Ruth on the Hoof

10/11/2026

Bay roan dales pony against a cloudy sky - this is a rare colour in Dales ponies as the roan gene nearly went extinct in the breed! Dales ponies originate in the Dales region of northern England (the east side of the Pennines to the Lake District). Dales ponies were developed as all-purpose working ponies, particularly on hill farms in the region where they would do all sorts of required farm and transport work. They have a rich history and one interesting aspect was the introduction of Trotter blood. When trotting races became popular, the Dalesmen bred Trotters into their working ponies which resulted in an animal they could work as well as race (not being able to afford to have both). As a result, the modern Dales pony possesses incredible athletic abilities accompanied by the most gorgeous and powerful trot🐴🐴 Dales ponies are categorised as priority by Rare Breeds Survival Trust 🐴⛰ ©Ruth Chamberlain also known as Ruth on the Hoof. Any use of these images (including art references) and text must have prior permission from the author/creator🐴🐴
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09/11/2026

Greenholme Neil - Fell pony Stallion 🐴⛰️

The Fell pony is one of the UK’s rare native pony breeds. They originate from the Cumbrian fells (where they get their name) and are adapted to live, work, and thrive in all the extreme weather the region is known for. They are an extremely versatile breed and well suited to all kinds of riders, drivers and liberty trainers. The late Queen famously rode a Fell pony in her later years - and the pony (named Carltonlima Emma) gain global fame for her somber appearance at the Queen’s funeral. Fell ponies are also very suitable for conservation and regenerative projects due to their natural hardiness and adaptations to the changeable UK climate - ponies like this are a natural part of our ecosystems anyway and are hugely important🐴🐴 ©Ruth Chamberlain also known as Ruth on the Hoof. Any use of these images (including art references) and text must have prior permission from the author/creator🐴🐴______________________________________

09/11/2026

It’s been an incredibly busy year this year so I am so sorry the calendars have been delayed. I am hoping to have them finalised and ordered this week. If you would like one please comment on the original post. UK postage only 😊🐴

⭐️✨2027 calendar✨⭐️

I have had a few messages asking about a calendar for next year. The good news is I will be doing one, but due to my time constraints it will be a limited run of 100 calendars with UK only postage.

For the first time it may feature some other breeds such as the Faroese Horse as well as some images of working ponies. Some old favourites may make a reappearance too 😁🐴

Comment below if you are interested in ordering one 🥰🐴

08/11/2026

Beautiful retired Highland pony on the Isle of Rum. The line of ponies from this island are known for having the silver gene. This gene lightens black pigment in ponies causing black manes to go blonde - this mare is black based but the silver gene has caused her mane to go blonde and her body to turn a chocolate brown colour. Highland ponies are equally at home high up on a hill, or down by the seashore. This breed was developed in the highlands and islands of Scotland as a crofters pony and are also well known as a deer stalking pony (see my other posts). They are valued for their strength, kindness and easy keeping. Highland ponies are categorised as “At Risk” by Rare Breeds Survival Trust 🐴🌄 _______________________________________

06/11/2026

A blue roan New Forest pony on a grey New Forest day 🐴☁️

The New Forest pony originates from the New Forest in England. They are one of the “mountain and moorland” breeds which means they are hardy and able to live out in the open. The New Forest pony had a mixture of breeds in the foundation stock - which included other British pony breeds. The result is a hardy but lighter built pony that can pick it’s way delicately through the forest and over the heathland. Local commoners can graze their ponies out on the Forest. Pure New Forest stallions are released for two months of the year. Offspring can be registered with the breed society if they come from registered parents. All the stallions are registered, and therefore foals born from registered mares are eligible for registration ☺️🐴

New Forest ponies often have reflective collars that are put on by their owners to help drivers see them on the road. Please drive carefully through places like the New Forest where livestock roams free!

