by Val Sherwin

THE AIM OF THE TRUST

To promote the conservation of the Exmoor pony, currently classified as a rare breed, by providing a future for foals, thus helping to preserve a diverse genetic pool and ensuring the continuance of the breed as part of the natural, unique ecology of Exmoor.

THE CRISIS NOW FACING THE EXMOOR PONIES

The Exmoor pony has roamed freely for as long as anyone can remember. Their ancestry goes back thousands of years. Recent studies have suggested that they may well be directly descended from the original British wild horse, their breeding unhindered by man, their unique qualities still clearly visible. If this is so, it should surely be recognised as part of our national heritage. At the end of the Second World War there were only 50 ponies left. Despite this genetic catastrophe they have still survived and are currently classified by the WorldWide Fund for Nature as "critically endangered". The worldwide population is about 1100, but the actual breeding population is less than 400 -a fact that makes them rarer than the Giant Panda. Incredibly, of the foals born each year, supply outstrips demand, causing a modern day strain on the already fragile genetic pool, and with each year that passes, more genetic material is irretrievably lost.

HOW MANY RARE BREEDS DO YOU KNOW OF WORLDWIDE IN THIS SITUATION? WHERE IS THE PRIDE AND PRESTIGE IN OWNING PART OF OUR NATIONAL HERITAGE? WHY IS IT THAT HUMP-BACKED WHALES, GIANT PANDAS AND WHITE RHINOS CAN GENERATE SO MUCH INTEREST HERE WHEN WE HAVE OUR OWN NATIONAL TREASURE ON OUR DOORSTEP?

It is time to redress the balance. The Exmoor pony has so much going for it - the enthusiasts know that, but isn't it time that the rest of the world knew. Someone has to get out there and show the ponies to them, tell them about their history and their unique place in the Exmoor landscape, promote their versatility and their capabilities as an all-round family pony.

WHO WAS MOORLAND MOUSIE? WHY A "MOORLAND MOUSIE TRUST"?

In 1929 a book, primarily for children was first published. The book "Moorland Mousie" tells a series of short stories during the life of an Exmoor pony from his birth within a herd on Exmoor, to his working life as a domesticated pony. These wonderful tales are still remembered with affection and the book became a great ambassador for the Exmoor pony thus helping to ensure its popularity for some time. And so, some seventy years later, "The Moorland Mousie Trust" has been formed. The Trust aims to redress the current status problem facing the Exmoor pony. We hope that by education and positive reinforcement to promote the Exmoor as the ideal family pony, both nationally and internationally.

HOW CAN THIS BE ACHIEVED?

Exmoor is advertised as a "rider's paradise". However, not many have had the experience of riding on Exmoor on one of its native ponies.

WHY NOT? WHY IS THERE NO EXMOOR PONY CENTRE ON EXMOOR?

Somewhere where one can ride across Exmoor on an Exmoor pony, be driven across the moor by it's ponies - maybe to encounter one of the free-living herds, perhaps hire a pony to take to one of the local shows, or even to hunt with one of the local packs of hounds. This will be a totally unique experience. There is nowhere else in the world where this could take place. The centre will help to promote the sales of youngstock in the Autumn, by having some well-handled youngsters available, a fact that Summer visitors will be made aware of, as well as having mature ponies available for sale or loan to approved homes. It will also be able to act as an agent for vendors and purchasers in a practical hands-on way. It will set up a register of approved foster homes where foals can be placed with experienced handlers who will assist the centre by preparing the youngsters for their adult life. To be able to look, touch and communicate is the best way to encourage. "A picture tells a thousand words" - this centre will send people from all over the world home with a permanent picture of a unique experience, which they will want to tell others about.

HELP IS NEEDED!

The Exmoor pony needs friends. The Moorland Mousie Trust aims to harness all the support and channel it out to the right places. If you have some time or a particular skill which you feel could be beneficial to the ponies please help us by becoming a friend of the trust. We are not looking for a membership as such, although we shall form a register of interested parties. Apart from the obvious need for finances, we shall be looking for people to help us with any professional skills from accountancy to transportation! We would also like to put into place a register of experienced handlers who may like to help us by "fostering" youngsters who have come off the moor and need to be familiarised with domestic life - not a job for the novice! As with any charitable cause, money is a high priority, and obviously any help in this department will be gratefully received. If you can not afford to give yourself but would be happy to run an event or sell draw tickets, or if you have any ideas for fund-raising, please get in touch with us. We aim to send out a quarterly newsletter, so please fill in the form below and we shall keep you up to date with our progress.

I would like to be advised of the Trust's activities

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PLEASE RETURN TO : Mrs. V. Sherwin, The Old Barn, Moor Hall, Barhill, Madeley, Cheshire, CW3 9NG. CHEQUES MADE PAYABLE TO : "THE MOORLAND MOUSIE TRUST"

More information about the Exmoor Pony is in the October 1998 Issue and the December 1998 Issue of the magazine.

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