Exmoor ponies shine at Dunster Country Fair
Exmoor ponies took centre stage at the Dunster Country Fair in July, with 20 ponies taking part in the Exmoor Area Show with kind permission of the Dunster Country Fair Committee.
As well as showing the crowd enjoyed a parade in the main ring, with Exmoor Pony Society Chairman Nigel Hill giving a brief history of both the ponies and the Exmoor Pony Society.
It was an event that appealed to all ages, with the ponies taking part ranging from yearlings to 21 year old Pinkery Tamarix – and with handlers as young as four to well into their 60s.
The event was judged by Susan Burger, alongside probationer Janet James and steward Amanda Hill. Youngstock Champion was handed to Anchor Queen of Hearts with reserve Fearland Pico’s Quest, and Senior Champion went to Waltersgay Lily of the Valley with reserve Greystongate Conker.
The Society’s new area rep, Charlotte Matravers, who was secretary for the day, commented: “It was so positive for people to hear from Nigel that that Exmoor ponies are now thriving, from just 50 just after the 2nd World War to around 4000 ponies now worldwide. They have come a long way thanks to the dedicated people who sit on the Exmoor Pony Society committee as trustees.”
Dunster & Abbotswood estate manager Nicholas Kelly also provided insight into the ponies’ history and how the Dunster herd of ponies has been formed around just a few years ago with the intention of increasing the herd going forward.
