Exmoor Books

" Survival of the Fittest" Sue Baker, Exmoor Books A very comprehensive book which takes you on an evolutionary trip to the origin of the British Hill pony. As we travel to the present day Exmoor pony, there are several interesting stops along the way. The wild Exmoor pony and it s environment are quite naturally the main feature, but the reader also gets an excellent insight into the ponies relationship with man and their domestic life, as well as learning a great deal about the free-living herds on Exmoor, Sue also introduces us to other free-living herds, both in the UK and world-wide. Whilst Sue is too modest to admit it, it is a fact that this book has inspired many people to become involved with the Exmoor pony - myself included.
"Living on Exmoor" Hope L Bourne, Exmoor Books Hope has lived on Exmoor for the biggest part of her life. She knows the moor inside out and describes it all in wonderful detail, month by month. Her sketches are delightful and her knowledge of Exmoor and its wildlife are second to none. The ponies feature on several occasions - three spring to mind - March, when she describes how perfectly their winter coats blend with their landscape, June with a delightful description of the new season s foals, and the October gathering
BOOK REVIEWS - EXMOOR PONIES BY SUE WINGATE "Images of Exmoor" Tim and Caroline Shipsey Published by Exmoor Books (Ł12.95) This book is not actually about Exmoor ponies but as its title suggests captures the spirit of Exmoor, the place, taken through the seasons... it captures the essence of the place vividly, reflecting the ever changing weather, the richness and variety of the scenery, wildlife, villages and people. This is truly a special National Park, of which of course the ponies are an integral part... if you know the area this book will conjure up happy memories, and if you don t, surely it will encourage you to visit - soon!
Original prints of the photographs are available from Tim and Caroline Shipsey Little Court Cottage Grib Lane Blagdon Avon EXMOOR BOOKS are based in Dulverton, Somerset
BOOK REVIEWS - EXMOOR PONIES by Sue Wingate "Moorland Mousie" by Golden Gorse Country Life Limited (out of print) This book is only reviewed because it has introduced so many people to the Exmoor pony - myself included. This is a book treasured since childhood because of the simple story (which I now realise was used by the author in the same way as Black Beauty - i.e. to impart knowledge of true horsemanship and the care of horses by means of a novel - thus reaching a far larger audience) and of course for the reproduction of the wonderful drawings by Lionel Edwards. I have always loved his drawings (a source of inspiration to me years ago) and it is a real joy to look at them again, afresh. If you can find a copy of this book anywhere - snap it up even if only for the illustrations.

Book Reviews - Exmoor Ponies

By Val Sherwin