THIS YEAR’S CALENDAR
(18th June – 4th September)
UPCOMING EVENTS (PLEASE SCROLL DOWN TO SEE EVERYTHING THAT HAS HAPPENED THIS YEAR)
9th AUGUST (from 2pm)
‘Pony Walk (Haddon Hill)’
Exmoor National Park Authority Ranger Richard Eales will be your guide and you can learn about the ENPAs own herds – Warren and Haddon – and their current breeding programme as well as meeting the Knightoncombe herd that are currently running with the ponies on Haddon Hill.
Don’t forget to bring along a camera
If you need more details then call 01884 839930
10th AUGUST (from 9am at Exford Showground)
‘Exmoor Pony Society Breed Show’
One of the oldest events in the Exmoor Pony Society diary, the Breed Show has provided an opportunity for breeders and owners to showcase their ponies for almost a century. The trophies are steeped in history with many named after ponies and people who have made an enormous contribution to the conservation of the breed which was almost lost to the world at the end of the Second World War. Besides seeing the ponies, there will be opportunities to learn about the breed and talk to both in-ground and moorland breeders.
Exmoor Pony Festival goers will be able to download a voucher from the Exmoor Pony Festival website or the Exmoor Pony Society website for reduced admission to the Exford Showground.
11th AUGUST (11-3pm)
‘The Exmoor Pony Centre Activity Day’
Come along and have a great time!
There will be lots of fun and games and you will have the opportunity to get up close to their lovely ponies as there will be pony rides and grooming sessions. Refreshments will be available in the Green Room building. This is an all weather event which will be held under cover if necessary. Free Admission with small charges for the activities. Minimum age for riding is 4 yrs.
12th AUGUST (12pm)
‘Exmoor Pony Genome Talk’
Speaker: Dr Sarah Blott, University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science. Title: How genetic science can help conserve and sustain the Exmoor Pony. Summary: This talk, by one of the country’s leading experts, will give an introduction to DNA, genes and genomics, then describe a project which is being developed to fully characterise the genetic profile of Exmoor’s iconic native ponies.Speaker: Dr Sarah Blott, University of Nottingham, School of Veterinary Medicine and Science.
Title: How genetic science can help conserve and sustain the Exmoor Pony.
Summary: This talk, by one of the country’s leading experts, will give an introduction to DNA, genes and genomics, then describe a project which is being developed to fully characterise the genetic profile of Exmoor’s iconic native ponies.
Booking is essential – please contact Ellie Woodcock on ewoodcock@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or 01398 322231 to book your place.
14th AUGUST (3pm)
‘Pleasure Ride’
Now in its fifth year we are setting off from another one of Exmoor’s beautiful well known landmarks – Brendon Two Gates. We have been photographed at Dunkery Beacon, Tarr Steps, Caractacus Stone and Landacre Bridge! Brendon Two Gates as the name suggests used to be a two gate system that allowed farmers to ride onto the moor in the strongest of winds without having to dismount – sadly the gates are no longer there. It was also the site of a quidnunx – four stones in a square with one in the middle – today there are only three stones in a row but the site remains a landmark to visit.
The guided ride will cover about 8 miles and travel at walk, trot and canter. Under 16s should be accompanied by an adult and all riders should have a hard had and suitable footwear. Booking is essential – please call 01884 839930 to reserve your place and get a copy of the Rules of the Ride.
16th AUGUST (10am onwards)
‘Guided Walk (Dunkery, Exmoor)’
Exmoor Pony Society member Tricia Gibson has followed the three herds on Dunkery (mainly the Westwilmer and Tawbitts herds) for the past 6 years getting to know all the ponies and providing the Society and the herd owners with vital information regarding the stallions and mares and each year’s foals. Tricia’s love of photography has also provided many photographs of the interaction between stallions, mares and foals providing our facebook followers with many intimate moments. Tricia co-owns 3 young Westwilmer mares out on the hill as well as her own two 3 year olds youngsters who were born on Dunkery. If luck is with the walkers, there will be plenty of photographic opportunities and lots to see! Places restricted and all individuals must adhere to the guidance notes regarding suitable footwear etc. Tricia says ‘people will need to bring whatever they want to eat and also water!! We could easily cover up to 15 miles in the 6 hours…. but they will be wonderful miles – whatever the weather throws at us! Do please wear walking boots and gaitors as there are many adders in the area and also ticks…’ Please book your place via the Exmoor Pony Society – 01884 839930
The exact meeting point for the start of the walk will not be known until the day before as the groups of ponies move over fairly large areas!
