ThatPeskyCommoner (talk | contribs) →Breed history: prehistoric Exmoors, early transport |
fix ref details for "Roman mining on Exmoor: a geomorphological approach at Anstey's Combe, Dulverton" |
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The Exmoor pony is the only surviving close relative of the prehistoric Celtic pony, found otherwise only in fossilised remains from Alaska, showing a distinctly different type of jaw structure from modern breeds, and the beginnings of development of a seventh molar, and is thus unique in the living horse breeds.<ref name="isbn0-8061-3884-X">{{cite book |author=Dent, Anthony Austen; Hendricks, Bonnie L. |title=International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |location=Norman |year=2007 |pages= |isbn=0-8061-3884-X |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=}}</ref> It was believed that the Exmoor ponies are direct descendants of prehistoric ponies which migrated to the British Isles before they became separated from mainland Europe at the end of the last Ice Age, when melting ice created the English Channel, but recent research has shown that the separation of the British Isles from Europe may have happened much earlier - hundreds, rather than tens, of thousands of years ago, with what has been described by scientists as 'a catastrophic mega-flood'. <ref>[http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/antenna/megaflood/111.asp The Science Museum]</ref> |
The Exmoor pony is the only surviving close relative of the prehistoric Celtic pony, found otherwise only in fossilised remains from Alaska, showing a distinctly different type of jaw structure from modern breeds, and the beginnings of development of a seventh molar, and is thus unique in the living horse breeds.<ref name="isbn0-8061-3884-X">{{cite book |author=Dent, Anthony Austen; Hendricks, Bonnie L. |title=International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds |publisher=University of Oklahoma Press |location=Norman |year=2007 |pages= |isbn=0-8061-3884-X |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=}}</ref> It was believed that the Exmoor ponies are direct descendants of prehistoric ponies which migrated to the British Isles before they became separated from mainland Europe at the end of the last Ice Age, when melting ice created the English Channel, but recent research has shown that the separation of the British Isles from Europe may have happened much earlier - hundreds, rather than tens, of thousands of years ago, with what has been described by scientists as 'a catastrophic mega-flood'. <ref>[http://www.sciencemuseum.org.uk/antenna/megaflood/111.asp The Science Museum]</ref> |
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It is likely that Exmoor ponies and their ancestors have been used as a means of transportation for thousands of years. Archaeological investigations have shown that the ancient Britons were using wheeled horse-drawn transport (chariots) extensively in south-west England as early as 400 BC, <ref name=Johns24>{{cite book |author=Johns, Catherine; Potter, Timothy W. |title=Roman Britain |publisher=British Museum Press |location=London |year=2002 |pages= |isbn=0-7141-2774-4 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=}}Johns and Potter, p 24</ref> and recent research has indicated that there was significant Roman involvement in the mining of metals on Exmoor. <ref> |
It is likely that Exmoor ponies and their ancestors have been used as a means of transportation for thousands of years. Archaeological investigations have shown that the ancient Britons were using wheeled horse-drawn transport (chariots) extensively in south-west England as early as 400 BC, <ref name=Johns24>{{cite book |author=Johns, Catherine; Potter, Timothy W. |title=Roman Britain |publisher=British Museum Press |location=London |year=2002 |pages= |isbn=0-7141-2774-4 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=}}Johns and Potter, p 24</ref> and recent research has indicated that there was significant Roman involvement in the mining of metals on Exmoor. <ref>{{citation |
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|title=Roman mining on Exmoor: a geomorphological approach at Anstey's Combe, Dulverton |
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|authors=Brown, Antony; Bennett, Jenny; Rhodes, Edward |
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|journal=Environmental Archaeology |
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|volume=14 |
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|issue=1 |
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|date=April 2009 |
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|pages=50-61 |
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|publisher=Maney Publishing |
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|url=http://dx.doi.org/10.1179/174963109X400673 |
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|doi=10.1179/174963109X400673 |
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|accessdate=2011-02-22}}</ref> Metals including iron, tin and copper were transported to Hengistbury Head in neighbouring Dorset for export,<ref name=Johns28>Johns and Potter, p 28</ref> and Roman carvings, showing British and Roman chariots pulled by ponies very much like the Exmoor, have been found in Somerset. |
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<ref>{{cite book |author=Budd, Jackie |title=Horse and pony breeds |publisher=Gareth Stevens |location=Milwaukee, WI |year=1998 |pages= |isbn=0-8368-2046-0 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=}}</ref> |
<ref>{{cite book |author=Budd, Jackie |title=Horse and pony breeds |publisher=Gareth Stevens |location=Milwaukee, WI |year=1998 |pages= |isbn=0-8368-2046-0 |oclc= |doi= |accessdate=}}</ref> |
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Revision as of 17:15, 22 February 2011
Other names | Celtic pony |
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Country of origin | United Kingdom |
The Exmoor pony is the oldest and most primitive of the British Isles native ponies, and some still roam as semi-feral livestock on Exmoor, a large area of moorland in Devon and Somerset in southwest England. The Exmoor is one of the British Isles mountain and moorland pony breeds.
