Small but tough as nails, the Exmoor Pony is probably the purest breed of the British Isles. Some evidence links this breed to the horses that came to the land thousands of years ago. The Exmoor Pony is physically molded to withstand harsh conditions. But don’t let the hardiness full you, this breed is an excellent choice for all family members. With only less than 600 reported 4 years ago, these ponies are considered a critical breed.
The Dales Pony is another native pony of England, these ponies were used as pack horses to carry heavy lead ore over long and rugged terrain. Railroads were then built and the Dales Ponies were sent into retirement. However, World Wars put these tough ponies back to work, which was devastating to their numbers. Not only were many lost at war, but the ones that survived then became food for desperate people. Today, there are estimated to be less than 1000 Dales Ponies globally.
This endangered horse breed is also sturdy enough to be ridden all day. These little horses with a fancy name are also considered a critical breed, as less than 100 registrations were reported in 2017.
