

ADORABLE Exmoor pony or engagement ring? As Nigel and Mandy Hill have, over three decades, become well-known producers and judges in the Exmoor-pony world and Mr Hill has taken on the chairmanship of the breed society in its centenary year, you can guess which way the decision went.

The Hills were on holiday and looking for a companion pony when they wandered into the tourist centre in Lynmouth, were directed to Exmoor Pony Society (EPS) stalwarts and herd owners David and Sandra Mansell and swiftly became the owners of Sable —and more. Mr Hill recalls: ‘David said, “Would you like her in foal as well?” and I said: “Go on, then.” Then he said: “We’re looking for an area rep for the Midlands.” It just sort of grips you.’

There is, indeed, something irresistible about this native breed; the pleasing neat uniformity of a herd stolidly grazing windswept moorland speaks of antiquity, timelessness and romance. Their satisfyingly compact physique and rounded backsides, bushy Bash Street Kids hairdos, charming mealy noses and ‘toad’ eyes are a source of local pride and have long inspired painters, including Munnings, Aldin and Edwards.

Research by equine vet Peter Green in 2013 suggests that the ponies’ standard appearance as we know it today only really developed after the reclamation of the Exmoor Forest in the early 19th century. However, they certainly closely resemble the primitive equines that roamed the steppes in prehistoric times or were depicted in cave paintings; these ponies are undeniably rare, locally distinctive and as totemic to the moor as its precious red-deer herd.