When Minehead's Karen Minto first read Moorland Mousie, she had no idea it would shape her life -- inspiring years of volunteer work for the Exmoor ponies that captured her heart
When Karen Minto first picked up Moorland Mousie , she couldn't have guessed it would lead to years spent working with Exmoor ponies and volunteering for the charity named in its honour. But the story of a curious young pony, first published nearly a century ago, did more than entertain her -- it shaped her future.
At 64, Karen is retired and living in Minehead, though 'retired' might be a bit of a stretch. These days, her time is filled with volunteering for charities, including The Moorland Mousie Trust, where her connection to the ponies and the moor continues to run deep. "I've been involved with the Trust since 2017," she explains. "I started out on the Pony Care Team, became a trustee, and now I'm a volunteer."
The story that set this all in motion was written in 1929 by Muriel Wace, under the pen name Golden Gorse. Though a children's book, Moorland Mousie struck a chord with Karen, who was immediately swept back to a time when pony stories dominated her bookshelves. "It transported me to being totally immersed in a world full of ponies -- a reminder of my childhood and the Pullein-Thompson sisters' books I devoured."
What set Moorland Mousie apart wasn't just the tale itself, but how vividly Wace captured the unique character of the Exmoor pony. "She shows how every pony has its own personality, likes and dislikes, which is so accurate for anyone who's spent time with them." But it's not all nostalgia; the book also offers a window into a moment of historical transition. "Golden Gorse describes a period when ponies were becoming redundant as working animals, and not yet valued for leisure," says Karen. "Today, they've gained recognition -- not just as riding ponies but also for their role in conservation grazing."
Karen's admiration for the book isn't rooted in sentimentality alone. She appreciates how its descriptive writing brings the Exmoor landscape to life. "The areas of Exmoor, the wildlife, the scenery -- it's all captured so beautifully. It really deepens the reader's connection with the land."
This connection between pony and place is something Karen feels strongly about. Her own relationship with Exmoor began in earnest when she moved to Somerset and visited the Exmoor Pony Centre. "I went on a trek and rode Tom, an Exmoor pony. I immediately fell in love. He was intelligent, responsive, comfortable... I honestly wondered why I'd spent years with horses," she says.
That moment sparked not only a personal love for the breed but also a commitment to their future. And 2025 marks a key milestone in that journey: the 25th anniversary of The Moorland Mousie Trust. "It felt like the perfect time to raise awareness of Moorland Mousie , the story that inspired the charity," Karen says. "The Trust has spent a quarter of a century caring for excess Exmoor foals and using natural horsemanship to give these ponies the best possible start."
From its early days, the charity has grown to become a centre of education and conservation. "In 2006, the Exmoor Pony Centre opened just outside Dulverton, allowing people to learn about Exmoor ponies up close," she explains. "They've also expanded their work supporting environmental projects and conservation grazing sites across the region."
Karen's experiences with the charity have been both hands-on and deeply moving. She recalls two standout moments with particular fondness. "Watching Linzi Green, the Centre's manager, handle a foal for the first time -- or work with an unhandled pony -- her patience and skill are amazing," she says. "And riding one of the Trust's ponies to round up the Anchor herd on Winsford Hill... Seeing the mares and foals crossing the moor was incredible. Quite emotional, really."
There's something about the Exmoor pony that captures hearts and minds, and Karen knows this better than most. "They're interested, smart, and willing. They adapt naturally to the landscape and thrive where others might struggle." That natural resilience makes them ideal for conservation work. "They graze on vegetation that other animals avoid, which helps maintain a balanced habitat and supports biodiversity," she explains.
But despite their usefulness and charm, Exmoor ponies are still under threat. "They're currently listed as 'endangered' by the Rare Breed Survival Trust," Karen notes. "At one point, there were only 50 left on Exmoor. It's vital to protect and promote this native breed -- not just for their own sake, but for the conservation of the landscape they help sustain."
It's not just the ponies that have proven fascinating to Karen -- she's also grown curious about the woman behind Moorland Mousie . "I loved discovering that Muriel Wace was considered groundbreaking for riding 'astride' rather than side-saddle," she says, clearly amused. "It's a small detail, but it says so much about her independence and forward-thinking nature."
At this year's Dulverton Literary Festival, Karen will be sharing her insights in a talk that weaves together the author, the book, and the work of the Trust. "There'll be readings from the book to bring Mousie's experiences to life, and I'll finish with an outline of what the charity does and why it matters," she explains. Her hope? That the audience leaves energised and curious about the ponies, perhaps even inspired to visit the Exmoor Pony Centre themselves.
Looking to the future, Karen remains committed to championing both the ponies and the heritage of Exmoor. Though she hints at no specific upcoming projects, her passion is unmistakable -- and enduring. When asked to sum up what Exmoor means to her in a single sentence, her reply is immediate and heartfelt: "Exmoor is an incredible landscape that constantly offers breathtaking beauty and stunning changes of flora and fauna throughout each season."