Latest from Horse & Hound in Dartmoor-ponies

‘A victory for the ponies, and the moor itself’: joy as your voices are heard and Dartmoor ponies’ future secured

Eleanor Jones — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 13:23:06 +0000

The future of the Dartmoor hill pony has been secured – and the voices of more than 220,000 people heard – as the Government has agreed new protections for them.

Natural England announced yesterday (15 July) that the ponies will be removed from stocking rate calculations in new agreements with commoners, which means owners will no longer have to choose between ponies and sheep or cattle.

“This is wonderful news for Dartmoor’s ponies and for everyone who loves the moor,” said Dartmoor Hill Pony Association chair Charlotte Faulkner.

“For months, pony keepers, commoners and supporters have been warning that future grazing agreements could unintentionally put these precious herds at risk. Today, the Government has listened.”

H&H reported that campaigners feared the most likely outcome of the new contracts, in which cattle and ponies were both included in stocking density limits, would be culls, and that up to 90% of the remaining 1,000 ponies on the moor would be lost.

Hundreds of thousands of people backed those campaigning for the ponies’ future, and politicians from across the spectrum spoke out against the plans.

The announcement yesterday said the new measures would protect the ponies and support those who keep them on the moor.

“These heritage rare breeds and semi-wild hill ponies are a much-cherished part of Dartmoor’s landscape and cultural heritage,” a Defra and Natural England spokesperson said. “They also play an important role in conserving protected environmental sites on the moor – and the Government is committed to ensuring their numbers do not fall below current levels.

“From today, Dartmoor ponies will be removed from stocking rate calculations in new Environmental Management agreements, so that farmers do not face a choice between keeping ponies and maintaining sheep or cattle. This implements recommendation 27 of the 2023 Fursdon review, an independent review of protected site management on Dartmoor. Pony numbers will also be monitored across the moor to ensure they remain stable.

“A new dedicated pony supplement will be introduced into farming schemes to remove any financial incentive to reduce pony populations. In addition, the Government has asked the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group to develop a whole-moor grazing framework ensuring all interests are considered together.”

The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association said the announcement is a “landmark moment for Dartmoor’s ponies, its commoners, biodiversity and cultural heritage”.

Political clout

Ms Faulkner thanked Defra minister Emma Reynolds for putting her political clout behind the campaign.

“We would like to thank the secretary of state for listening to over 220,000 people who care about the future of the semi-wild Dartmoor hill pony herds,” she said.

“This will support Dartmoor’s biodiversity, culture and tourism, keeping Dartmoor as we know and love it for generations to come.

“This announcement means Dartmoor’s ponies are being recognised for what they are: rare, native, semi-wild herds that are part of Dartmoor’s history, its biodiversity and its future.

“Removing ponies from stocking rate calculations is exactly the assurance we have been asking for. It means commoners should no longer be placed in the impossible position of having to choose between keeping ponies on the moor and maintaining viable farm businesses.

“We are hugely grateful to the secretary of state, Defra, Natural England, Steve Race MP and everyone who has helped bring this issue to national attention.

“Most of all, we want to thank the more than 220,000 people who stood up for Dartmoor’s ponies. Their voices have made a real difference.

“This is a day to celebrate. Dartmoor’s hill ponies belong on Dartmoor, and today’s announcement is a major step towards securing their future where they belong: on the moor.”

Working together for the Dartmoor hill ponies’ future

The association said it looks forward to working with all the other stakeholders to ensure the new arrangement delivers on all fronts.

Secretary Joss Hibbs added: “This is a brilliant result, but it is also the beginning of the next chapter. We now want to work constructively with everyone involved to make sure these protections are delivered on the ground.

“Today has shown what can happen when commoners, campaigners, politicians and the public come together for Dartmoor. It is a victory for the ponies, but also for the moor itself.”

Natural England chief executive Marian Spain added: “Natural England has always been clear that Dartmoor’s ponies play a central role in shaping the landscape and supporting nature, and we want to see them continue to do so.

“The Government policy changes announced today will enable us to work with farmers to secure the agreements we need to recover nature on Dartmoor. We will continue to work with Dartmoor Land Use Management Group and other local groups on the new framework to ensure a healthy, sustainable future for Dartmoor.”

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The ‘clock is ticking’ for the Dartmoor hill pony, as 200,000 people back call to save them

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 26 Jun 2026 16:09:11 +0000

More than 200,000 people have signed a petition hoping to save the Dartmoor hill pony, as “heartfelt pledges to protect them are yet to be translated into action”.

