[2]: 465  It originates on, and is named for, the Exmoor area of moorland in north-eastern Devon and western Somerset, in south-west England, and is well adapted to the climate conditions and poor grazing of the moor.

Thirty ponies, identified as the original old type, were moved to neighbouring moorland; these were the foundation stock of the present-day breed.

In the 21st century, it is a gravely endangered breed, with a total of 95 head reported in the United Kingdom for 2021,[3] and an estimated population world-wide of 330.

Over the centuries, a series of Wardens managed the Royal Forest, charging fees for the grazing of livestock including ponies.

Sales records from 1805 and 1809 list the colours black, grey, bay, dun, "chestnut", and piebald for ponies and 19th century drawings show a variety of white markings in the breed.

Studies disagree as to the significance of this: some argue it shows that the native type of Exmoor pony was not limited to bay, brown and dun with mealy, and that other coat colours were deliberately bred out to create a specific look that fitted a romantic driven native breed narrative;[7] others consider that because only the Warden could run stallions, cross-bred mares of different colours could co-exist with the indigenous type.

Sir Thomas Acland, the outgoing warden, took thirty of "the old type" to Ashway Side close to Winsford Hill, while others were sold to local farmers.

Records show that Acland then adopted two breeding strategies, a closed, purebred herd on Ashway Side and some separate crossing experiments on Winsford Hill.

[9] In contrast, John Knight, starting in 1826, crossed all the ponies he had purchased with Arabians, Thoroughbreds, and other breeds to increase their size.

[16] Since the start of the 21st century Exmoor ponies have been in demand for "rewilding" projects both UK-based and in additional European countries.

With very limited demand for Exmoor colts, the organisation works to raise funds for the gelding, handling and training of these ponies.

[20] Mitochondrial DNA is passed on though the female line, and shows far more variation than Y-DNA, indicating that a large number of wild mares from several regions have contributed to modern domestic breeds.

A few reach 13.2 hands [37] With a stocky, powerful build, the Exmoor pony is strong for its height, and noted for its hardiness and endurance.

[37] Although many sources state that the Exmoor has a distinctly different jaw structure from other horse breeds, which includes the beginnings of development of a seventh molar, this is a misunderstanding based on an incorrect translation of a German study.

However the feature is found in a number of horse breeds with sizable lower jaws, so its presence in the Exmoor pony is unremarkable.

As with most cold-weather adapted pony breeds, the Exmoor grows a winter coat consisting of a highly insulating woolly underlayer and a topcoat of longer, oily hairs that prevent the undercoat from becoming waterlogged by diverting water down the sides of the animal to fall from just a few drip areas.

[38][40] Prior to the arrival of agricultural mechanisation, Exmoor ponies removed from the moorland herds, tamed and trained, were used primarily in hill farming.

[41] Since these past roles ceased, surplus moorland-bred foals and ponies bred in-ground (on farms, studs etc.)