Exmoor ponies are the earliest of the native British breeds. They are thought to have arrived in Britain before the English Channel was formed. Their adaptation to wild, moorland habitat ensured that this hardy breed was mainly untouched during a time when other primitive pony breeds were being "improved" by crossing and selective breeding. Exmoor was remote and mostly uninhabited until the 20th century, and while numbers fell to just 50 during World War II, the breed is now increasing in numbers and is carefully managed to ensure its future.