Mary Allen
Introduction: Exmoor Ponies and Driving Competitions
Exmoor ponies are a breed of hardy, native ponies that originated from the Exmoor area in south-west England. They are known for their rugged beauty, strength, and stamina. While they were originally bred for farming and transportation, in recent years, they have become increasingly popular in driving competitions. Driving competitions are equestrian events that involve driving a horse or pony in a carriage or cart, with the driver and passenger(s) sitting behind. The competitions are judged on the horse or pony’s performance, carriage, manners, and overall presentation. In this article, we will explore the suitability of Exmoor ponies for driving competitions.
History of Exmoor Ponies in Driving Competitions
Exmoor ponies have been used for driving competitions for many years. In the early 20th century, they were used for driving in coal mines, where their strength and agility were highly valued. Since then, they have been used for a variety of driving events, including pleasure driving, combined driving, and carriage driving. Exmoor ponies have also been used for driving in traditional events, such as hunting and foxhunting. In recent years, they have become increasingly popular in driving competitions, both in the UK and internationally. Exmoor ponies have competed successfully in many high-level competitions, including the Royal Windsor Horse Show and the Horse of the Year Show.