This year’s Exmoor Pony Festival (Saturday 9 – Sunday 17 August) looks set to be better than ever with safaris, pony shows, rides, walks and special herd open days – with something on each day it’s the ideal way to discover the unique Exmoor Pony breed and those famous free-running herds in their native landscape, Exmoor National Park.
The Exmoor Pony Festival is now in its third year, supported by volunteers and herd owners and by the Heritage Lottery Fund through the Heart of Exmoor scheme. The Festival is timed to coincide with the Exmoor Pony Society’s annual Breed Show on Wednesday 13 August at the Exford Show, which this year has HOYS qualifiers (Horse of the Year Show) and features a Moorland Herds Exhibition Area.
Linzi Green, festival manager and Exmoor Pony Officer for the Heart of Exmoor scheme, said: “As always the Exmoor Pony Festival has something for everyone’s interest. Test your camera skills on safari, spend the day at a country show, take the family for up-close pony experiences, do the Fun Ride and join the BBQ quiz. These nine days showcase the breed at its best, because you’ll see Exmoor herds out on the open moors, watch equestrian talents at the shows and hear first hand from the breeders behind the herds.
“Everyone enjoys watching these fascinating free-roaming herds on Exmoor National Park, and thousands come each year to see them. Exmoor Pony Festival helps you to rediscover this rare native breed, renowned for its intelligence and an ability to withstand the harsh conditions of Exmoor’s beautiful upland.”
Over 1,300 people attended the Exmoor Pony Festival in 2013. With events happening every day, the organisers hope that this year’s Festival will attract even more visitors. The Exmoor Pony Festival brings together a combination of events and activities at various locations around Exmoor National Park. Whether you aim to buy a pony bred on Exmoor, wish to learn more about the breed, or simply feel fascinated by them, the variety of events in this festival has something to offer everyone.
For more details please visit exmoorponyfestival.org.uk, call 01398 323841 or find the festival on Facebook and Twitter. (Please note: some events require booking in advance.)
Exmoor Pony Safari with Experience Exmoor
Exmoor Pony Safari with Experience Exmoor