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Dartmoor ponies and the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust

We visited Dartmoor in Devon in September 2011. The photo gallery below shows pictures of ponies on the moor (free-living) and there are some pictures taken at the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust visitor and education centre where we met Dru Butterfield to talk about their role in conservation grazing etc. The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (a registered charity) was established in 2005 in response to widespread concern about the viability and long-term survival of the traditional Dartmoor pony. Based at Bovey Tracey, Dartmoor they operate a purpose-built, all-weather visitor and education centre.

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Moorland ponies are an integral part of the Dartmoor landscape. In addition to drawing in visitors, they play a vital role in grazing the moor and maintaining its character. But in recent years, their numbers have been in decline.

Ponies have lived on Dartmoor since prehistoric times. While they roam freely on the moor, they belong to different pony keepers. However, they have not usually been handled so appear to be 'wild'.

The owners round up all the ponies every year in the autumn at the annual pony 'drift'. They then decide which ponies to keep on the moor and which to sell. The foals are usually weaned from their mothers at this time.

The ponies are very hardy and thrive on Dartmoor despite the harsh weather and poor vegetation. In fact, by grazing the moorland they play a vital role in maintaining a variety of habitats and supporting wildlife. They also keep the gorse under control.

Because of their calm temperament, strength and surefootedness, they have been used for many different purposes over the years. These include bearing heavy loads, shepherding, working in the mines and even carrying the postman to deliver the mail. With proper training, all the ponies make fantastic driving or children's riding ponies.

For more information visit the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust website www.dpht.co.uk