HORSE and pony lovers on Exmoor are saddling up for one of the county's oldest and busiest week long festivals.

The Heritage Exmoor Pony Festival which runs from August 9 to 16, kicks off on Sunday with the traditional Brendon & District Show near Lynton.

Attractions include horse and pony showing classes, the MEPBG Exmoor Pony Show & Stallion Parade, a gymkhana, staghorns competition and dog racing and sheep shearing display.

That's followed by a full week-long calendar of exciting events and activities celebrating the pedigree and pure bred Exmoor ponies of Exmoor National Park.

On Monday, August 10, there is an Exmoor Pony Safari with Experience Exmoor. Get up close to Moorland Exmoor ponies in their natural habitat as well as red deer and birds of prey.

On Tuesday, join the Floyd family and experience the magnificent Tippbarlake Herd ponies being gathered to their home farm at Brendon Barton from the wilderness terrain of Brendon Common and Badgworthy, while on Wednesday, Dawn Westcott gives a talk why Exmoor ponies are so special, their endangered status, and what's being done to safeguard their future.

Other events in the week include a wild pony whispering workshop, a chance to meet Moorland farmers and pony experts, moor ponies and talk with the moorland experts. Mr RExmoor farmer, a fun ride over glorious countryside and even a cream tea.

For a full list of events go to www.ExmoorPonyClub.co.uk