Mountain and moorland pony breeds modern mountain and moorland ponies have been regarded as including nine breeds (the four Welsh types being counted as one). However, in recent decades at least two further types have been recognised: the Eriskay and the Kerry bog pony. Larger native British Isles horses (such as the various large draught breeds) are not regarded as belonging to the mountain and moorland group. Mountain and moorland ponies are generally stocky in build, with flowing mane and tail. They are very hardy and are "good doers", needing relatively little food to live on. They are prone to obesity and if allowed to
Mountain and moorland pony breeds graze freely on lush forage may develop related health problems, including laminitis. The various types range from about to over . Shetlands are smaller, not to exceed . Shetlands are measured in inches. Some breeds, such as the Exmoor, are uniform in colour and pattern, but others permit a wide range of colours. However, the Shetland is the only M&M breed that can be skewbald or piebald, though even Shetlands cannot be "spotted." Several types of mountain and moorland ponies still live in a semi-feral state on unenclosed moorland or heathland. These areas are usually unfenced common land, on which