The Exmoor Pony Society has provided grant funding of £1000 to the Moorland Mousie Trust to help the charity look after 40 ponies in its care.

The trust (MMT) operates the popular Exmoor Pony Centre in Ashwick, near Dulverton, but has been forced to close its doors to visitors since March.

Exmoor Pony Centre manager Linzi Green said: “Our activities in the spring and summer usually generate the funds we need to operate and protect our ponies. Without financial support, we face permanent closure, and are actively raising funds.

“The grant from the Exmoor Pony Society will make a real difference to us. We opened to the public in 2006, and provide a future for the excess foals that are removed from the moor each year during the annual pony herd gathering. As well as caring for 40 Exmoor ponies our visitor centre is a chance for people to learn about the breed, have taster riding sessions and meet our four-legged residents.”

Sue McGeever, Exmoor Pony Society secretary, said: “In March we announced our intention to support projects focused on conserving the population and safeguarding the Exmoor pony breed, promoting registered Exmoor ponies, or encouraging responsible breeding.

“We have had a long relationship with MMT and are delighted to be able to make a contribution to support them at this difficult time. As a charity ourselves, we appreciate first-hand how tough this crisis has been and what difficulties lie ahead.”

The Exmoor Pony Society serves as the formal guardian of the breed, and maintains the official studbook for the breed which is classed as ‘endangered’ by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.

More details can be found on the Exmoor Pony Society website.