Mountain and moorland pony breeds

Traditionally, the modern mountain and moorland ponies have been regarded as including nine breeds (the four Welsh types being counted as one).

Larger native British Isles horses (such as the various large draught breeds) are not regarded as belonging to the mountain and moorland group.

They are prone to obesity and if allowed to graze freely on lush forage may develop health problems, including laminitis.

These areas are usually unfenced common land on which local people have rights to graze livestock, including their ponies.

Small numbers of stallions are allowed to join the mares for a few weeks in spring or early summer.

In reality a little light trimming is commonplace, for example to show off the fine head of the Connemara, and Welsh Ponies often have their manes pulled to a length of about six inches.

Riders wear tweed jackets, canary or buff breeches, shirt and tie, plain gloves, and a navy hat.

Adult riders on large breed ponies wear long boots with garter straps.