Exmoor pony herd gather as part of annual tradition

The Anchor Herd, who run at Winsford Hill, are owned by David and Emma Wallace. They were gathered together using family and friends on horseback and quadbikes as part of an annual ritual and taken for inspection at the family farm. 

Every Exmoor pony is owned and they are gathered together annually. The foals that were born in the spring are separated from their mares and inspected by Exmoor Pony Society.

They are then microchipped by a vet for identity, and the mares given a health check. A detailed headcount is made, because one colt foal that’s left out could have a significant breeding impact in the future.

The aim is to identify whether the foals are suitable to join the free-living herd or to be sold on, to be future ridden ponies or sold into conservation grazing. 

Foals that meet the breed standard can be entered in the Exmoor pony studbook, which is maintained by Exmoor Pony Society.

Nigel Hill, Chairman of Exmoor Pony Society, said: “The second world war had a huge impact on Exmoor ponies, and only 50 survived. This had an almost catastrophic effect on their bloodlines, with many being lost forever. This put the pony at risk, and even today it’s a breed that is classed as ‘Priority’ by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust – which essentially means endangered. This is where dedicated management of breeding and the stud book becomes so important.

“Owners and breeders need to manage how many foals are born, because there is a limited market for ponies – especially colts. It’s a delicate balance, and we typically register fewer than 200 foals every year. When bloodstock and genetics is managed correctly we will be able to preserve the genetic pool of the Exmoor pony and increase its diversity."

David is a trustee and vice chair of Exmoor Pony Society, and the ponies have been under the Wallace family since 1947.

The Anchor Herd gathering is one of several that will take place for different herds during October.