Frequently Asked Questions

Adopt a pony

Exmoor Pony Adoption schemes

Q: Why is the adult adoption package more expensive than the junior is  – it seems to contain similar amounts of merchandise?
A: The junior package was priced to be affordable to children and young people but the adult package contributes more money to the actual up keep of the adopted pony.

Q: I would like to buy an adoption package as a gift - can I apply to have the package in another person’s name?
A:  Yes, certainly.  The application form allows you to nominate another person as the adopter if you wish.   Please allow plenty of time to process your application, preferably 28 days before the gift is required.

Q: With the Exmoor Pony Centre open would I be able to visit, or ride, my adopted pony?
A: Not all the adoption ponies will be resident at the centre, or indeed be used for riding.  If this aspect is important to you please ask MMT for guidance before choosing your adoption pony.

Two foals grooming

Exmoor Foal Sponsorship

Q: Can I name my sponsored foal?
A:  This should be possible, please seek advice from MMT before completing your application form.

Q: When can I apply to sponsor a foal?
A:  At any time of year, but most foals are bought at the gatherings in October.  Your Sponsorship will become active for 12 months following the purchase of ‘your’ foal, probably in late November/December.

Q: Why is it mainly colt foals bought up at the gatherings?
A: The market is not as strong for the colt foals because very few are needed for breeding purposes.  Fillies are bought for breeding, or as potential riding or driving ponies, and don’t require the additional cost of castration.  When surplus fillies are available they may also be offered to MMT.

Two mares with sleeping foal

Fostering a foal

Q: What does ‘fostering’ involve?
A: Many of the newly weaned colt foals, bought by MMT at the gatherings, are sent to experienced fosterers for their first few months in domestication.  During this period the foals are handled and start their initial education.  The aim is to produce a foal that can be led, groomed and have its feet picked up.  At this stage he is ready to go on to a new home as a domestic pony. 

Q: How do you apply to foster a foal?
A: Contact MMT, if possible well before the autumn gatherings, to discuss fostering.  Potential fosterers will need suitable facilities, experience of handling youngsters and transport to collect the foal.  The foal will probably be straight off the moor and completely un-handled, potential fosterers should not underestimate the time, patience and skill which will be required to handle the foal in the first few months.

Getting to know you

Re-homing an Exmoor pony

Q: I would like to take on an Exmoor pony but I’m not sure if I could manage a ‘wild’ foal.
A: If you would like to re-home a young Exmoor, that has completed its basic handling by fosterers, contact the MMT well before the autumn gatherings. 

Q: Do the re-homed ponies remain the property of MMT or are they sold to the new owners?
A: They become the property of the new owner.  The new owner usually makes a donation to MMT in exchange for the pony, it has to be remembered that costs have been incurred in the purchase of the foal, transportation, worming, feed etc.

Q: I would like an experienced Exmoor pony suitable for my children, does MMT re-home any of its adult ponies and what is the approximate cost of a ridden gelding?
A: It is worth contacting MMT in case they have details of a suitable pony in need of re-homing from another owner, however most of the adult ponies at MMT are destined for riding at the Living Exmoor Centre.  The price will depend on many factors such as age, experience, performance, and breeding, whether show quality or not etc.  Check the ‘Ponies for Sale’ section on The Exmoor Pony Society and ‘Horse and Hound’ websites: prices from £500 - £3000+ (show quality) as a rough guide.

The Endangered Exmoor Pony

Q: I believe Exmoor ponies are an endangered species, why does it matter if they become extinct when we have other British native pony breeds?
A:  Exmoor Ponies are an amazing national treasure, the oldest equine race in Britain, believed to be the true descendants of the British Hill Pony.  They have largely escaped ‘improvement’, by the introduction of outside blood, which has affected most native breeds. Living in such tough environmental conditions they have developed many specialised characteristics to cope with life in a free- living herd in all weather conditions.  This makes them hardy, low maintenance ponies, which are an important living equine gene- pool for these characteristics.  Yes there are other British native ponies but we should endeavour to keep the diversity of pony breeds we have, which incidentally, is the envy of other countries.

Q: How does MMT buying Exmoor colt foals, which are re-homed as geldings, help an endangered species?
A: It helps in several ways.  By buying up surplus colt foals from producers on Exmoor, often farmers, it provides some income from their ‘crop’ and therefore encourages them to keep the free-living breeding herds on the moor. The colts, bought by MMT, will eventually become ridden/driven/working geldings who will act as ambassadors, promoting the versatility of the Exmoor pony breed all over the UK and hopefully create a demand for them which will ultimately ensure the breeds survival. 

Q: Why are colt foals of other native rare breeds, such the Fell or Highland, £500 - £1000 compared with £50 - £100 for an Exmoor colt, despite their rarity?
A : Possibly several factors are involved.  The Fell and Highland are bigger than the Exmoor and are therefore considered, by many people, to be ideal as adult, or family, riding ponies.  They are also are popular as ride and drive ponies. Despite its small size (12.2 – 12.3+ hands) the Exmoor is a strong pony, which can carry most adults and also makes a good driving pony.   Foals straight from the moor also have a reputation for being difficult to handle initially. Hopefully in the future MMT, through promotion, will help increase the popularity of the Exmoor pony, which will lead to increased demand and higher prices for the sale of the young colt foals.

At the Exmoor Pony Centre

Volunteering

Q: I agree with MMT’s aims how can I help out?
A: The new website will have a section on volunteering, supporters can help in a variety of ways from fund raising, fostering, administration etc.  New volunteers are always welcome and most skills can be put to good use!   You can be based anywhere in the country, it is not essential to be near Exmoor. 

Fund Raising/Donations

Q: If I make a donation to MMT how will my money by spent?
A: You can be sure than the maximum amount possible will be spent on the ponies and their welfare.  Most of the work such as administration is done by The Trustees, or volunteers, on a voluntary basis.  Many of the other expenses e.g. printing of the newsletters and leaflets are in-kind donations from generous supporters.  You can ask for you donation to be used for a particular item or project.

Visiting Exmoor

Q: Where is the Exmoor Pony Centre?
A: The centre is based on south Exmoor, in the heart of Exmoor pony country, close to Dulverton. 

Q: What will the centre offer?
A: The centre provides training, handling and viewing facilities for Exmoor ponies, moorland riding/trekking on Exmoor ponies and eventually an educational/visitor centre. 

Q: I would like to visit Exmoor to see the ponies in their natural habitat, any suggestions for where to stay and where to visit?
A: Several of the MMT supporters offer bed and breakfast or self-catering holidays.  This is an ideal way to find out more about the breed, visit their links on this website.  Contact The Exmoor National Park for a map of the Exmoor pony herds accessible to the public.  Many people visit to coincide with The Stallion Parade (May), The Breed Show (August) or Dunster Show (August), check this years dates on The Exmoor Pony Society website.