17th AUGUST (10am-1pm)
‘Tawbitts Stud Visit and Demonstration’
Jackie Ablett and Gill Langdon welcome you to the Tawbitts Stud at Luckwell Bridge. Established in the late 1970s, the breeding herd runs predominantly on Dunkery and Codsend. Mares that are not being bred from in any given year together with a number of geldings run on conservation sites in the South West. The Tawbitts herd also retain a number of ponies in ground each year to promote the breed both in-hand at shows and as ridden ponies. Last year the Tawbitts team came second in the 50th Anniversary Team Competition at the Golden Horseshoe Ride and have, in past years, qualified ponies for the Horse of the Year Show.
For more information call Jackie Ablett or Gill Langdon on 01643 841330.
18th AUGUST (9-30am-1.30pm meet at Wheddon Cross)
‘Exmoor Pony Specific Safari’
Join us as we go up on the moor with Exmoor Wildlife Safaris. An Exmoor pony expert will be on board to tell you all you need to know about this fantastic breed (as reported in the Mid Devon Gazette 2015) Bookings through Daphne at Exmoor Wildlife Safaris – exmoorwildlifesafaris@gmail.com
Special ‘Exmoor Pony Festival’ price £15.00 for adults and £10 for children (7 seats available)
If you can’t make the 18th or 30th then do contact Daphne and we will do our best to provide a pony expert on your safari.
18th AUGUST (11-3pm)
‘The Exmoor Pony Centre Activity Day’
Come along and have a great time!
There will be lots of fun and games and you will have the opportunity to get up close to their lovely ponies as there will be pony rides and grooming sessions. Refreshments will be available in the Green Room building. This is an all weather event which will be held under cover if necessary. Free Admission with small charges for the activities. Minimum age for riding is 4 yrs.
20th AUGUST (11am-4pm)
‘Buttondown Stud Open Day and Demonstration’
There will be a chance to walk up onto the mountain to see the ponies that live out all year round and enjoy the stunning views. There will also be a dressage to music demonstration and a short talk from Sue Burger (EPS Judge and Inspector) followed by a Welsh Exmoor cream tea.
Please let the organisers know you are coming by calling Maureen on 01792 869944.
20th AUGUST (Meet at 11am)
‘Guided Walk (North Berwick Law, East Lothian)’
Fantastic opportunity to learn about Exmoor ponies and their role as conservation grazers from Juliet Rogers of the Moorland Mousie Trust. MMT have placed over 300 moor bred ponies on around 275 conservation sites throughout the UK – some sites are year round and others are for a set number of months.
Meet at the carpark at 11 am to see the ponies and talk about the difference they have made to the site.
Steep terrain, no toilets, please bring refreshments. By kind permission of East Lothian Council
Please let the organisers know you are coming by calling Juliet on 07710 832512.
21st AUGUST (Meet at 11am)
‘Guided Walk, Geltsdale, Cumbria)’
Access to Geltsdale is via Midgeholme.
Steep terrain, no toilets, please bring refreshments.
Fantastic opportunity to learn about Exmoor ponies and their role as conservation grazers from Juliet Rogers of the Moorland Mousie Trust. MMT have placed over 300 moor bred ponies on around 275 conservation sites throughout the UK – some sites are year round and others are for a set number of months.
Meet at the carpark at 11 am to see the ponies and talk about the difference they have made to the site.
Steep terrain, no toilets, please bring refreshments. By kind permission of the RSPB.
Please let the organisers know you are coming by calling Juliet on 07710 832512.
21st AUGUST
‘Sussex Pony Grazing and Conservation Trust Walk and Picnic’
A guided walk on Red House Common to see the Exmoor ponies conservation grazing there, bring a picnic! More details from: Lisa Clarke 01342 842246
23rd AUGUST (from 10am)
‘Guided Walk (Dunkery, Exmoor)’
Exmoor Pony Society member Tricia Gibson has followed the three herds on Dunkery (mainly the Westwilmer and Tawbitts herds) for the past 6 years getting to know all the ponies and providing the Society and the herd owners with vital information regarding the stallions and mares and each year’s foals. Tricia’s love of photography has also provided many photographs of the interaction between stallions, mares and foals providing our facebook followers with many intimate moments. Tricia co-owns 3 young Westwilmer mares out on the hill as well as her own two 3 year olds youngsters who were born on Dunkery. If luck is with the walkers, there will be plenty of photographic opportunities and lots to see! Places restricted and all individuals must adhere to the guidance notes regarding suitable footwear etc. Tricia says ‘people will need to bring whatever they want to eat and also water!! We could easily cover up to 15 miles in the 6 hours…. but they will be wonderful miles – whatever the weather throws at us! Do please wear walking boots and gaitors as there are many adders in the area and also ticks…’ Please book your place via the Exmoor Pony Society – 01884 839930
The exact meeting point for the start of the walk will not be known until the day before as the groups of ponies move over fairly large areas!
