scottish exmoors bill and ted

Scottish Exmoor pony foals “Bill & Ted” begin their excellent adventure

A 289-mile Highland journey brings rare breed foals from remote Scorraig peninsula to new home in Wick

Two young Exmoor pony foals, affectionately nicknamed “Bill” and “Ted”, have embarked on their own excellent adventure after a remarkable 289-mile journey across the Scottish Highlands. Megan Gillon, Trustee and Scottish Representative for the Exmoor Pony Society, collected the mountain-born foals from the remote Scorraig peninsula in a journey that showcases both the hardiness of this rare native breed and the dedication of its conservationists.

The foals, officially named Sail Mhor and Slochd, were born into Deborah Davy’s free-living herd. In late February, with snow still covering the Highland landscape, breeders Deborah and Vivien Taylor walked the young ponies five miles from Deborah’s croft to meet Megan and her partner Alex, who had driven from Wick to Badrallach to collect them.

“These foals were born on the mountain and tamed just enough to make the five-mile trek to meet us,” said Megan, whose own love for Exmoor ponies began with Sango, a pony bred by Deborah from the same mountain herd. “Their journey from the snowy peaks of Scorraig to their new home truly is an adventure worthy of their namesakes – albeit on a smaller, four-legged scale!”

Deborah is herself a trustee of the Society, and the Exmoor Pony Society supported her PhD research into the genetics and conservation management of the Exmoor pony. Her studies have examined how isolated moorland herds maintain genetic diversity and how breeding decisions affect the long-term survival of this rare native breed.

Indeed, a key role of the Exmoor Pony Society is the registration of these special foals in the studbook, which the charity has managed since 1921. David Wallace, Chair of the Exmoor Pony Society, said: “Registering each foal into our studbook is crucial for the breed’s future. With only 100-150 Exmoor foals born annually worldwide, every single registration helps us preserve these ancient bloodlines.

“After the war there were just 50 ponies left. These mountain-bred ponies from Scorraig carry genetics that have survived for generations, descended from a fragile number of bloodlines. Proper inspection and documentation ensure their valuable contribution to the breed is recognized and protected for years to come.”

The Exmoor pony is recognized as a Priority breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, with approximately 500 breeding mares worldwide. Deborah maintains free-living herds both on Scorraig and at the Bamff breeding centre, contributing to the conservation of these hardy native ponies in their natural environment.

As the two small adventurers settle into their new home after their epic Highland journey, one thing is certain – for Bill and Ted, this is just the beginning of their most excellent adventure!