©Ruth Chamberlain known as Ruth on the Hoof. Any use of these images (including art references) and text must have prior permission from the author/creator🐴🐴

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05/11/2026

Magnificent Fell pony 🐴🐴

The Fell pony is one of the UK’s rare native pony breeds. They originate from the Cumbrian fells (where they get their name) and are adapted to live, work, and thrive in all the extreme weather the region is known for. They are an extremely versatile breed and well suited to all kinds of riders, drivers and liberty trainers. Not to mention their wonderful suitability to conservation and rewilding due to their natural hardiness. The Fell pony was also famously ridden by the late Queen in her latter years. Her fell pony, Carltonlima Emma, made a striking lone figure at the funeral - she certainly made a few people tear up as she stood patiently waiting for the Queen’s coffin to pass. There are still fell ponies (and other native breeds) still working in the Royal family - long may it continue! 🐴🐴 ©Ruth Chamberlain also known as Ruth on the Hoof. Any use of these images (including art references) and text must have prior permission from the author/creator🐴🐴______________________________________

05/11/2026

I am undertaking this challenge next year in aid of the RNLI and Mountain Rescue. Whilst they’re not my usual pony related charities they are still very close to my heart due to the incredible work they do. Their brave volunteers often risk their lives to save people and animals who get into difficulty at sea or in the mountains. I would really appreciate if you could share the post or even donate. We would really appreciate any support you can give 🥰🐾⛰️⚓️

04/11/2026

Magnificent Mozart 🥰🐴 He is part of a small herd of Exmoor ponies who have been conservation grazing in this little wetland nature reserve for over a decade - a testament to native hardiness and further proof that native breeds are the best choice for grazing projects 😍🐴 It is important to note that welfare provision for any grazing animals in enclosed wetlands must be provided - even water buffalo do not want to be in water 24/7. These welfare provisions include (but are not limited to) providing a dry escape where the animals can rest out of the water and providing welfare checks and acting upon any issues. The exmoor pony is an ancient breed, with some speculation that they may even be descended from the wild horses that roamed Britain before the last Ice Age. This is not supported by current DNA research, but these ponies certainly resemble those carved and painted by ancient humans. Exmoors are famed for their mealy markings which are considered a primitive trait and one that is not as common in other breeds. Ponies have been reported on Exmoor throughout much of written history, and these ponies formed the basis of the modern Exmoor pony. Sadly, they nearly became extinct in the 20th century (as did many of our native breeds) due to factors such as mechanisation and war. Some accounts also suggest that they were a target for easy meat during hard times of hunger during the World Wars ©Ruth Chamberlain known as Ruth on the Hoof. Any use of these images (including art references) and text must have prior permission from the author/creator ______________________

03/11/2026

The wild horses of Livno, Bosnia descend from those that were turned loose when tractors arrived in the region (between 1950-1970’s). Like with many rare breeds, the local horses could not compete with machines and suddenly they lost their value as they were not as productive in terms of time and cost. Thankfully, the farmers in Livno decided to turn the horses loose on the mountain instead of selling or killing them. The horses roamed and bred freely for a number of decades. The Bosnian War severely reduced their numbers (down to around 50) but the population naturally increased afterwards. The horses were given protection in 2010 and have since flourished. They live completely wild, with no human aid or interference. They are a key part of the natural ecosystem and fit into the food chain. Bears and wolves predate upon them, as they would have on their wild ancestors. It’s been incredible to observe the natural behaviour of these horses.

Our wonderful guide Silvija (livnowildhorses) was fantastic, she showed us the whole area - from mountains to the history of the town. She was very generous and had such amazing knowledge! We encountered such lovely and wonderful people at every turn and they made the trip even more special. What an amazing place 🥰🐴
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02/11/2026

Beautiful Highland pony on the Isle of Rum. The highland pony was developed in the Highlands and Islands of Scotland as a Crofters’ pony (a Croft is a small scale farm that supports a small family) - but they also are known for carrying red deer carcasses off the hill as seen in some of these clips (check out my pinned post for more information). They are valued for their strength, kindness and easy keeping. They come in a range of colours: bay, black, red, grey, and of course the dun variations. The silver gene is also present in certain lines - particularly those on the Isle of Rum 🐴🌄 ©Ruth Chamberlain also known as Ruth on the Hoof. Any use of these images (including art references) and text must have prior permission from the author/creator🐴🐴🐴🌄 _______________________________________