EXMOOR ponies were the centre of attention when they ‘modelled’ for members of Society of Equestrian Artists on Monday.

The 23 artists visited Nick and Dawn Westcott’s Exmoor Pony Project at Holt Ball as part of a residential week at Porlock Vale House with tutors Malcolm Coward and Colin Allbrook.

They spent an afternoon observing the ponies’ movement and behaviour, expressions and body language at close hand.

Multi-champion stallion Bear and his brood mares were studied first, before Dawn called in the Holtball Herd 11 Exmoor ponies from the pasture.

The herd represents a wide range of Exmoor pony bloodlines, types and colours.

The artists photographed and sketched the ponies and discussed their interactions.

Organiser Jennifer Bell said: “The Society of Equestrian Artists has been holding a residential summer school at Porlock Vale for a few years now – a week of painting and studying horses.

“This year’s was the biggest group so far with quite a few local artists coming to paint with us on day visits. Artists of all standards are encouraged to come, but all share a common passion.

“Exmoor is a fantastic place for equestrian artists to work – a sort of horse painter’s heaven – and local horse owners and Exmoor Pony specialists have been very, very welcoming. We hope to be back next year.”

The event formed part of the Moorland Exmoor Pony Breeders Group (MEPBG) and Exmoor Pony Project’s Heritage Exmoor Pony Festival which this year runs from May to November.

Dawn said: “The festival celebrates the Exmoor ponies of Exmoor National Park, with the ultimate aim of promoting awareness of foals looking for good homes in the autumn.”

She added: “It was a fascinating afternoon with a lovely group of people and an amazing level of talent.

“We hope that the information gleaned will be reflected in more paintings of our endangered breed and iconic Exmoor ponies.”