The Change.org petition is a “call to action” to highlight the threat to the semi-feral moorland ponies. H&H reported that politicians from across the political spectrum have spoken out condemning any cull, and that Natural England said it would not support one.

But campaigners fear that culls will be the outcome of new Government contracts.

“The future of Dartmoor’s endangered hill ponies, currently numbering just under 1,000, still hangs in the balance,” a Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony spokesperson said.

“Despite concerns being voiced by several political parties following unprecedented media coverage of the campaign last week, those heartfelt pledges to protect the ponies are yet to be translated into action.”

The campaigners are calling on Sir Keir Starmer to act before he leaves office, “warning that the opportunity to secure protection for the ponies is slipping away”.

The Friends charity said no changes have been made to Natural England’s new countryside stewardship agri-environment contracts. This means that when the higher level stewardship (HLS) schemes come to an end from this summer, Dartmoor commoners will have to reduce overall livestock grazing densities by up to 89%, to be eligible for tier 3 funding.

“With ponies now pulled into those overall quotas, competing alongside more commercially viable cattle and sheep for a right to stand on Dartmoor, their future looks bleak,” the spokesperson said.

MPs back calls to save the Dartmoor hill pony

Labour MPs Steve Race (Exeter) and Luke Pollard (Plymouth) are among those backing the campaign.

“It’s not good enough for Natural England to say ‘we’re not ordering a cull’, but on the other hand their policies would lead to that outcome,” Mr Race said. “The problem here is the lack of clarity from Natural England.”

Keir Starmer said the Government “will not support a cull”, and Natural England said it is “not recommending one”.

“Natural England asserts that it values the vital role that ponies play in biodiversity recovery on Dartmoor, and has sought to reassure with promises of native breeds supplements available to farmers to incentivise keeping ponies,” the Friends spokesperson said.

“However, what it has omitted to mention is that these supplements would only be available after the overall massive reductions in numbers have taken place.”

The new grazing contracts were to have been negotiated after the Dartmoor land use management group makes its report, on how to implement the Defra-commissioned Dartmoor review, next year. Section 27 of that review said ponies and cattle or sheep should not be linked in calculations of stocking limits, and urged Natural England to avoid actions that would be likely to result in a decline in pony numbers on the moor.

The Friends, and the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association (DHPA), are “calling for the well-intentioned words of ministers to be urgently translated into action to protect Dartmoor’s remaining semi-wild pony herds”.

Task force

They want Defra to direct Natural England to implement recommendation 27 of the review, and for a task force to be assembled to determine how this should be achieved.

DHPA secretary Joss Hibb said: “The clock is ticking for Dartmoor’s remaining hill pony herds. As some existing HLS grazing contracts come to an end in the coming weeks, farming families will soon be faced with the devastating prospect of irreversibly removing the vast majority of their pony herds that they have kept for generations.”

Dartmoor hill ponies eat molinia, an invasive, dominant grass species that decreases the moor’s biodiversity. This grass is dry and flammable; a wildfire on Dartmoor last May destroyed over 1,200 acres of moorland. The campaigners cited this as another way the ponies protect rather than harm their environment.

The Friends’ Charlotte Faulkner said: “All we want is the right animal to stand in the place it has adapted to over thousands of years. Dartmoor’s semi-wild hill ponies are already endangered and further reductions in their numbers will lead to their genetic collapse.

“They are an iconic part of a traditional farming culture but they are also a vital tool in overcoming the modern challenges that we face: biodiversity decline and climate change. The ponies, in sufficient numbers, are a crucial part of the solution to these challenges, and must be recognised and protected as such.”

H&H has contacted Natural England for comment.

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‘How will the Dartmoor hill ponies be protected?’ Prime minister insists cull will not happen after condemnation – but campaigners await confirmation

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‘Losing one is a tragedy’ but 90% of hill pony population could be at risk from new Government contracts

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‘How will the Dartmoor hill ponies be protected?’ Prime minister insists cull will not happen after condemnation – but campaigners await confirmation

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 17 Jun 2026 16:07:18 +0000

The prime minister, Defra and Natural England insist they will not support a cull of Dartmoor hill ponies – but campaigners say they are not safe until new contracts are confirmed in writing.

H&H reported that the Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony feared up to 90% of the 1,000 ponies remaining on the moors may have to be culled as a result of new Government stocking density contracts.

The story has since attracted national attention and the leaders of the Conservatives, Lib Dems and Reform have for once united to condemn any attempt at culling.