Breed characteristics
The Exmoor is extremely hardy, resistant to many equine diseases, with great powers of endurance. A small, sturdy breed, it has ample bone, and can carry heavy burdens in relation to its build. It is very sure-footed, and has strong legs and feet with a smooth stride. The head is large, with small ears. The eyes have a "toad-eyed" appearance due to the fleshy rims that serve to divert water. In cold, wet winters the Exmoor grows a double coat, with a soft, woolly undercoat and a longer, oily, water-repellent outer coat. The ponies also have unique hair patterns, including a “snow-chute,” where the hair splays outward toward the dock, channelling the water away from the belly.[1]
Exmoor ponies are usually brown, and they have fawn or "mealy" Pangaré markings around the eyes, muzzle, flanks and underbelly. Because similar markings occur in equines other than horses, these markings are considered to be a primitive trait in horses.
Entry in the breed registry requires that the animal has no white markings and is not too tall. They usually stand 11.1 to 12.3 hands (45 to 51 inches, 114 to 130 cm), with the height limit for mares being 12.2 hands (50 inches, 127 cm) and that for stallions and geldings 12.3 hands (51 inches, 130 cm).
Exmoors that are not feral are used for a variety of activities, including showing, jumping, long-distance riding, and driving. The breed's hardiness makes it suitable for conservation grazing, and it contributes to the management of many heathland, chalk grassland and other natural pasture habitats, as well as to the conservation of Exmoor itself.
Breed history
The Exmoor pony is the only surviving close relative of the prehistoric Celtic pony, found otherwise only in fossilised remains from Alaska, showing a distinctly different type of jaw structure from modern breeds, and the beginnings of development of a seventh molar, and is thus unique in the living horse breeds.[2] It was believed that the Exmoor ponies are direct descendants of prehistoric ponies which migrated to the British Isles before they became separated from mainland Europe at the end of the last Ice Age, when melting ice created the English Channel, but recent research has shown that the separation of the British Isles from Europe may have happened much earlier - hundreds, rather than tens, of thousands of years ago, with what has been described by scientists as 'a catastrophic mega-flood'. [3]
It is likely that Exmoor ponies and their ancestors have been used as a means of transportation for thousands of years. Archaeological investigations have shown that the ancient Britons were using wheeled horse-drawn transport (chariots) extensively in south-west England as early as 400 BC, [4] and recent research has indicated that there was significant Roman involvement in the mining of metals on Exmoor. [5] Metals including iron, tin and copper were transported to Hengistbury Head in neighbouring Dorset for export,[6] and Roman carvings, showing British and Roman chariots pulled by ponies very much like the Exmoor, have been found in Somerset. [7]
There are mentions of ponies in Exmoor in 1086 in the Doomsday Book, but nothing further is recorded of them until 1818. At this point, Sir Richard Acland, the Exmoor Royal Forest's last warden, removed 400 ponies from the area to his own property of Winsford Hill. This herd became known as the Anchor herd, and a small number of descendents of this original herd still remain at Winsford Hill. At the same time as Acland's removal, the remainder of the ponies were sold, some to moorland breeders who preserved the breed into the present day. In the 1820s to 1860s Exmoors were used to produce crossbreds, which although successful were not as hardy as their ancestors. In 1893, the ponies were described as around 12 hands (48 inches, 122 cm) high, usually bay in color, and with conformation similar to what it is today. In the late 1800s, the National Pony Society began to register Exmoors and Exmoor crossbreds. In 1921, the Exmoor Pony Society was formed, with the first stud book being released in 1963.[8]
