New DNA Profiling for MEPBG Exmoor Ponies
The new Heritage Exmoor Pony & Equus Survival Trust DNA Project
The purpose of the project:
2) Solve relationships between the ponies sampled and/or create foundation base lines for ponies that cannot be fully parent verified due to missing parents, but who have been inspected by MEPBG and qualify as purebred moorland Exmoor Ponies.
3) Compile a DNA database with census information & DNA markers; MEPBG Liaison will receive a spreadsheet of this data to share with member breeders/owners.
4) Update database annually with any additional pony census /DNA
5) EST will allow accredited genetic studies of the gene pool data with appropriate accreditation of EST & MEPBG.
Molland Moor - Moorland Herd 99 Exmoor Ponies
The Heritage Exmoor Pony & EST DNA Project
has started with DNA profiling and collection of field data from the long-standing Molland Moor herd of Exmoor ponies, Moorland Herd 99
. This herd has become stranded outside of the closed Exmoor Pony Stud Book through failure to establish a DNA baseline for the herd when DNA parentage verification was brought in as a pedigree registration requirement in the early 2000's.
However, the Dart family and Molland Estate have managed to maintain a healthy herd of resilient, robust, good quality, true to type, free-living Exmoor ponies to this day. With the tiny, endangered Exmoor pony gene pool, it is important to ensure that this moorland Exmoor pony herd receives appropriate recognition and status and is safeguarded for the future.
The Moorland Herd 99
Exmoor ponies retain the desirable learned and genetic characteristics and behaviours of extensively grazing, free living animals, through living on one of Exmoor's toughest moorlands.
These ponies are also awarded the MEPBG (Moorland Exmoor Pony Breeders Group) Certificate of Authenticity
- born and bred in Exmoor National Park
by an MEPBG herd owner.
It is exciting to be DNA profiling the Molland Moor herd and establishing the all important DNA baseline for these lovely ponies.
Molland youngstock are available for sale now. More information and contact details for the Molland herd and the Dart family at https://www.mepbg.co.uk/moorland-herd-99
