Legacies and giving a gift in your Will

Thank you very much for considering legacies and giving a gift in your Will to The Exmoor Pony Society.

Dedicating a part of your legacy to our cause is so much more than a financial decision. It is an act of compassion that will allow the us to support and safeguard Britain’s oldest native breed far beyond our own lifetimes.

We think of it as a legacy of love. You would be joining us as we build a future in which Exmoor ponies thrive.

Through gifts in Wills and other forms of community support, we are able to do our work. And every contribution makes a difference. Your gift, no matter how big or small, is important to us.

For over 100 years, we have dedicated ourselves to safeguarding the ponies that run on Exmoor, or that find themselves doing vital work, such as conservation grazing or rewilding projects up and down the country. Many ponies excel in showing, and others provide companionship for pony lovers and their families, and we work with and support everyone with the interests of the ponies at heart.

With your legacy gift, we can continue to ensure they do so in the future.

Nigel Hill
Chairman

Our FREE solicitor-checked Will service

We partner with Make a Will Online, the only solicitor-checked online Will service. Trusted since 2008, their service provides peace of mind with every Will being reviewed by a qualified solicitor.

The service is paid for by The Exmoor Pony Society and is completely free to you. You get free changes for 28 days, or can opt for lifetime updates for just £10 per year. It’s convenient and secure, and you can complete your Will from home at any time, with optional printing and postage available.

The process is very simple. You just have to answer straightforward online questions, review your Will and then receive your solicitor-checked will by email or mail. If you have a significantly complex estate then you should speak with a solicitor. You can find out more, or start your Will by clicking on the button below.

What if you already have a Will?

A Will should be checked frequently, because your circumstances may change. You can use the information you have in your current Will to create a new, free Will to replace it – so that it is up to date.

The importance of legacies and gifts

A gift in a Will supports various aspects of our work. It contributes to our ability to advise, support and promote the Exmoor pony breed – and the services we provide around managing the stud book.

Leaving a legacy gift offers you an enduring way to safeguard and promote the Exmoor pony long after you’re gone.

Make a lasting impact: A gift in your Will creates ripples of support that extend beyond your own lifetime. You’re actively ensuring that your values and kindness continue to benefit the breed for years to come.

Tax advantages: Gifts left to registered charities such as The Exmoor Pony Society can be exempt from Inheritance Tax. This tax advantage allows you to maximise your donation and can often mean a reduced tax bill for those who benefit from your estate.

Support a cause you care about: The fact you’re reading this shows you care about Exmoor ponies. Whatever your passion, a legacy gift allows you to align closely with your philanthropic aspirations.

Reflect your values: By leaving a legacy gift, you’re making a heartfelt statement about your personal beliefs. Your act of kindness will directly contribute to our purpose of protecting the future of this wonderful pony breed.

Flexibility: Legacy gifts come in all shapes and sizes – from a small fixed sum of money, to a percentage of your estate, or even a specific item. You have the freedom to choose a way that suits your personal and financial circumstances.

Inspiration: Your decision to leave a legacy gift is a wonderful act of kindness. If you choose to share your decision, you may be an inspiration for others to do so too –creating a chain of legacy giving that will support The Exmoor Pony Society for many years to come.

Leaving a gift in your Will – but where to start?

You can use our free Will-writing service – or speak to your own solicitor – but these tips will help you plan ahead.

Our tips for creating legacies:

1. Make a list: Start by figuring out all the assets you have. This can include properties, finances and prized possessions. This gives you an idea of what you could potentially leave to causes you care about.
2. Decide your beneficiaries: Your loved ones are your priority. It’s important to take them into account first. After you’ve considered them, think about which charities you’d like to leave something to.
3. Choose the type of gift: Decide what kind of gift you’d like to leave to The Exmoor Pony Society. This could be:
   • a specific gift, such as a particular item of value – whether jewellery, a piece of art, or even a property.
   • a pecuniary gift, by which we mean a fixed sum of money.
   • a residuary gift, which means leaving us a share, or the entirety, of your estate after all other gifts and financial responsibilities have been taken care of.
   • a reversionary gift, which means taking care of your loved ones first, with your estate going to your chosen family and friends for their lifetimes, before being passed on to The Exmoor Pony Society.
   • a contingent gift, which is dependent on a certain event. For example, leaving us a gift in your Will only if your other beneficiaries are no longer alive.