200th CENTENARY CELEBRATIONS – Join us for the Exmoor Pony Festival 2018
Celebrating its 7th year, our festival ran from 5th-12th August with events centred on Exmoor and a celebration of the founding of the Exmoor pony herds in 1818.
Our aim as ever was to bring the people and the ponies together by providing opportunities for people to see the ponies with our breeders and Exmoor enthusiasts. Those daunted by a 6 hour trek could climb aboard a safari and see Exmoor from the comfort of one of Barle Valley Safaris Land Rovers or simply visit the Exmoor Pony Centre with its easy access and friendly ponies!
Vanessa Bee returned alongside Julie Garbutt of the BHS to show us how to ride safely both on the roads and in open country and horses and ponies joined us on the annual pleasure ride which started from Mounsey Hill Gate.
There was a fabulous re-enactment of that famous day in 1818 which saw the founding of the Exmoor pony herds arranged by author Dr Sue Baker.
And, by popular request, the Model Pony and Hobby Horse Show opening up the world of ponies to all was once again be organised by author and Exmoor pony breeder Victoria Eveleigh.
2018 itinerary:
Sunday 5th August BBQ & Quiz, The Green Room, Exmoor Pony Centre 7pm for 7.30pm
Monday, 6th August Walk on Dunkery with Tricia Gibson – 10am start
Tuesday, 7th August Walk on Haddon Hill with Richard Eales, ENPA Ranger – 2pm start
Wednesday, 8th August Exmooor Pony Society Breed Show, Exford Show Ground
Thursday, 9th August Open Day at the Exmoor Pony Centre (10am-4pm) followed by a table top sale (5pm-6pm) and a demonstration by Vanessa Bee and a talk by Julie Garbutt of the BHS starting at 6.30pm. The demonstration will be of interest to all Exmoor pony owners and anyone who rides out. Vanessa will talk about exercises to de-spook your horse/pony before going out on the roads for the first time whilst Julie will take about riding etiquette both on the road and in open country.
Friday, 10th August Pleasure Ride starting at Mounsey Hill Gate arrive at 4.30pm for a 5pm start – rosettes, port and pasties at the finish courtesy of the Wallace family.
Saturday, 11th August 1818 herds foundation day at Simonsbath
Sunday, 12th August Model Pony and Hobby Horse Show – 2pm start – a fantastic opportunity for those who don’t have their own real Exmoor to come along and see the ponies at the Exmoor Pony Centre, learn about them and, of course, enter the classes.
Contact Sue McGeever (Exmoor Pony Society) 01884 839930 or Linzi Green (Moorland Mousie Trust) 01398 323093 for more details.
The Exmoor Pony Festival 
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