How to Care for an Exmoor Pony

The Exmoor pony is Britain’s oldest native breed and nearly went extinct after WWII. Small, hardy, and low-maintenance, they stand 11.2–12.3hh and thrive outdoors thanks to their double coat.

Known for their broad heads and “toad” eyes, they’re suited to both conservation and riding. If you own or plan to loan one, knowing their care needs is key to keeping them healthy and happy.

They do best on rough grazing and need minimal intervention. With the right approach, they’re incredibly rewarding to keep.

Understanding the Exmoor Pony

What is an Exmoor pony?

The Exmoor pony represents Britain’s oldest native pony breed, with archaeological evidence suggesting their ancestors roamed the British Isles over 100,000 years ago.

These ancient equines are native to the moorlands of South West England, particularly the Exmoor area spanning north-eastern Devon and western Somerset.

While often described as “wild,” all Exmoor ponies actually belong to someone. Several herds (approximately twenty) run semi-feral on Exmoor, grazing freely across the commons and moorlands.

First officially documented in the Domesday Book of 1086, the breed faced near extinction during World War II when their numbers dwindled to only about 50 individuals.

Exmoor pony characteristics and temperament

Exmoor ponies’ distinctive appearance sets them apart from other native breeds. Their coat colours range from bay to brown or dun, always featuring characteristic mealy markings around the muzzle, eyes and flanks. No white markings are permitted under the breed standard.

One of their most remarkable features is the “toad eye” – a prominent eye with a fleshy, hooded upper brow that protects against harsh weather.

Another unique adaptation is the “snow chute” or “ice tail” – coarse hairs at the top of the tail that direct rain and snow away from the body.

Regarding temperament, Exmoor ponies are known for being:

• Alert, intelligent and strong-willed
• Generally even-tempered and friendly
• Fast learners who enjoy working
• Well-suited as children’s ponies while strong enough for small adults

Why are they considered hardy pony breeds in the UK

• Exmoor’s exceptional hardiness stems from thousands of years of natural selection in challenging moorland conditions.
• Furthermore, their remarkable winter coat consists of two distinct layers—a woolly, insulating undercoat protected by an oily, water-repellent outer layer.
• This adaptation is so effective that snow can accumulate on their backs without melting, a phenomenon called “snow thatching”.
• Their efficient metabolism allows them to thrive on poor-quality forage, making them “easy keepers.” Consequently, this adaptation helps them survive harsh winters with minimal human intervention.
•  Exmoor ponies have excellent digestion systems that efficiently extract nutrients from rough vegetation.
• Beyond their practical hardiness, these ponies have become valuable conservation grazers.
• Their neat grazing habits and willingness to consume tough vegetation that other animals avoid make them ideal for maintaining diverse plant ecosystems.

Feeding and Nutrition Essentials

Proper nutrition is key to Exmoor pony health. Their hardy nature means they need less feed but more care in what’s given.

Best Feed for Exmoor Ponies

Exmoors do best on high-fibre, low-sugar forage like mature timothy or grass hay. Haylage is often too rich. Feed about 2.5kg daily in winter if grazing is limited. Avoid ryegrass or rich pasture.

How to Manage Weight in Easy Keepers

Exmoors are easy keepers, so regular body condition checks are vital. Aim for a score of 5 (on the Henneke scale). Feed approx. 7.3kg of hay per day (2% body weight). Use small-holed nets to slow eating.

Forage vs. Grain: What Works Best

Forage should be the mainstay. Exmoors rarely need grain. Too much hard feed can cause weight gain or colic. Avoid lush, high-protein grasses.

Feeding Tips for Ponies with Metabolic Issues

Keep sugar and starch under 10% (NSC). Soak hay to reduce sugars, but add back key minerals. Limit pasture between noon–6pm when grass sugars peak.

Daily Care and Management

Exmoor ponies are hardy but still need daily attention. Their care should balance their natural resilience with proper domestic management.

Grooming Tips for Exmoor Ponies

Groom daily to manage thick coats and check for skin issues like sweet itch. Use a rubber curry comb during shedding, followed by a dandy brush. Be gentle around the face and legs. Their double coat needs care but not over-grooming to preserve its weatherproof layer.

Exmoor Pony Hoof Care Basics

Check hooves daily. Pick out debris heel to toe, inspect for cracks, thrush, or loose shoes. Even with strong hooves, regular farrier visits are essential. Walking on mixed terrain supports natural wear and blood flow.

Shelter and Turnout Needs

Exmoors prefer living outdoors in herds. Provide 0.5–1.0 hectares per pony with shelter or natural windbreaks. Avoid stabling unless necessary. Fields must be fenced securely and kept clear of toxic plants.

Managing Semi-Feral Behaviour in Domestic Settings

Never keep Exmoors alone — they need social contact. Keep them with other ponies or horses. Offer space to move, varied ground, and browse options. Choose ponies based on known temperament, not just background.

Health and Long-Term Wellbeing

Sweet itch is common, often linked to genetics. Cataracts can appear due to a sex-linked flaw. Metabolic syndrome and laminitis are risks in rich grazing. These issues increase in managed settings compared to semi-feral ones.

Preventative Care and Vet Checkups

Regular veterinary care keeps small problems from growing.
Book annual vaccines, deworming, and dental checks. Even with strong teeth, exams matter. Use zone visit schemes to save on routine costs. Register with a good farrier for consistent hoof care.

Understanding Genetic Risks and Inbreeding Concerns

Exmoors are one of the most inbred horse breeds worldwide.
After WWII, only 50 survived. Now, just 600 are breeding stock. Conservation projects like genome mapping and semen banks aim to protect the breed. The effective breeding population is only 42 ponies.

How to Support Gut Health and Immunity

Feeding and care affect gut health.
Domesticated Exmoors often show gut imbalance from starch-heavy diets. Provide balanced forage, clean water, and necessary nutrients. Use omega-3s for skin and inflammation, and probiotics to support digestion and immunity.

Conclusion

Owning an Exmoor pony means caring for one of Britain’s oldest native breeds. They’re hardy, low-maintenance, and deeply rewarding—but only when managed with respect for their natural needs.

Feed high-fibre forage, avoid rich grazing, and allow regular turnout with companions. Groom their double coat carefully, and stay alert to common health issues like sweet itch and metabolic problems.

With fewer than 4,000 Exmoors worldwide, every owner plays a role in conservation. Proper care not only supports your pony but also helps protect this rare breed for future generations.

These ponies are survivors, but they still rely on you. When looked after well, an Exmoor offers strength, loyalty, and a living link to Britain’s ancient past.