In 1920, Mr F.G.Heal bred a mare from Acland stock (the anchor herd). In 1927 he bred a colt from this mare. These were the first Herd 2 Exmoors. He continued to breed the animals until the mid 1930s when Mrs Etherington, wife of the rector at Withypool Church, took over the herd and along with other moor-bred Exmoors, they were managed as Herds 2 and 3.
The Etheringtons had two daughters, Mary and Joy. In 1943 their mother’s ponies were split between them, Herd 2 going to Mary, and Herd 3 to Joy. In the 1940s, the moorland population was almost entirely lost with fewer than 50 ponies and only 6 males remaining after the Second World War. Mary, already with a herd of her own, rallied the breeders and began to re-establish the moorland herds. |
Links:
Swanston Farm Our Edinburgh location, and home to a great Brasserie. Perfect for a hot drink after your trek! |
Fundraising:
You can raise funds for us while you shop! With easyfundraising, your shopping doesn't cost a penny more but retailers donate a portion of your purchase to our cause. Please consider supporting us.
|