The Second World War led to a sharp decrease in the breed population as the moor became a training ground. The breed nearly became extinct, with only 50 ponies surviving the war.[9] This was partially due to soldiers using the some ponies for target practice and others being stolen and eaten by people in the cities.[10] After the war a small group of breeders continued to preserve the population, and publicity in 1981 caused increase interest in the breed.[8] The first Exmoors in North America were imported to Canada in the 1950s and several small herds are still maintained there.[11] In the 1990s, small herds of ponies were established in various areas of England. These herds are used to maintain vegetation on nature reserves, and are managed by a cooperative of the National Trust, English Nature and other organizations.[10] Every purebred Exmoor is branded with a four-point star on the near shoulder, although this practice has attracted criticism.[12]
In addition to the British Exmoor Pony Society, there is also the Exmoor Pony Association International, an organization founded in the US which registers Exmoors worldwide.[13] In 2000, the Moorland Mousie Trust, a British organization, was established to assist in the preservation of the Exmoor pony. There is little market for Exmoor colts, so the organization works to raise funds for the gelding and training of these horses.[14]
Currently, the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy considers the population of the Exmoor to be at "threatened" levels,[15] meaning that the estimated global population of the breed is less than 5,000 and there are less than 1,000 registrations annually in the US.[16] The UK Rare Breeds Survival Trust considers the breed to be "endangered",[17] meaning that population numbers are estimated to be under 500 in Great Britain.[18] The Equus Survival Trust considers the breed to be "critical", meaning that there are between 100 and 300 active adult breeding mares in existence today.[19] As of 2010, there are estimated to be around 800 Exmoors worldwide.[20]
References
- ^ "Exmoor Ponies". Everything Exmoor. Retrieved 2009-11-06.
- ^ Dent, Anthony Austen; Hendricks, Bonnie L. (2007). International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds. Norman: University of Oklahoma Press. ISBN 0-8061-3884-X.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ The Science Museum
- ^ Johns, Catherine; Potter, Timothy W. (2002). Roman Britain. London: British Museum Press. ISBN 0-7141-2774-4.
{{cite book}}
: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)Johns and Potter, p 24 - ^ "Roman mining on Exmoor: a geomorphological approach at Anstey's Combe, Dulverton", Environmental Archaeology, 14 (1), Maney Publishing: 50–61, April 2009, doi:10.1179/174963109X400673, retrieved 2011-02-22
{{citation}}
: Cite uses deprecated parameter|authors=
(help) - ^ Johns and Potter, p 28
- ^ Budd, Jackie (1998). Horse and pony breeds. Milwaukee, WI: Gareth Stevens. ISBN 0-8368-2046-0.
- ^ a b Hendricks, Bonnie (2007). International Encyclopedia of Horse Breeds. University of Oklahoma Press. pp. 180–181. ISBN 9780806138848.
- ^ "Exmoor Ponies- a dying breed?". BBC Somerset. Retrieved 2007-12-03.
- ^ a b Dutson, Judith (2005). Storey's Illustrated Guide to 96 Horse Breeds of North America. Storey Publishing. pp. 300–301. ISBN 1580176135.
- ^ "Exmoor Pony". Oklahoma State University. Retrieved 2010-12-2.
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(help) - ^ Tierney-Jones, Adrian (2009-11-19). "Exmoor ponies at centre of controversial branding issue". The Telegraph. Retrieved 23 November 2009.
- ^ "About Us". Exmoor Pony Association International. Retrieved 2010-12-2.
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(help) - ^ "Pfizer helps Exmoor ponies" (Registration required). The Horse. October 18, 2002. Retrieved 2010-12-2.
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(help) - ^ "Breed Information - ALBC Conservation Priority List". American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Retrieved 2010-12-2.
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: Check date values in:|accessdate=
(help) - ^ "Parameters of Livestock Breeds on the ALBC Conservation Priority List (2007)". American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Retrieved 2010-12-2.
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: Check date values in:|accessdate=
(help) - ^ "Watchlist-Equines". Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Retrieved 2010-12-2.
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(help) - ^ "Watchlist". Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Retrieved 2010-12-2.
{{cite web}}
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(help) - ^ "Equus Survival Trust Equine Conservation List" (PDF). Equus Survival Trust. Retrieved 2010-12-2.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
(help) - ^ "Exmoor Pony". American Livestock Breeds Conservancy. Retrieved 2010-12-2.
{{cite web}}
: Check date values in:|accessdate=
(help)