FORMER Exmoor Pony Society chairman Nigel Hill was elected its new president at the society’s annual meeting last week.

He takes over from outgoing president Ian Graham.

The society works to preserve and promote the rare Exmoor Pony breed and Mr Hill brings extensive experience to the role, having been deeply involved with the society's conservation efforts over many years.

The annual meeting also saw the presentation of numerous awards recognising excellence in breeding, showing, and performance.

Among the winners were Rob and Sarah Taylor, who claimed multiple trophies, including the prestigious Ellis Cup and Miles Bowl, while Megan Gillon took home the Jan Price Cup as winner of the adult performance awards.

Ms Gillon, a society trustee and Scottish representative, who also donated the new junior performance awards trophy, said: "It has been an incredible first year organising the performance awards and I am thrilled to see such enthusiasm from our members.

"This year, we were able to recognise junior achievement for the first time with Alice Bowling-Hartenfeld becoming our inaugural winner.

“It is wonderful to see the next generation getting involved with these special ponies.”

Other notable winners included Gail Whetter, whose pony Subhainn was voted by members Exmoor Pony star of the year, and Emma and David Wallace, whose Anchor herd received the Peter and Susan Dean Memorial Trophy for accumulating the most points across affiliated county shows.

The Helen Dashwood Rose Bowl, which is presented for services to the Exmoor Pony Society, was awarded to Rob Taylor in recognition of his outstanding contribution to the breed.

The meeting, which featured talks by equestrian author Victoria Eveleigh, herd owner Rex Milton, and Andrew Turner, of Red Stag Safaris, brought together members from across the country to celebrate another successful year for the native British breed.