24th AUGUST
‘Guided Walk (Codsend, Exmoor)’
A guided walk on Codsend moor to see the Tawbitts and Hawkwell herds and an opportunity to meet the breeders of these two herds! To book your place contact Gill Langdon on 01643 841330
25th AUGUST (11-3pm)
‘The Exmoor Pony Centre Activity Day’
Come along and have a great time!
There will be lots of fun and games and you will have the opportunity to get up close to their lovely ponies as there will be pony rides and grooming sessions. Refreshments will be available in the Green Room building. This is an all weather event which will be held under cover if necessary. Free Admission with small charges for the activities. Minimum age for riding is 4 yrs.
27th AUGUST (from 9am)
‘Midland Area Show’
A great opportunity to see and learn about the Exmoor pony and spot the best moor bred ponies from the fantastic rosettes they receive – yes there are Exmoor ponies in the Midlands!
Full details can be found both on the Exmoor Pony Festival facebook page and the Exmoor Pony Society website.
28th AUGUST (from 9am)
‘Scottish Area Show’
A great opportunity to see and learn about the Exmoor pony and spot the best moor bred ponies from the fantastic rosettes they receive – yes there are Exmoor ponies in the Scotland!
Full details can be found both on the Exmoor Pony Festival facebook page and the Exmoor Pony Society website.
30th AUGUST (9-30am-1.30pm meet at Wheddon Cross)
‘Exmoor Pony Specific Safari’
Join us as we go up on the moor with Exmoor Wildlife Safaris. An Exmoor pony expert will be on board to tell you all you need to know about this fantastic breed (as reported in the Mid Devon Gazette 2015) Bookings through Daphne at Exmoor Wildlife Safaris – exmoorwildlifesafaris@gmail.com
Special ‘Exmoor Pony Festival’ price £15.00 for adults and £10 for children (7 seats available)
If you can’t make the 18th or 30th then do contact Daphne and we will do our best to provide a pony expert on your safari.
PAST EVENTS 2016
Anchor Open Day in Yorkshire
18th JUNE (from 2pm)
‘Meet the Anchor Herd’
An opportunity to see mares, foals and youngstock from the Anchor herd.
There will be a discussion on breed standard and conformation, followed by tea and cakes.
The afternoon will be hosted by David and Emma Wallace and those wishing to attend should contact Denise Sykes on sykes.d2@sky.com/07795 117236.
Festival rosette at the Somerset Area Show
2nd JULY (from 9am)
‘Somerset Area Show’
A great opportunity to see and learn about the Exmoor pony and spot the best moor bred ponies from the fantastic rosettes they receive.
Full details can be found both on the Exmoor Pony Festival facebook page and the Exmoor Pony Society website.
3rd JULY (from 9am)
‘Northern Area Show’
A great opportunity to see and learn about the Exmoor pony and spot the best moor bred ponies from the fantastic rosettes they receive – yes there are Exmoor ponies in the North of England!
Full details can be found both on the Exmoor Pony Festival facebook page and the Exmoor Pony Society website.
3rd JULY (from 10am)
‘Wimbleball Lake Open Day’
The Exmoor Pony Society and Friends of Exmoor Ponies will be at the open day so do come along and learn about the wonderful breed – you will be abl. Thank you to the organisers for allowing us to be part of this great event.
Full details can be found both on the Exmoor Pony Festival facebook page and the Exmoor Pony Society website.
12rd JULY (from 9am)
‘NPS Area 25 Show including the Berks, Hants, Glos and Wilts Area Show’
A great opportunity to see and learn about the Exmoor pony and spot the best moor bred ponies from the fantastic rosettes they receive – yes there are Exmoor ponies in all over the place!
Full details can be found both on the Exmoor Pony Festival facebook page and the Exmoor Pony Society website.
17th JULY (from 9am)
‘South Eastern Area Show’
A great opportunity to see and learn about the Exmoor pony and spot the best moor bred ponies from the fantastic rosettes they receive – yes there are Exmoor ponies in the South of England!
Full details can be found both on the Exmoor Pony Festival facebook page and the Exmoor Pony Society website.
24th JULY (11-3pm)
‘The Exmoor Pony Centre’s 10th Birthday Activity Day’
Come along to the Exmoor Pony Centre and help everyone and the ponies celebrate their 10th Birthday with a fabulous activity day. There will be lots of fun and games and of course, lots of birthday cake! You will have the opportunity to get up close to their lovely ponies as there will be pony rides and grooming sessions. Refreshments will be available in the Green Room building. This is an all weather event which will be held under cover if necessary. Free Admission with small charges for the activities. Minimum age for riding is 4 yrs. Let’s help the Moorland Mousie Trust make this celebration a very special day indeed!
27th JULY (from 9.30am)
‘Dunster Country Fair’
The Exmoor Pony Society holds a wide range of pony classes at the Dunster Country Fair ranging from Stallion or Gelding 4 years & over, working hunter pony, owner’s/breeders pair, junior ridden and much more. Friends of Exmoor Ponies will be there to tell you all about the breed.
