Dartmoor National Park Authority
24 September 2008
Information for Pony Buyers
 | Dartmoor National Park Authority is working in partnership with the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council, the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association and the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust to help raise awareness of the approaching annual pony sales on Dartmoor. Traditionally, ponies that roam the open moor are rounded up at the annual ‘drifts’. The foals are weaned, old mares are taken off the moor and some ponies not required in the herd are sold. |
Those that are fit enough are then released back onto the commons until the following year.
Most of the ponies on Dartmoor regardless of breed have very good temperaments and are gaining a reputation as good value children’s ponies. They also make excellent companions to larger horses that might otherwise live by themselves.
There are various ways of buying a pony from Dartmoor. The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association is run by Dartmoor commoners who breed hill ponies. For sales lists and information contact Charlotte Faulkner on (01364) 631036, email redshed@eclipse.co.uk or visit www.dartmoorhillpony.com
The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) is a registered charity holding a list of native ponies available for sale, all approved by Dartmoor Pony Society judges. In addition all ponies have been handled in five foundation skills (haltered, leading, loading in trailer, tying up, and grooming and picking up feet). Please contact the Trust on (01626) 355314 or visit www.dpht.co.uk and click on sales list.
Ponies are also taken to the annual pony sales at the markets in Tavistock on 3 October and Chagford on 9 October. These are run by local auctioneers Ward and Chowen of Tavistock (Telephone 01822 610080) and Rendells of Chagford (Telephone 01647 432277).
Ponies are expensive animals to keep, particularly as they can live as long as 40 years! It is important that potential purchasers are aware of their responsibilities with regard to animal welfare and the costs involved. It is always advisable to seek professional help in choosing the right pony for your needs.
Further information can be obtained from www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk.
Ends
For further information from Dartmoor National Park Authority
Sue Eberle, Principal Land Management Officer
Rob Steemson, Head of Natural Environment
Mike Nendick,, Communications Officer
Tel: (01626) 832093
For further information from the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council
Cherry Seage, Secretary
Tel: (01822) 618892
www.dartmoorcommonerscouncil.org.uk
For Further Information from the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust
Dru Butterfield
Tel: (01626) 355314 or email dru@dpht.co.uk
For further information from the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association
Charlotte Faulkner
Tel: (01364) 631036 or email redshed@eclipse.co.uk
Notes for Editors
When Dartmoor was designated a National Park, in 1951, the pony was chosen to be its logo. Ponies help to give Dartmoor its unique character and are one of the attractions for visitors to the area. Ponies have roamed Dartmoor since prehistoric times, are an integral part of the moorland landscape, and are a part of the area’s cultural heritage.
Dartmoor National Park Authority has worked with all interested parties to try to ensure that there is a sustainable future for all ponies on Dartmoor. The Authority has been successful in setting up not only support for all breeds on the commons, but worked in partnership in ensuring that the native breed has a sustainable future in its native habitat.
The ponies on Dartmoor are not truly wild animals. They are all owned by farmers, who let them out on to the commons to graze for most of the year. This is where most visitors to Dartmoor come across them.
The Dartmoor Commoners' Council has the duty to maintain the commons and to promote proper standards of livestock husbandry on the commons. The Commoners’ Council makes regulations about most matters, which concern the management of the commons, the welfare of the stock de-pastured there (including ponies) and arbitrates in disputes between commoners.
Ponies are less discerning eaters than both cattle and sheep. This is very important in areas such as Dartmoor where much of the semi-natural vegetation is rough, and of nutrient poor quality. Grazing of the seminatural vegetation is important to the survival of many rare species, making the contribution of the pony vitally important in the conservation and enhancement of the Dartmoor landscape.
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site .
You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority .
News Releases from all UK National Parks (external link, opens new window)
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National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England, Wales and Scotland. They are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 33,500 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
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This page last updated 24 September 2008
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Page updated 23 September 2008
