Exmoor Pony Herd Gathers for Annual Inspection, Raising Funds for Air Ambulance
The Tippbarlake Exmoor Pony Herd, numbering around 100 animals, is gathered for a yearly health and welfare check, with public viewing and donations benefiting the Devon Air Ambulance service.
A herd of approximately 100 Exmoor ponies is being gathered for their annual inspection on Exmoor, an event that has become a tradition for the Tippbarlake Exmoor Pony Herd and has been ongoing for generations.
The gathering, which takes place at Brendon Barton, allows Kristina Auckland and her family, who manage the herd, to conduct a close inspection and ensure the animals' health and welfare needs are met. The ponies typically live freely on Brendon Common, and management is conducted from a distance throughout the year.
Members of the public are invited to observe the gathering free of charge from Scobhill Gate starting at 10:00 AM. Visitors will be encouraged to make donations to the Devon Air Ambulance. Auckland highlighted the vital role of the air ambulance service, especially in rural communities like Exmoor, stating, "We're completely reliant on the air ambulance being able to help us, whether you're a farmer, a local resident, or someone visiting."
Auckland noted that attendance has increased in recent years, a trend she attributes to social media and the growing interest in the breed. She also emphasized the ponies' significance to Exmoor's heritage and environment. "They are born to eat... and they're really good at eating certain types of grasses and sort of managing habitats," she explained. "They're a really important part of Exmoor's heritage and we're so lucky to have many herds still living freely on the moor."
The event aims to raise awareness of the Exmoor pony breed, their role in habitat management and conservation projects, and their importance to the local landscape for future generations.