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𝙷𝚒𝚜𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢
Mormont Ponies are a modern breed originating in England. They are the result of crossbreeding between a handful of European breeds with the intention of creating a stronger crossbreed that could outclass its pony predecessors. The basis of the breed was the Fell Pony, chosen for their hardiness, sure-footedness, endurance and agility. Much of the Mormont Pony's characteristics have been inherited from them, including a similar build. Exmoor Ponies were introduced to improve upon those same attributes, and combined with minor contributions from the Haflinger and Shetland breeds, served to add colour.
Traditional-type Mérens horses of the Pyrenees and Ariégeois mountains, known for their sure-footedness and ability to survive outside year-round, were bred to these crosses to further improve their defense against harsh conditions and to complement their ability to traverse poor terrain. The addition of the Mérens horse also served to improve height and jumping ability, but in order to further increase the modest jumping ability provided by the Mérens and Fell breeds, Holsteiner and Oldenburger stock was added to the bloodlines.
The Mormont Pony Society (MPS) oversaw the creation of the breed in the early 20th century and originally consisted of only a few hobbyist breeders. Within a decade the MPS became nationally recognised and numbers had grown exponentially as the developing breed garnered interest. The MPS now holds a number of shows annually and keeps a record of all registered individuals of the breed.
𝚄𝚜𝚎𝚜
The Mormont Pony is uniquely suited to rough weather and difficult terrain. They have thick winter coats and are able to survive outside year round. These qualities, combined with their strength and agility, make them capable work horses, useful particularly in rural areas where vehicle entry is difficult or impossible. They are extremely useful for farm, draft and pack work, and can comfortably carry large loads for long distances. Their sure-footedness in uncertain terrain makes them good hunting and cross-country horses. It's not uncommon to see a Mormont Pony pulling a child's sled in the winter.
In competition, Mormont Ponies are capable across a range of disciplines. They are most suited to driving, cross-country, endurance, and jumping of all kinds. Their stamina and endurance are their strongest skills, and they are admirable jumpers, although not capable of outclassing their Holsteiner and Olderburger forefathers in this area. They are commonly entered in show and working hunter classes, and have excellent manner and bearing in the show ring. They have also been used for dressage and eventing, and more rarely in western disciplines.
𝙱𝚞𝚒𝚕𝚍
The Mormont Pony retains much of the build of its primary base breed, the Fell Pony. The body is large with a rounded barrel and strong hindquarters. The tail should sit somewhat low. The neck is strong and short. Legs should be muscular with large knees, short cannons and at least moderate feathering. The hooves should be of moderate size and well-rounded. The head is decently sized with a broad forehead and a slight slope down to the muzzle - the profile should be slightly convex. The expression is lively and alert. The muzzle and mouth should be soft and sloping. The eyes should be mild, bright and intelligent, and ears should be small and well-formed.
It's common, and often expected, for the mane and tail of a Mormont Pony is allowed to grow long and kept in its natural state, however for shows and by personal preference of the owner, they may have brushed, braided or shortened manes.
The average height of the Mormont Pony is 13.3 hands, but they can be anywhere between 13 and 14.2 hands high.
𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚘𝚞𝚛𝚜
The breed is primarily seen in black, brown and grey, with bay and chestnut being common also. Flaxen, mealy and pangare horses are very common owing to the Haflinger and Exmoor heritage of the breed. Dark colouring is desireable, and solid-coloured individuals make up most of the breed. Extensive white colouring is discouraged, and ponies should ideally have <50% white, excluding roans. Some competitions may give penalties for horses with excessive white. Tobiano and cream, introduced by the Oldenburger, are permitted, but are looked down on by many breeders who prefer the solid dark colours of some of the more influential founding breeds, the Fell and Mérens horses, so they are quite uncommon. Silver colouring is also permitted and has increased in popularity as silver blacks and browns tend to be quite striking while retaining a dark base. Mushroom is occasionally seen.
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