The Exmoor Pony Centre volunteers and fundraisers will also be there having a fun time celebrating the Centre’s and their Exmoor Pony Barney’s 10th Birthday.
Full details can be found both on the Exmoor Pony Festival facebook page and the Exmoor Pony Society website.
30th JULY (from 9am)
‘Welsh Area Show’
A great opportunity to see and learn about the Exmoor pony and spot the best moor bred ponies from the fantastic rosettes they receive – yes there are Exmoor ponies in Wales!
Full details can be found both on the Exmoor Pony Festival facebook page and the Exmoor Pony Society website.
2nd AUGUST (from 10am)
‘Guided Walk (Dunkery, Exmoor)’
Exmoor Pony Society member Tricia Gibson has followed the three herds on Dunkery (mainly the Westwilmer and Tawbitts herds) for the past 6 years getting to know all the ponies and providing the Society and the herd owners with vital information regarding the stallions and mares and each year’s foals. Tricia’s love of photography has also provided many photographs of the interaction between stallions, mares and foals providing our facebook followers with many intimate moments. Tricia co-owns 3 young Westwilmer mares out on the hill as well as her own two 3 year olds youngsters who were born on Dunkery. If luck is with the walkers, there will be plenty of photographic opportunities and lots to see! Places restricted and all individuals must adhere to the guidance notes regarding suitable footwear etc. Tricia says ‘people will need to bring whatever they want to eat and also water!! We could easily cover up to 15 miles in the 6 hours…. but they will be wonderful miles – whatever the weather throws at us! Do please wear walking boots and gaitors as there are many adders in the area and also ticks…’ Please book your place via the Exmoor Pony Society – 01884 839930
The exact meeting point for the start of the walk will not be known until the day before as the groups of ponies move over fairly large areas!
3rd-7th AUGUST (from 10am each day)
‘Weston Dairy Festival’
Come along and learn about Exmoor ponies – there will be an Exmoor pony on site for the Saturday and Sunday.
Full details can be found both on the Exmoor Pony Festival facebook page and the Exmoor Pony Society website.
4th AUGUST (11-3pm)
‘The Exmoor Pony Centre Activity Day’
Come along and have a great time!
There will be lots of fun and games and you will have the opportunity to get up close to their lovely ponies as there will be pony rides and grooming sessions. Refreshments will be available in the Green Room building. This is an all weather event which will be held under cover if necessary. Free Admission with small charges for the activities. Minimum age for riding is 4 yrs.
6th AUGUST (4pm-7pm)
‘Horse and Pony Author Event’
A wonderful opportunity to come along and listen to 6 well known writers of both fiction and non-fiction, there will be something for everyone and all ages here! The six authors will be Olivia Tuffin, Victoria Eveleigh, Vanessa Bee, Sheena Wilkinson, Sam Angus and Dr. Sue Baker. Olivia and Vanessa are both Exmoor pony owners, Victoria owns and breeds pony having the Ilkerton herd that run on Ilkerton Ridge and Sue is both a breeder and a owner.
You can found out more about the authors by visiting the Exmoor Pony Festival facebook page or emailing Sue McGeever susan.mcgeever@btconnect.com for the information poster.
This event will be followed by the Exmoor Pony Festival Annual Barbeque and Quiz starting at 19.30.
6th AUGUST (19.30 onwards)
‘Annual Barbeque and Quiz’
The quiz and BBQ is always very popular and this year we have the added bonus of having some of the authors joining us and testing their knowledge of Exmoor ponies!
Dr Sue Baker has compiled the quiz (so will not be on anybody’s team!) and we are hoping that all the Exmoor Pony Society areas will take up the challenge to see which team across the country gets the most points!
Please telephone 01884 839930 and let us know you are coming so we can ensure we have enough copies of the quiz and enough for the BBQ – especially if people have special dietary requirements.
A donation of £10 per person to help out with the cost of the BBQ would be much appreciated.
7th AUGUST (from 10am – Exmoor Pony Centre)
‘Anchor Herd – Open Morning’
10am Meet at the Exmoor Pony Centre
Walk to see the stallions, mares and youngstock held in ground for showing and specific breeding programmes.
11am approximately – Return to Exmoor Pony Centre
Discussion on the breed and in-hand showing demonstration.
Tea/coffee and cake will be served in the Green Room following the demonstration.
There will then be an opportunity to walk out on to Varle Hill to see the ponies in their natural environment and for those who have not visited Exmoor before, the chance to see the famous Tarr Steps.
The Anchor Herd always welcomes visitors both on Exmoor and at the family home in Yorkshire – please call Mr & Mrs Wallace on 01756 730395 or 01398 323459.
Additional dates will be added so do follow us on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/ExmoorPonyFestival/
The Exmoor Pony Festival 
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