VISITORS to the Exmoor Pony Centre near Dulverton were given an insight into the special qualities of the breed as part of a weekend of celebrations to mark the tenth anniversary of the Moorland Mousie Trust.

The trust was founded by Val Sherwin in 2000 to promote and conserve the rare breed and took its name from a series of children's short stories based on the life of an Exmoor Pony.

The centre remains the focal point for the trust and, in the autumn, is home to unwanted wild foals which come off the moor.

The foals need expert handling before they can be re-homed or sent out on grazing schemes across the country.

On Saturday, visitors to the centre were able to meet some of the resident ponies and learn more about the work of the trust.

The centre itself marked its own fourth anniversary the following day with a party featuring games, refreshments, ponies and a raffle.

Pictured from left are Emma and Sophie Allen, Verity Lunn, Sabrina Fisher and Exmoor pony Tom.

Photo: Steve Guscott.