Sir Keir Starmer’s official spokesperson said: “Let me be very clear on this: this Government will not allow a cull of Dartmoor ponies and we don’t manage pony populations by culling in this country.

“Dartmoor ponies are part of the cultural landscape of Dartmoor and play a vital role in the health of its moorland habitats.”

H&H contacted Defra today (17 June) for its latest position and a Defra spokesperson said: “Dartmoor ponies are an important part of Dartmoor’s heritage and also key to supporting the habitats of Dartmoor. Natural England is not recommending a cull and this Government wouldn’t support one.”

The Friends charity has explained, as reported by H&H, that as the stocking densities in the new contracts are lower, and that they refer to “ponies and/or cattle”, going against the recommendation of a Government-commissioned review, the most likely outcome is a cull.

Government: no Dartmoor pony cull

Natural England southwest area director David Slater said: “The notion that Natural England is advocating a cull is simply untrue. Dartmoor’s unique habitats are in a poor state and grazing by ponies is vital for their recovery.

“Our role is to advise farmers who wish to enter the publicly funded schemes available for grazing regimes. These schemes have been designed by Government to contribute to nature recovery – some of these require less grazing and some more dependent on local conditions but ponies are and always will be part of that mix.

“We work closely with the Dartmoor community to find a way forward that protects livelihoods and the special character of Dartmoor, including its ponies.”

But a spokesperson for the Friends told H&H today that although the charity is glad to hear of the cross-party agreement and Government assurances, it awaits more information.

“We thank Luke Pollard MP and Steve Race MP, who have championed the future of these ponies consistently, not only as the threat came to a head but throughout,” the spokesperson said. “Their commitment has been steady and persistent, and it has mattered.

“We now look to the Government for detail on the direction it will give Natural England to remedy the current situation, and for clarity on what will change in practice.

“We ask what specific changes will be made to Natural England’s approach to guarantee that the assurances given by MPs and ministers are delivered in full. How will the endangered, semi-wild Dartmoor hill pony population be protected on Dartmoor’s commons, in perpetuity?”

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‘Losing one is a tragedy’ but 90% of hill pony population could be at risk from new Government contracts

Eleanor Jones — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 12:08:11 +0000

Up to 90% of the remaining ponies on Dartmoor could be lost, campaigners fear, as limits imposed by new Government contracts could contribute to hill ponies’ extinction – and further damage biodiversity.

Under contracts drawn up by Natural England (NE), farmers are paid a small amount if they graze animals on the moors. But the proposed new grazing density figures include “cattle and/or ponies”, and the limits have decreased. Until now, many parts of Dartmoor had been allowed to exclude the hill ponies from the quotas, and if commoners exceed the limits, they lose their livelihoods.

“The contracts – a shift away from higher level stewardship to countryside stewardship agri-environment schemes – could come into force as early as the end of this year, meaning that the majority of ponies rounded up in the annual ‘drifts’ in October would not be returned to the moor, and the most likely outcome is a cull,” a spokesperson for the Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony charity said.

The Government commissioned an independent review of the “protected site management” of Dartmoor, which made recommendations for preserving the landscape.

The report states: “Dartmoor’s pony population is invaluable for conservation grazing and genetically important. We have seen industry estimates of a target population of between 1,000 and 2,500 head. Ponies and cattle should not be linked for the calculation of stocking rates and NE should not take actions likely to result in a reduction in their numbers.”

A petition has been set up against the plans

The Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony said that 25 years ago, there were some 6,000 ponies on the moor; there are fewer than 1,000 today, “as a result of historical policy changes”. The breed was classed as endangered by the United Nations and included on Defra’s “native at risk” list in 2023.

An NE spokesperson told H&H that “in line with the review”, the Government is “working with partners, including the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, to help ensure that we maintain numbers of semi-wild ponies on the moor for generations to come”.

But a spokesperson for the friends charity told H&H these conversations have not taken place.

Dartmoor hill pony culls feared

“The response from NE has nothing to say they won’t reduce pony numbers,” she said. “The inevitable outcome we can see is that pony numbers will have to be reduced by at least 60% which would be catastrophic for the population, and up to 90% as a worst-case scenario. That essentially wipes out the population.

“Genetically, losing even one is a tragedy. They’ve already dwindled them thanks to management policies, to 1,000 ponies. We’re asking for those ponies to remain on the moor, and a proper review to figure out what the stocking numbers should be.That 1,000 is the absolute minimum to retain the genetic integrity of that population; the value to the whole equine gene pool is huge and it would be tragic to lose them.”

