THE death of the tenth Exmoor Pony on Winsford Hill in recent years has brought a renewed plea from the Exmoor Pony Society for motorists to drive slowly and more carefully.

It claims that “more often than not, local drivers are the culprits”.

Inca, a two-year-old filly who had spent her life on the hill, was put down after a collision with an unknown vehicle broke her back leg.

Inca was one of the Anchor herd of Exmoors which live year-round on Winsford Hill and surrounding moorland and are owned by David and Emma Wallace.

It has some of the oldest bloodlines in the breed, which goes back many centuries.

Emma Wallace said: “The herd has eight important blood-line families of the 20 or so lines in the breed and the loss of Inca has put the breeding plan back.

“Inca’s family is under-represented and has not had any female followers to join the herd for six years.

“The death toll on Winsford Hill is too high – the herd has lost about ten ponies in as many years – and several others have been injured. These injured ponies take a considerable time and effort to nurse back to health.

“Such is the nature of the Exmoor Pony that that they blend perfectly with their habitat and can walk out into the road at any time, so please do drive with care across open moorland.”

The public is asked to report any injury to an animal as soon as possible to ensure minimal suffering.