Dartmoor National Park Authority

Ponies have lived on Dartmoor for a very long time. An archaeological dig uncovered hoof prints as early as Bronze Age. What type of ponies they were no one knows. The pony though has been on Dartmoor long enough for there to be a distinct breed – the Dartmoor Pony. The Dartmoor Pony is now a rare breed but can still be seen on Dartmoor. There are other breeds of ponies that live on the moor, and sometimes confusingly referred to as Dartmoor ponies, based on the fact that they live on Dartmoor!  

Because the semi-wild ponies that you see on the moor, that are owned by local farmers, have in the recent past had no market, there was a fear that the pony might disappear from the moor altogether. The Dartmoor National Park Authority has worked hard 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 future of the native breed - the Dartmoor Pony has a sustainable future in its native habitat. There is an exhibition called ‘ The Spirit of the Pony ‘ which can be viewed online