A concern on Dartmoor is the prevalence of molinia; an invasive and dominant species of grass that, research has shown, the hill ponies eat. The review said controlling molinia should be the second-highest priority for the area’s future, so campaigners are concerned that reducing numbers of ponies will also have a negative effect on the environment.

“Under the previous schemes, which reduced grazing density, the molinia took over due to undergrazing,” the charity spokesperson said. “What they’re now proposing is a further reduction in all livestock. We’re worried about ponies specifically, but it applies to cows and sheep too. Arguably none of those grazers should be reduced on Dartmoor, because the molinia is already taking over, and we know ponies help control this invasive species that crowds out everything else.

“It doesn’t make sense; they’re flying in the face of what the evidence shows them.”

New contracts

She added that the new contracts could be brought in by the end of this year, sooner than had been thought.

“There are so many reasons the ponies should be kept there,” she said. “They’ve shaped the moorland ecology, they help retain biodiversity, they allow clear spaces that allow invertebrate and plant species to come through. They work in harmony with the moor, not against it.”

James Wright, an Exmoor cattle and sheep farmer who is also policy director for the Conservative Rural Forum, is backing opposition to the new quotas.

He told H&H he is concerned for the Dartmoor hill ponies but also the Exmoors, if new contracts are rolled out more widely.

“What we need is positive signals from Defra to show that they support the role of our semi-feral heritage breeds,” he said. “Defra seems to be unable to do the best for nature, farmer and pony. It’s a lose-lose.”

The NE spokesperson added: “Impact on pony populations will be continually monitored for any adverse effects and mitigations will be explored to ensure no further reduction in population numbers.”

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Mare keeps a watchful eye as rescuers help foal stuck in aqueduct

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 29 Apr 2026 15:12:37 +0000

A foal who was stuck in an aqueduct three feet deep has been reunited with her mother thanks to the RSPCA.

The filly was spotted by walkers in the leat, or man-made watercourse, on Dartmoor on 1 April. It appeared she had slipped in and was unable to climb free by herself.

The walkers called the RSPCA and inspector Dale Grant went to the scene, and met the Dartmoor Commoners Council.

“Because the trapped pony was just a foal, he and one other person were able to help with the rescue without specialist equipment, and they were able to swiftly reunite the youngster with her mum who was watching close by,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Leats were historically used in the south and west of England to divert water for mining but this one was dry.

“It appeared the pony had taken an unfortunate slip down into the moat area, and was simply unable to climb out herself,” Mr Grant said.

“It’s not uncommon for the RSPCA to be contacted about large animals in need of help or rescue, and ordinarily, we’d need the assistance of the local fire and rescue service and their specialist teams and equipment to do this. Thankfully she wasn’t injured, just a little nervous, so we were happy to be able to help. It was lovely to watch her trot off to her mum.”

The RSPCA reminded walkers that local by-laws ban feeding the ponies on Dartmoor and that dogs should be kept under control near them and other livestock.

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‘It shows anything’s possible’: meet the blind showing enthusiast who won at Cheshire County Show

Bethan Simons — Wed, 25 Jun 2025 14:18:51 +0000

Winning at Royal Cheshire County Show will be a memory that blind showing enthusiast Mark Garlock will treasure for ever.

Mark, who lost his sight completely in 1983, three weeks before his 15th birthday, won the Dartmoor mare or gelding class at Royal Cheshire with his 10-year-old Merribridge Astrologer (Comet), with the aid of his friend – and guide – Leanne Hughes, to rapturous applause from spectators.

“I’d always had horses from the age of six until the point I lost my sight,” explained Mark, “but then I had a few years without them because I believed I couldn’t do it.”

This changed when an old friend told Mark she was studying for her British Horse Society exams at Bold Heath Equestrian Centre.

“I just felt so envious of her working with horses, so I gave her a call, went to the centre and have had horses or ponies ever since,” he said.

Finding Comet

The Prince’s Trust financed Mark’s first pony in 1992, and over the years Mark has kept an array of horses and ponies, but had wanted a Dartmoor pony and a friend found Comet’s ad online last year.

Mark explained: “He’s had a difficult life and been through many different homes – I’ve traced all his history. He can’t be ridden as he isn’t safe to be, and some previous owners have tried exceptionally hard with him but he’s always ended up being passed on, up and down the country from Scotland to Sussex.”

Comet is kept on livery five minutes from Mark’s home, but Mark is in charge of his day-to-day care.

Mark said: “I do everything with him. I muck him out, I turn him out in the field, I bath him. A friend might give me a hand to give him a full bath, but I mainly do everything myself.”

