Exmoors in NZ

NZ POPULATION - GETTING STARTED

Exmoor Ponies were imported to New Zealand by Willowdale Ranch early 2025. The stud exercised great patience in ensuring quality horses were imported. A mare in foal, and unrelated stallion arrived safely. August 5, 2025 little Elfie, a filly, was born - marking the beginning of New Zealand born Exmoor Ponies.

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NZ HISTORY

It is said that Exmoor Ponies were imported to New Zealand around 150 years ago by George Carlyon. There is no way to know if the imported ponies were of pure blood, but we do know they were mixed with Welsh ponies. The resulting ponies were eventually released becoming part of the foundation of the Kaimanawa Heritage Horses among other feral horses that found their way to the ranges.

Today's Kaimanawa Horses would show little to no Exmoor having been diluted out over the decades.

Willowdale Ranch's import marks the first recorded import of known purebred Exmoor Ponies.

Preventing Cross Breeding

In 1921, the Exmoor Pony Society was formed to protect the breed from cross breeding and threats to the breeds survival.

STUDS

There is currently only one breeder in New Zealand:

facebook.com/willowdaleranchnz

EXMOOR PONY IS BORN

The first records of the Exmoor Ponies are in the Domesday book of 1086 where 106 brood mares were noted. Fossil records suggest ancestry as far back as 50,000 years ago following a migration from Alaska.

Ice Age - 1086

Post WW2 Survival

Post WW2 the breed almost died out - falling to just 50 remaining ponies before recovering.

Global History

USES FOR EXMOOR PONIES

Despite being smaller ponies they are commonly shown by adult riders in the UK and used as trekking mounts for commercial treks.

They are used a lot for Conservation Grazing as they leave alone plants that are wanted, while assisting to remove or keep in check plant life that is not. There could be potential to use the breed for Conservation Grazing in New Zealand.

1921

1950s

HELP THE NZ EXMOOR POPULATION

If you are keen to help this wonderful breed grow, it will be an adventure well worth it but it will not be cheap.

Speak to Willowdale Ranch - working together is imperative to ensure the right start.

Prepare for import fees of around $40k per pony. There is currently not the ability to collect semen from Exmoors, though this may change in the near future. Live horses, are therefore the only way forward initially.

The best addition to the program would be 1-2 mares in foal to different sires, widening the gene pool.

The breed has been largely isolated with the flooding of the land bridge, shaped by the harsh environment.

In 1818 the first Foundation Herds were formed after the Crown sold the forest, and farmers bought the remaining native ponies to ensure their survival.

1800s

Refining the breed

Willowdale Ranch

Auckland

Anna Zhigareva

willowdaleranch@gmail.com

021 205 8621

New Zealand's Only Exmoor Pony Stud