So what happens to these ponies once they disappear from the public gaze? They will spend as little time as possible inground. Within the next 48 hours, the stallions, broodmares and a few youngstock will return to their wild existence. Other youngsters will leave behind the forthcoming harsh Exmoor Winter and their free-living way of life.

Youngsters awaiting inspection

The day after the gathering, the inspectors arrive. The Exmoor pony is not registered automatically by the Society. Because of the cross-breeding or "improving" as it was fashionably called in the early part of the century, the society needs to ensure that only the true Exmoor pony is allowed into the stud book, particularly in view of the delicate state of the breed - the genetic pool needs to be pure Exmoor. Thus, each foal must be true to type, the main failure features being white markings, or white hairs in the mane or tail which would appear to indicate foreign blood, poor dentition - a pony that cannot graze efficiently will not survive, and finally, a strong well shaped black foot and sole.

Once the foal passes inspection, it is given its own number within the owners herd. The Exmoor Pony Society star and the relevant herd number are branded onto the left shoulder, and the individual pony s number is put onto the left flank. The markings are important particularly within the free-living herds because of the similarities between each pony. Often this is the only way to identify the parentage of a foal, or, should a pony be in difficulty a number can be reported back to its owner.

A newly branded foal showing the Anchor brand of the Acland Herd

There are arguments for and against hot branding. For the writer s part, I believe that it is an important feature of the breed. As already discussed, because of the obvious similarities, it is by far the best form of identification. It is also worth noting on the welfare issue that when "observers" have been present, they have been pleasantly surprised by the absence of after effects. After inspection and branding the foals are returned to their mothers where they will have an immediate comfort suckle and all is forgotten.

Soon afterwards, decisions are made. The mares and foals (except a few) will be separated. Those to return to the moor anticipate their release - as much a spectacle as the gathering. There is an air of excitement around the pen, and upon release "free-living" takes on it s true meaning.

The younsters left behind await their fate. Where will they go ? Who will they be ? For many it is to be the start of a new way of life - a life of human contact, a totally new experience. Hopefully it will be a partnership for life, a happy and fulfilling experience for both human and equine.