Buy Exmoor Pony

Exmoor Pony for sale: Buying and selling Exmoor Pony

There’s something quietly compelling about an Exmoor Pony: honest eyes, sturdy frame, and that unmistakable “old Britain” look that makes you feel you’re riding a piece of history. When you see “Exmoor Pony for sale” in an advert, you’re not just looking at another native pony – you’re looking at one of the oldest and most genetically pure British breeds.

The Exmoor Pony comes from the rugged moorlands of southwest England, shaped by generations of living out in harsh weather with minimal human interference. That background has given the breed its trademark hardiness, strong feet, dense waterproof coat, and that characteristic “toad eye” with fleshy lids that help shed water. They’re typically 11.2–12.3hh, compact and powerful, with a short back, deep girth, and a solid, no-nonsense way of going. Traditionally they were used for shepherding, farm work, and as sturdy children’s mounts; today you’ll see Exmoor Ponies in family homes, pony club, trekking centres, conservation grazing, and even low-level driving and eventing.

What makes Exmoor Ponies distinctive in the modern marketplace is their combination of native toughness with a very trainable, intelligent brain. They’re not show ponies in the flashy sense, but they’re incredibly versatile. A well-produced Exmoor can carry a small adult out hunting, safely tote a child around a riding school, or spend winters living out on rough grazing with minimal fuss. For both buyers and sellers, understanding those native qualities – and their implications for handling, training, and management – is key to making good decisions in the Exmoor Pony market.

Buying Exmoor Pony - what you need to know

When you’re buying an Exmoor Pony, start by looking at the fundamentals: conformation, temperament, and type. You want that solid native build – good bone, short cannons, well-formed hooves, a strong, well-set neck, and a deep, roomy body. Watch how the pony moves: Exmoors should have a straight, ground-covering stride, not flashy but efficient, with active hindquarters. Stand back and see if the body looks balanced; a pony that’s downhill, long-backed, or narrow may struggle to do a variety of jobs comfortably.

Temperament is where Exmoor Ponies really earn their keep, but also where some buyers get caught out. A well-handled Exmoor is typically sensible, forward enough, and very loyal once it trusts you. Poorly handled or under-stimulated Exmoors can be sharp, nappy, or just creatively evasive. When viewing, don’t just watch the pony ridden by a confident jockey – handle it on the ground, see it caught from the field if possible, loaded, tied up, and tacked. If you’re a novice or buying for a child, aim for a pony that’s already doing the job you want: a proven riding school or pony club type, rather than an unbacked youngster you “plan to grow into.”

Always ask the seller about registration with the Exmoor Pony Society, breeding lines, and full training history. A properly registered Exmoor with traceable bloodlines and recorded breeding is generally more valuable, especially if you ever want to breed or show in native classes. Ask specifically what the pony has actually done in the last 12–18 months: fun rides, pony club, hacking alone and in company, traffic exposure, shoeing or trimming history. For vetting, pay particular attention to feet (they’re usually very good, but don’t assume), eyes (that fleshy lid shouldn’t be irritated), and any signs of sweet itch or metabolic issues, as native ponies can be prone if overfed.

Price-wise, the Exmoor Pony market is relatively modest compared to some competition breeds, but quality and training level still matter. Youngstock and unbacked three-year-olds from lesser-known lines might be in the £500–£1,500 range. Nicely started ridden ponies with basic schooling and hacking experience usually fall between £2,000–£4,000. A well-produced, child-safe, competition or pony club Exmoor, or a top-quality show pony with a record, can easily command £4,000–£7,000, occasionally more if it ticks every box. Red flags include vague histories, no registration when advertised as “pure Exmoor,” ponies that are only shown in the school and never hacked, or sellers who resist a proper trial ride or vetting. Take your time, try more than one, and remember that with this breed, a good brain and genuine temperament are worth paying for.

Everything about selling Exmoor Pony

On the selling side, most Exmoor Ponies on the market come from a mix of dedicated native pony breeders, small private breeders on or near the moors, and private owners whose children have outgrown them. There are also a few dealers who understand native types and place them into riding homes or trekking centres. As a seller, your first job is to be brutally honest about your pony’s experience and suitability. Buyers of Exmoor Ponies are often families, native enthusiasts, or riders looking for a hardy all-rounder; they value transparency over sales patter.

Before you advertise your Exmoor Pony for sale, make sure it’s presented as well as possible for its type. That doesn’t mean clipping it into a show hack – it means clean, well-groomed, with feet freshly trimmed or shod, tack that fits, and up-to-date vaccinations and worming records ready to show. Have registration papers, passport, and any breeding certificates in order. School the pony for a few weeks so it’s going sweetly in walk, trot, and canter, and if it’s advertised as a hacking or children’s pony, make sure you can confidently demonstrate that: hacking in traffic, standing at the mounting block, loading into a trailer. These details significantly influence price and buyer confidence.

When setting a price, consider age, training level, registration, competition or pony club record, and temperament. A registered, straight-moving, nicely mannered Exmoor with some mileage under saddle will sit comfortably in the £2,000–£4,000 band in many UK regions. A very green youngster or older companion type might be £500–£1,500. At the top end, a proven child’s pony with a record of safe hunting, pony club, or native showing can reach £5,000–£7,000 or so, especially if it’s the kind that rarely comes on the market. Timing matters: spring and early summer are ideal for selling riding ponies, while youngstock and breeding stock often move around autumn sales and breed-specific events.

To reach the right buyers, combine general online horse marketplaces with Exmoor Pony Society listings, native pony Facebook groups, and, where appropriate, breed shows or sales. Buyers looking for Exmoor Ponies expect clear photos showing conformation and movement, straightforward descriptions, and videos of ridden work and hacking. Highlight the qualities that matter: good feet, lives out, used to children, traffic-proof, or successful in the show ring. Prepare yourself emotionally too; these ponies have a knack for getting under your skin. The more carefully you match your Exmoor Pony to the right buyer, the smoother the sale process will be and the more confident you can feel about the home you’ve chosen.