AbstractThe ecology of the free‐ranging Exmoor ponies has not previously been studied. In this investigation, the locations of the few pure‐bred herds are given, together with information on their populations, and the reasons for selecting the Withypool Common herds are outlined. The features of this main study area, the types of ponies and their special groupings are described in some detail. The home ranges of the Exmoor herds are examined on an annual and monthly basis, and their relationships to each other and to that of the mongrel herd are studied. This is followed by information on the changing patterns of the two Exmoor pony ranges and a discussion of the significance of inter‐stallion relationships. Finally, the home range systems are assessed for features of territori