The Photographers visit us from Germany!

This week we were honoured for internationally-renowned wildlife photographer, Martin Buschmann ( www.my-reisefotografie.de ), to bring his team of talented photography students, from Germany and Switzerland, to Holt Ball to study the Exmoor ponies and the work we are doing here to win their trust and friendship.

All working at an extremely advanced level, the photographers are studying the spectacular landscapes and animals of Exmoor National Park , with particular emphasis on the ancient, native Exmoor pony breed.

On arrival at Holt Ball, we first looked closely at the the conformation and characteristics of Exmoor ponies - ably demonstrated by Bear's son Monty, his daughters Princess Khaleesi and Princess Cristal and Bear's daughter Yellowcombe Lapwing .

Then it was off to see the amazing buckskin Exmoor crossbred, Tippbarlake Lady Luna and her small herd, which includes Bear's daughter Jenny , Herd 23 mare Anstey Princess , her young son Dick Turpin and Lady Molly of Molland Moor. Here, the photographers were able to get up close out in the open, with a striking backdrop of long grass.

We then visited the big herd, out enjoying their summer grazing and they responded to our call by cantering from their farthest field to greet the visitors. This gave the photographers the opportunity to study some inter-herd interactions and behaviours and get to know the different Exmoor pony types and characters - including Monsieur Chapeau, Lady Stumpkin Pumpkin, Imperial Topaz and Lady Martha . Used to photographing wildlife, the team's careful movements and understanding of body language reassured the ponies, who were happy to stand around and engage closely - offering some lovely moments.

We had a fascinating afternoon, making some great new friends and can't wait to see the results from the photographs taken.

Martin and his team stayed at the Lorna Doone Hotel in Porlock, whose owners have kindly been able to accommodate the very early starts and late finishes as the photographers are keen to study Exmoor at times of optimum and dramatic light.

Some pictures below of the ponies interacting with the photography team - and also a couple of early results from photographer and horsewoman Kirsten Burns, which demonstrate the incredible level of technical ability of the team.

More pictures will follow as we see the results of the workshop!

And of course, Monsieur Chapeau must always go one step further! Here with Martin Buschmann