THIS Year's Exmoor Pony Festival had plenty to offer for both pony enthusiasts and those new to the breed.

Held between August 5 and 20, spectators enjoyed an array of fabulous events including a quiz and barbecue, and a walk on Haddon Hill with a National Park Ranger.

Other highlights included demonstrations from Vanessa Bee, founder of Horse Agility GB, and one from well-reputed show-ring judge Pam Cox.

Both speakers are experts in their field and gave spectators an insightful afternoon of Exmoor pony-based sessions.

Linzi Green, manager of the Exmoor Pony Centre, said: "Huge thanks goes to the Tawbitts Exmoor Pony Team who kindly gave the use of their super ponies for the demonstrations.

"Tawbitts Caroline took on a de-spooking session with Vanessa and will now happily take all sorts of scary objects in her stride."

One spectator said: “I’ve owned Exmoor ponies for over 25 years and there’s always new things to learn, this was a great experience and a wonderful opportunity to see Exmoor ponies other than on the moor.”

One of the aims of the Exmoor Pony Festival is to celebrate the rare breed Exmoor pony for all of its versatile characteristics, both grazing in free-living herds on the moor and in their lives away from the moor either in competition or riding homes or as companions.

Miss Green continued: " It is a wonderful opportunity for all pony lovers to come and interact with the Exmoor pony breed and meet some of the hard working and dedicated individuals who keep the rare breed going.”

Other activities included a conservation grazing day, a plethora of Exmoor pony Show classes at the Exmoor Pony Society Annual Breed Show at Exford and a fun ride across the moor.

The festival is jointly organised by the Moorland Mousie Trust and the Exmoor Pony Society and held at Dulverton's Exmoor Pony Centre.