Horse breeds / Exmoor pony
Photo: Wsupermain2 · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Wikimedia Commons
Horse breed
Exmoor pony
The Exmoor pony is one of Britain's oldest native breeds, living wild for centuries on Exmoor in Somerset and Devon. Its ancestry is ancient and it is often described as close to the primitive ponies that roamed Europe. Historically it was used as a working pony on farms and for pack and light draft work, and its hardiness made it valued on the moor.
Exmoors are known for being sturdy, sensible and gentle, with a calm, willing nature that suits many riders. They are small but strong, able to carry an adult rider with ease, and they make good first ponies for children and capable options for adults who want a steady, pleasant mount. They are intelligent and can be thoughtful, so consistent handling works best.
Day to day, Exmoors need regular turnout, some work to keep them fit, and ideally the company of another horse or pony, since they are herd animals. They thrive on routine and enjoy being part of a settled, caring home.
Good for: First-time owners, children, trail riders
| Size | small |
| Weight | 551–661 lb |
| Height | 46–50 in |
| Life span | 25–30 years |
| Exercise | about 45 min a day |
| Shedding | heavy |
| Origin | United Kingdom |
Exmoors are easy keepers, so watch their weight and grazing carefully from day one.
Living with a Exmoor pony
Exercise
Exmoors need regular daily work, typically a steady ride or in-hand session, along with turnout to graze and move freely. With too little exercise they can become overweight and bored, which increases the risk of weight-related health issues.
Grooming
Exmoors have a dense, weather-resistant coat, and their dun coloring has a distinctive mealy muzzle and light eye rings. Their mane and tail are usually thick and can be kept natural or lightly trimmed. Regular hoof care and checks are important, and clipping is rarely needed due to their thick wint
At home
Exmoors are very hardy and cope well with cold, wet weather thanks to their dense winter coat, so they can live outdoors with shelter available. They do well in a herd and should not be kept alone. They are famously easy keepers, so grass and forage are usually enough, and careful management is needed to avoid weight gain.
Training
Exmoors are quick to learn and tend to be willing and cooperative when training is fair and consistent. They excel on the trail, in in-hand showing, driving, and as first mounts for children, and they can do well in gentle dressage and jumping. A green Exmoor is usually steady and forgiving, though they can be stubborn if pushed too hard.
Health
Exmoors are prone to conditions linked to their easy-keeping nature, such as laminitis and metabolic issues. Ask your vet about a suitable diet, body condition monitoring, and any breed-specific screening. A vet can give advice tailored to your individual pony.
- Laminitis
- Obesity
- Metabolic syndrome
Known tendencies, not a diagnosis: ask your vet about this breed.
The numbers for a Exmoor pony
Forage and water, adult
9–15 lb of hay a day
Forage at 1.5–2.5% of body weight at 551–661 lb, and 5–10 gallons of water, more in heat and on hay alone. Grain only for the work being done.
What a year costs
$2,250–$4,050
Hay about $1,051, plus farrier every 6–8 weeks, routine vet, dental and dewormer. Board, lessons and showing on top; US averages.
Weather
Watch above 80°F, stop at 90°F
Blanket or shelter below 10°F. Horses mind heat more than cold: with shelter and water most are fine to about 10°F unclipped, and above a heat index of 150 (air °F + humidity %) ride early or not at all.
Where a Exmoor pony is comfortable
Easy most of the year: Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Washington, DC, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
Summer needs care (early rides, shade, fans): Arizona, Nevada, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah.
Winter needs care (blanket, shelter, water that is not frozen): North Dakota.
From typical July highs and January lows by state and this breed's heat and cold limits. Shade, shelter and water change everything; this is about turnout and work.
Right now
Latest feed recalls
Multiple Brand Names: Chicken Feed, Swine Feed, Cattle Feed, Horse Feed
ADM Animal Nutrition · Apr 1 · Specific lots may contain elevated levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and/or chloride and may harm chickens, swine, beef cattle and equine.
Rescue a Exmoor pony
Shelters and breed rescues list Exmoor ponys and Exmoor pony mixes every week. Search adoptable Exmoor ponys on Petfinder → New to the breed? The first-horse kit →
Is a Exmoor pony right for you?
- Yes if you want a hardy pony that copes with outdoor living
- Yes if you are a first-time owner wanting a calm, sensible mount
- Yes if you have grass land and can manage feed carefully
- Think twice if you want a horse for demanding competition
- Think twice if you cannot provide a companion animal
Questions owners ask
Are Exmoor ponies good for beginners?
Yes, Exmoors are calm, sensible and steady, making them a popular choice for first-time owners and young riders when managed well.
How much do Exmoor ponies cost?
Prices vary by age, training and bloodline. Expect to pay a range depending on the individual pony and where you buy.
How tall are Exmoor ponies?
Exmoors typically stand around 117 to 127 centimetres at the withers, which is roughly 11.5 to 12.5 hands.
How long do Exmoor ponies live?
Exmoors commonly live into their mid to late twenties, and good care and a healthy weight help them reach that age.
Are Exmoor ponies easy keepers?
Yes, they are famously easy keepers and can gain weight on rich grass, so feed and grazing need careful monitoring.
Similar breeds
Written by Hoofdeck editors · updated Nov 13, 2026 · facts from Wikidata and Wikimedia Commons; health notes are general veterinary guidance, not a diagnosis.