THE Exmoor Pony Society – guardian of the breed since 1921 – is looking for projects that contribute to sustaining the animal’s future and welfare.

The society, which maintains the official studbook, says the number running on Exmoor declined to around 50 at the end of Word War Two. Today over 500 registered ponies in 20 free-living herds can be seen within the national park.

A further 3500 registered ponies are located across the UK and abroad, both in domesticated and free-living environments. The breed is classed as ‘endangered’ by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust because of the limited genetic pool.

The society will consider funding projects focused on conserving the population and safeguarding the breed, promoting registered Exmoor ponies or encouraging responsible breeding.

Dr Sue Baker, author and vice-president of the Exmoor Pony Society said: “This is a really exciting opportunity to actively have a role in preserving the future of Britain’s oldest breed of native ponies.

“We’re looking to support projects which can truly contribute to the work of the society. We’re pleased to currently support one such project – Debbie Davy’s Ph D on breed conservation and re-wilding at Glasgow University.

“I’d encourage anyone who can demonstrate how their project will contribute, to get in touch with us.”

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