Exmoor ponies need new homes

[Deleted]

A large group of Exmoor ponies in Cornwall needs rehoming. They are all currently used for conservation grazing and the status of the grazing is being changed, so the ponies have to go by the end of March.

They are mostly fairly unhandled so are not just easy ridden ponies.

For more details, a contact email and a full list:

www.native-pony.com/?p=3299

Rufus, Shadow, Trystan and Jago should be coming to Tiptree Heath to join our existing 4 boys munching their way through the gorse and silver birch ;D

[kafee]

I've passed the link on to a local conservation group who were considering Exmoors for grazing.

[bramblesmum]

How awful so many names not reserved, im full to brimming or would have offered a companion home to a couple. Well done Liz in managing to source a home for some of them x

[marsay]

So sad, so many to find homes for sending lots of luck

[clara81]

Oh no. Hope I win the lottery before then, can't afford to keep any more at livery !

[megnum]

If they weren't so far away or if someone happened to be travelling up I could offer a place to one or 2 but wouldn't be permanent would handle and break and loan or rehome...

[SarahW]

Much as I would like these ponies to all find homes, I would warn against anyone thinking they could have one, break it in and sell on. They take an extraordinary length of time to bring round in some cases and some just won't get there. The best homes would be conservation homes and the next best (or equal) kind, caring homes where there are no absolute ambitions. It sounds like some have had some handling but where it says halter broken, it may mean halter broken (i.e. tied up to something solid for a while) rather than halter trained and there can be a world of difference. I am not trying to put anyone off at all, just saying what the bottom line might be. They are gorgeous ponies, very ornamental, some come round and some just don't. Time, patience and technique all help but don't necessarily mean that you'll get to the ridden stage.

[Deleted]

Wise words, Sarah.

The good news is that they are finding homes. All but 5 mares shown as reserved now.

[megnum]

I completely understand I wouldn't have sold on just been a half way house as we have done for other ponies and have even rehomed as riding ponies ones that were older and probably even less handled if that's possible, can never say never and when done slowly and nicely even an older unhandled pony can have a job other than conservation or companion. from my experience anyway x

[megnum]

Even if they don't end up taking to riding having them handled etc at least gives them a better chance

[SarahW]

I agree completely. I have a non-ridden older NF pony and people are always saying to me "Oh, what a shame!" What?!" I have the best fun with this pony, we go out running together, he jumps, jumps and gives everything a go. I have leant over him now but I think if anyone got on him he would bolt until he dropped. No ambitions for him - just a happy, engaged life.

[varkie]

I'm glad they seem to find homes. I would have loved to offer one a home, but asides from space & finances (no extra room at the inn right now!), I could not offer the time one of these guys needs. I've worked with unhandleds of all breeds, but exmoors are right up there in terms of challenging ponies to handle! An older one unhandled would be a big project with no guarantees, and just not something I could currently do.

Very wise words from Sarah. Having said all that, I hope that good homes do come forward for them all. They are wonderful ponies.

[outoftheblue]

They all seem to be reserved now.

[clara81]

Aw that's good news! I love unhandled ponies, they're my favourite, but since I've had to move to a proper yard it's just not practical anymore. If I ever get to rent my own field again I'm gonna go back to doing that.

[laurac]

glad to hear they are finding homes well done