RBST (Rare Breeds Survival Trust) is the organisation dedicated to conservation of rare and native breeds of livestock, is a charity established in 1973. It works to conserve more than 70 breeds of native farm livestock. The Exmoor pony is one of 12 equine breeds on the RBST Watchlist 2007. The charity is funded by membership subscriptions, donations and legacies. www.rbst.org.uk
Dr Dawn Teverson, RBST Conservation Officer: 024 7669 8767
Wendy Tobitt, RBST: 0774 864 1452 and wendy.tobitt@btinternet.com
Andy Needle, Livestock Manager, RSPB Suffolk Coast: 01728 648701
Ian Barthorpe, Marketing and Publicity Officer, RPSB Suffolk Coast: 01728 648281
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Great care is being taken by the Exmoor Pony Society to manage the Exmoor Pony Stud Book and bring it into line with EU regulations, ensuring that all progeny of EPS registered pure-bred Exmoor ponies receive a passport and are included, in some form, in the Stud Book.
Previously, any ponies born from pure-bred registered parents that failed the EPS inspection, were neither included in the Stud Book, or given a passport. Although the breed is enjoying increased interest from the equine world - as more people realise the abilities of Exmoors as all round family performance ponies - there are still only thought to be around 2,500 in total, and they are considered to be endangered. As many of these are geldings, or non-breeding mares, the breeding pool is still very small - and it was thought important to record all pure-bred Exmoor progeny in the Stud Book. No longer do the ponies technically 'fail' inspection - if they do not meet the breed standard in terms of inspection criteria, they will nevertheless still be recorded in the Stud Book and issued with a passport.
The new rules enable any pony who fails the EPS inspection for reasons that are thought to be transitionary or temporary, to be presented for re-inspection the following year. Reasons may include a few too many white hairs, in a quantity that may disappear with maturity; a less than perfect jaw or teeth that may right themselves with growth and development; or a small amount of white in the feet. These ponies are now recorded in Section X of the Stud Book, rather than Section One. They are issued at the time of inspection with a Section X passport. The ponies are branded with their herd number, but not with the Exmoor Pony Society Star.
If, the following year, the pony passes the second inspection, it is transferred from Section X, into Section One, and issued with a second, Section One passport. The pony is then eligible to be branded with the Exmoor Pony Society Star.
If the pony does not pass the second inspection, it remains in Section X of the Stud Book and it is recommended that these ponies are not bred from, but they can be perfectly good ponies in other respects. Although the Show Ring is only open to Section One ponies, the Section X ponies can go on to be successful in many other equestrian pursuits, from TREC and endurance to dressage and jumping. They can also be used for cross breeding with other breeds. Any pure bred progeny of any Section X ponies will automatically be issued with Section X passports and are not eligible for inspection as pure-bred registered Section One Exmoors.
For ponies that have what are considered to be irrevocable faults, and that fail to meet the breed standard at the time of their first inspection - for example, lack of mealy markings, a white star or sock, white feet etc, they are not invited for reinspection and are issued with a Section X passport. Again, many of these ponies can be perfectly good quality ponies, but do not fulfil the criteria to be listed as a Section One Exmoor.
These new rules will ensure that the Exmoor Pony Society can maintain a full record of all pure bred Exmoor progeny and enable Section X ponies to have their own passports and place in the Stud Book. |
Each year, the small moorland herds of Exmoor are gathered in the autumn and brought in for inspection and branding. The Exmoor Pony Society registers every pony that passes the inspection and it is this careful process that has ensured the Exmoor stays true to type and pure.
There is a strict grazing quota in the moorland areas and some of the youngstock, particularly the colts, can not be turned back out on to the moor and must find a life with humans in domesticity. This is a challenging journey for youngsters to make, as up until now, they have been familiar with only the company of their own herd. Naturally, the survival instincts of the free living herds are enhanced and they are highly sensitive – ready to take flight at the slightest perceived danger. When faced with human contact, this might be as simple as the merest twitch of a finger. Jerky or sudden movements can cause outright panic in the initial stages of socialisation. The misconception can be to assume the pony has suffered some kind of trauma, when in fact he is simply unsocialised to human contact.
If you are interested in purchasing an Exmoor pony straight from the moor:
1) Please contact The Exmoor Pony Society. Email Sue McGeever at secretary@exmoorponysociety.org.uk or visit www.exmoorponysociety.org.uk.
2) See our Exmoor People & Ponies section for herd and breeder profiles & contact information.
3) Or see our Exmoor ponies for sale page for contact details for the Exmoor pony moorland breeders.
Contact details: Exmoor Pony Society Secretary: Ms Sue McGeever
Tel 01884 839930
email secretary@exmoorponysociety.org.uk
Woodmans, Brithem Bottom, Cullompton, Devon EX15 1NB |
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