A pair of Exmoor ponies have made the long trip to New Zealand with the aim of starting a new herd.Anchor Osprey, a 2019 proven broodmare who is currently in foal to a registered UK-based stallion, and Anchor Monster Munch, a 2017 registered breeding stallion, have arrived at Willowdale Ranch in Auckland with the hope they will establish a new population of Exmoor ponies on the other side of the world.Experienced horse breeder Anna Zhigareva, who runs Willowdale Ranch, became fond of the breed when she worked with them in Scotland and has been instrumental in bringing the two ponies to New Zealand.Anchor Monster MunchI promised myself Id one day start an Exmoor Pony herd here in Aotearoa, said Anna.They are truly one of a kind hardy, adaptable and incredibly versatile. Beyond their value as ridden and driven ponies, Exmoor ponies are exceptional conservation grazers. Im excited to see what they can contribute to environmental rewilding and biodiversity projects here.International relationsIn 2023, Anna travelled to Exmoor to meet the Wallace family who own the Anchor Herd, the worlds largest herd of free-living pure-bred Exmoor ponies. She then chose a pair that would be the most suited to the environment in New Zealand.The Anchor Herd represents over two centuries of careful breeding and dedication to preserving the remarkable qualities of the Exmoor pony, said Emma Wallace.To see Osprey and Monster Munch travel across the world to continue their legacy is truly heartening.This is not just about exporting ponies; its about safeguarding the future of a rare and endangered breed.We believe they are the first ever registered Exmoors to be exported to NZ.They have gone to a rare breed enthusiast that has a ranch and they will live and roam there and breed and we hope will continue to be registered with the breed society here in UK and provide genetics elsewhere should the unthinkable happen and the population be destroyed here.Images (c) Willowdale Ranch.Further readingWelsh section B now a rare breed following marked declineTraditional frequent worming is unnecessary, research showsUKs first plastic-free arena surface launched7 ways to enrich your horses environmentEquine carbon calculator launched to inspire environmental actionThe post Exmoor ponies find a new home 12,000 miles away appeared first on Your Horse.