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Ruth Chamberlain
@ruthonthehoof

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Handsome Hector amongst the trees 🥰🐴 He is one of a small herd of Exmoor ponies who have been conservation grazing in this little wetland nature reserve for over a decade - a testament to native hardiness and further proof that native breeds are the best choice for grazing projects 😍🐴 It is important to note that welfare provision for any grazing animals in enclosed wetlands must be provided - even water buffalo do not want to be in water 24/7. These welfare provisions include (but are not limited to) providing a dry escape where the animals can rest out of the water and providing welfare checks and acting upon any issues. The exmoor pony is an ancient breed, with some speculation that they may even be descended from the wild horses that roamed Britain before the last Ice Age. This is not supported by current DNA research, but these ponies certainly resemble those carved and painted by ancient humans. Exmoors are famed for their mealy markings which are considered a primitive trait and one that is not as common in other breeds. Ponies have been reported on Exmoor throughout much of written history, and these ponies formed the basis of the modern Exmoor pony. Sadly, they nearly became extinct in the 20th century (as did many of our native breeds) due to factors such as mechanisation and war. Some accounts also suggest that they were a target for easy meat during hard times of hunger during the World Wars 🐴🐴 ©Ruth Chamberlain known as Ruth on the Hoof. Any use of these images (including art references) and text must have prior permission from the author/creator🐴🐴_____________________________________ #exmoorpony #LumixG9 #lumix #lumixuk #countryfile #horsesofinstagram #wetland @natgeoyourshot #wetland #paard #eclectic_shotz #bbcwildlifepotd #pferd #wildponies #cheval #horses_addicted #conservation #caballos #wildhorses #equinephotography #exclusivewildlife #pferdefotografie #horse #pony #ukwildponies #bbcearth #wildhorsepc #raw_horses #extraordinary_horses #rewilding #ponyliebe