MAY Day produced a welcome surprise with the arrival of the first foal for seven years for Exmoor National Park Authority’s Warren herd, born to an eight-year-old mare, Warren Zoha.

The authority’s role as a herd owner began in the late 1970s when officials from the Exmoor Pony Society visited the national park officer to discuss ways of assisting the breed. 

At that time the Exmoor Pony Society was having real difficulty in maintaining the numbers and quality of the herds, particularly on Exmoor itself. 

This was of great concern as it was felt that only the moor bred herds could maintain that hardiness and spirit of self-survival that are important characteristics of these ponies. 

As a direct result the national park authority established two of its own herds of Exmoor ponies, the Warren and the Haddon – both herds now live at Haddon.

National Park ranger Richard Eales, who looks after the authority’s Exmoor ponies, said: “It was great to see such a beautiful filly foal born into the Warren Herd, mum and youngster are doing well.”

“The foal has yet to be named and suggestions would be welcome via the National Park’s  Facebook page or via Twitter @exmoornp – the name should begin with B and be floral, so please get your ideas in.”