The Second World War led to a sharp decrease in the breed population as the moor became a training ground. The breed nearly became extinct, with only 50 ponies surviving the war. This was partially due to soldiers using some ponies for target practice and others being stolen and eaten by people in the cities. After the war, a small group of breeders, including Mary Etherington, continued to preserve the population, and publicity in 1981 resulted in increased interest in the breed. The first Exmoors in North America were imported to Canada in the 1950s, and several small herds are still maintained there. In the 1990s, small herds of Exmoor ponies were established in various areas of England. These herds are used to maintain vegetation on nature reserves, many being managed by organisations such as the National Trust, Natural England, and County Wildlife Trusts. • • </ref>