HORSES OF THE BRITISH ISLANDS 119 



same time stallions from the island of Rum, off 

 the west coast of Scotland, were introduced. These 

 black Galloways, as they are called, greatly improved 

 the stock, which is now in demand as polo-ponies. 

 Near akin to the New Forest breed are the ponies 

 of Exmoor and Dartmoor, the former of which 

 should average 12 and not exceed 13 hands in 

 height, while stallions of the latter may run to 

 14 hands. In winter these ponies, which are left 

 nearly wild until caught for use, are thickly covered 

 with long hair. Exmoors are generally dark bay 

 or brown in colour, with black points ; they have 

 broad foreheads, sharp ears, well-formed shoulders, 

 and short, sturdy legs. 



From the larger types of these ponies were bred 

 the old pack-horses of the west of England, which 

 were indispensable in former days to the farmers 

 of the district, and were also largely used for riding. 

 Of late years Exmoor ponies have been crossed 

 with Dongola Arabs, and this, and perhaps earlier 

 crossings, may account for the Arab-like character 

 they now frequently possess. 



Welsh ponies, which are not confined to the 

 principality, but range over the wilder parts of the 

 adjacent counties of Salop, Hereford, and Mon- 

 mouth, are more numerous than any other breed, 

 and are a very ancient type. Early in the eighteenth 

 century a famous thoroughbred stallion was turned 

 out among the Welsh droves, so that in this case 



