When Karen Minto first opened the pages of Moorland Mousie, she had no idea it would ignite a passion that would last a lifetime. This classic children’s book, first published in 1929 by Muriel Wace under the pen name Golden Gorse, tells the story of a curious Exmoor pony and left a profound mark on Karen’s life.
Now 64 and retired in Minehead, Karen’s days are filled with volunteering, especially with The Moorland Mousie Trust—a charity inspired by the very same book. “I joined the Trust in 2017,” she says. “Starting on the Pony Care Team, then becoming a trustee, and now volunteering full-time, my connection to these ponies and the landscape runs deep.”
Moorland Mousie transported Karen back to her childhood, recalling an era when pony stories were a staple on her bookshelf. She fondly remembers the time spent immersed in tales by the Pullein-Thompson sisters and how Wace’s detailed storytelling brought the unique personality of the Exmoor pony to life. “Each pony in the book has its own character and quirks, which rings true to anyone who has worked with them,” Karen explains.
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The book also captures a pivotal moment in history when Exmoor ponies were transitioning from working animals to valued leisure companions and conservation grazers. Today, this evolution continues, with the ponies playing a vital role in maintaining the natural balance of the moor.
Karen’s admiration goes beyond the ponies themselves. Wace’s evocative descriptions paint the rugged beauty of Exmoor, fostering a deep connection between reader and landscape. Karen experienced this firsthand after moving to Somerset and visiting the Exmoor Pony Centre. “Riding Tom on a trek was unforgettable—he was smart, responsive, and comfortable. That ride made me realize why these ponies are so special.”
This newfound love sparked a lifelong commitment. The Moorland Mousie Trust celebrates its 25th anniversary in 2025, marking a quarter-century of rescuing, caring for, and educating the public about Exmoor ponies. The charity has grown from humble beginnings to operating the Exmoor Pony Centre near Dulverton, which welcomes visitors eager to learn about this native breed and their role in conservation.
Karen recounts some of her most memorable moments with the Trust: “Watching Linzi Green, the Centre’s manager, gently handle a foal for the first time highlighted the patience and skill required to care for these ponies. And riding alongside the herd on Winsford Hill, seeing mares and foals roam freely across the moor—it was truly emotional.”
Exmoor ponies possess remarkable intelligence and adaptability, thriving where other breeds might struggle. Their grazing habits support biodiversity, making them invaluable stewards of the moorland ecosystem. Yet, despite their importance, the ponies remain endangered, with only around 50 left on Exmoor at one point. Protecting the breed is essential not only for their survival but for the health of the landscape they sustain.
Karen’s fascination even extends to the author Muriel Wace, whose progressive approach to riding astride rather than sidesaddle reflected a spirit of independence ahead of her time.
This year, Karen will share her passion at the Dulverton Literary Festival, blending readings from Moorland Mousie with stories about the Trust’s conservation efforts. Her hope is to inspire others to appreciate and support the ponies and their home.
Looking ahead, Karen remains devoted to preserving Exmoor’s heritage. When asked what Exmoor means to her, she smiles: “It’s a breathtaking landscape that unfolds new wonders with every season.”