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 and moorland ponies are shown in their "native" state, and are not trimmed or plaited (braided). In reality a little light trimming is commonplace, for example to show off the fine head of the Connemara, and Welsh ponies often have their manes pulled to a length of about six inches. In some cases, trimming is necessary - if a small breeds pony's tail was left to grow unchecked it would become matted with mud and the pony could stand on it, potentially causing injury to itself or its rider. Bridles are plain and workmanlike, without coloured browbands or embellishments. A