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Found mainly in Exmoor, in the southwest of
Devon, the Exmoor pony is living a semi-wild existence. Although it was at one
time prolific, the breed is now greatly reduced, and there are ongoing,
strictly monitored breeding programs to ensure its continuation. The Exmoor
pony is one of the most well known feral ponies in Europe and they run free
over the moorlands, although some of them are bred at private studs. They are
truly a primitive breed, exhibiting dun coloring with a mealy muzzle and
belly.
When compared to the Pleistocene cave
paintings of wild horses from France and Spain, the Exmoor could suggestively
be a relic of the wild horse, what with its similarity to the Tarpan and
Przewalski's horse. The Exmoor largely retained its original features, and it
has not been over influenced by other breeds due to the geographical isolation
of their moorland habitat. They are very hardy and resistant to many common
equine diseases, as well as harsh weather conditions.
The Exmoor pony has several very
distinctive features, most of which have obviously evolved from environmental
conditions. They have very waterproofed coats in the winter: composed of a
double layer, the under layer being short and wooly and the upper being longer
and greasy. This keeps the rain and cold out while keeping the heat next to
the pony's body. Their eyes have heavy top lids known as the "toad aye", and
their tails have a fanlike growth of bush hair at the top. They show great
stamina, strength, and durability, and make excellent ponies for children.
Once every year the Exmoor are rounded up, inspected, branded with a star and
the number of their herd on the near shoulder, and the pony's number is marked
on their left hindquarter. Colts that are considered below standard for the
breed are gelded.
The Exmoor ponies have primitive
characteristics, including their dun coloring with black points. They have
attractive heads that are wide across the forehead and have lighter markings
around the eye area. Their shoulders are sloping and they are deep and wider
through the chest, have a compact frame that is deep through the girth, and
have short, strong legs with hard hooves. Exmoor mares may not stand taller
than 12.2 hh, and stallions and geldings no more than 12.3 hh.
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