Marlyn Exmoor Pony Farms

Marlyn Exmoor Pony Farms
est 1990

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Exmoor pony is the oldest and purist of the British native pony breeds. The ponies have roamed the bleak, open moors of south-western England known as Exmoor for centuries and they are believed to be the direct descendants of the horses that walked onto Britain before it was an island.

Survival of the fittest has over time designed a pony ideally suited to survival in a cold and wet climate without the provision of food or shelter by mankind. Archaeological evidence dating back to Pleistocene times bears an uncanny similarity to the Exmoor Pony of today.

There are still free-living herds on the moors, they fend for them selves and are an integral part of such an ancient and natural breed. Due to over grazing Exmoor has been declared an environmentally sensitive area, but the Exmoor pony is considered a natural part of the moorland ecosystem and is allowed to remain on the open moors year round.

For a more in-depth history of these wonderful ponies check our links page.

The Exmoor pony stands from 11.2 hh to 12.3 hh; but do not be fooled by their modest height; they are very sturdy, and weigh from 650 to 850 pounds. Exmoors are always brown with black points and show the characteristic mealy or buff coloured ring around the eyes and muzzle. The body colour is shaded being darker along the back and lighter (mealy) along the belly. This coat pattern is characteristic of primitive horse breeds. White markings or white soles are not permitted.

The Exmoor has several unique characteristics one of which is the "hooded-eye" also sometimes called the "toad-eye". The "hooded-eye" is the heavy upper brow or eyelid that helps keep wind and rain out of the eyes. The prominence of the wide set eyes is exaggerated by the mealy ring leading some to compare its prominence to that of a toad's eye. Another characteristic is the "ice-tail" or "snow-chute", a group of coarse hairs at the base of the tail that channels snow and rain down off the body. The summer coat of an Exmoors is sleek and shinny, but in winter they grow a double layered coat to provide both insulation and waterproofing enabling them to stand out in the worst of weather and remain dry at skin level.

Their forehead is exceptionally broad, the eyes large and pronounced, the ears small and the jaw deep. The body is deep and the ribs well sprung. The legs are short and clean with well developed joints and ample dense bone. The hooves are neat, hard and well shaped. Their action is straight and true, showing no tendency to animation or sweeping. The general appearance is that of balance, strength and definite pony character.

Exmoors were traditionally used for shepherding and as pack ponies. Today Exmoors are both ridden and driven with great success. These good natured, calm ponies should be considered by anyone who wants to excel in performance events. Exmoors are very fast learners, and will bravely attempt any task asked of them. Many Exmoors make wonderful children's ponies with the added benefit of being amply able to carry many adults - a true family pony.

As riding ponies they are very adept at mounted pony club games or they are equally happy going for a pleasure ride. Their surefootedness and natural balance make them ideally suited to dressage and hunting. As for jumping, they are often described as having an almost cat-like ability to jump. Their weight carrying capability for their size makes them invaluable for disabled riders who often fear sitting atop a larger horse.

Exmoors make exceptional driving ponies. They are naturally able to assess obstacles in combined driving events and their stamina shows forth in distance driving. They are bold and forward moving yet responsive. A matched pair is rarely a problem as many Exmoors are so very similar in appearance.