Comet was shown four times last time, taking champion each time, but this was their highlight together.

“He was scared of his own shadow when I had him so we thought he might be sharp with the atmosphere at Cheshire but he was brilliant. He was like a rock – amazing,” Mark said. “He’s come such a long way over the last 12 months. He needed consistency, understanding and empathy.”

When it comes to their individual show, Leanne instructs Mark where to stand Comet for the judge before the pair discuss his stance and readiness for judging.

“I’ll ask her if he’s stood correctly and I’ll manoeuvre him until she tells me we’ve got it right. She then guides me through moving for the judge to see him and through the individual show,” explained Mark. “I’ve had a few guides but I’ve known Leanne since she was nine; it was amazing to share this win with her and I was absolutely blown away by the crowd.”

Mark believes that Comet “absolutely” understands that he is blind: “He’s watching me all the time and certainly looks after me in the ring. I’ve had lots of ponies over the years, but I can’t put into words the connection that I have with this pony. He’s very intuitive.”

Mark hopes that his story will inspire others: “It shows anything’s possible. If it’s something you want to achieve and accomplish, I would encourage anybody to follow their dreams, whatever they may be. If something brings you love and joy, then grab it, do it and enjoy it. I will probably will never achieve anything like yesterday again, but what a memory.”

How to buy the perfect Dartmoor pony for either yourself or a child

Alex Robinson — Sun, 01 Jun 2025 07:30:12 +0000

Want to buy a top-class Dartmoor pony to compete, or one simply to become your family’s best friend? Then these top tips from a breeder will help guide you every step of the way.

What is a Dartmoor pony?

The Dartmoor pony is the British native breed that originated from the county of Devon. The ponies have been recorded living on the moors of Dartmoor since the middle ages, meaning they have developed to be hardy and resilient.

The Dartmoor Pony Society (DPS) represents the pedigree Dartmoor pony and they are known as “the guardian’s of the breed”. In addition to registered Dartmoor ponies, there are many ponies living out on Dartmoor of all sizes and colours, most of unknown breeding. These are known as Dartmoor Hill Ponies.

When it comes to pure-bred Dartmoor ponies, the DPS provides the following breed standard:

Colour: A certain amount of white is acceptable (for example a small sock to fetlock, small star or snip), but excessive white markings (such as a white blaze, stripe and any stockings) are to be discouraged.

Neck and head: The head is small and bloodlike, reasonably short from eye to muzzle and without much tapering to the nose. The ears are small and alert and the eyes fairly large giving the pony a kindly interested expression. It should be well set on a good neck of medium length. The throat and jaws should be fine and showing no signs of coarseness or throatiness. Stallions to have a moderate crest.

Shoulders: Good shoulders are most important. They should be well laid back and sloping, but not too fine at the withers.

Body: Of medium length and strong, well ribbed up with a good depth of girth giving plenty of heart room.

Loin and hindquarters: Strong and well covered with muscle. The hind quarters should be of medium length and neither level nor steeply sloping. The tail is well set up.

Limbs: The forelegs should not be tied in at the knee. The forearm should be muscular and relatively long and the knee fairly large and flat at the front. The cannons should be short with ample good, flat bone. The pasterns should be sloping but not too long. The feet should be hard and well shaped. The hocks should be well let down with plenty of length from hip to hock, clean cut and with plenty of bone below the hock. They should have a strong second thigh. They should not be sickled or cow-hocked.

Movement: Low and straight coming from the shoulder with good hock action but without exaggeration.

Dartmoors are not to exceed 12.2hh (127cm).

They can be bay, brown, black, grey, chestnut, or roan in colour. Piebalds, skewbalds and spotted are not allowed.

The DPS also states that: “The Dartmoor is a very good looking riding pony, sturdily built yet with quality, like a scaled down middleweight hunter. The mane and tail should be full and flowing. The general impression given by a Dartmoor is of a well made, quality pony with ample bone which stands over plenty of ground.”

The Dartmoor Pony Society has a grading system for stallions. Stallions become Premium or Super Premium through the progeny they have sired winning at the society’s star shows.

An increasing amount of part-breds are seen on the circuit and in other disciplines, too, with the Dartmoor adding hardiness, bone, substance and pony characteristics to other breeds.

What should I look for in an Dartmoor pony?

Joyce and Jacky Newbery run the Newoak Dartmoor Stud in Devon. They have bred ponies that have won all over the country, including at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), the Royal International (RIHS) and the Dartmoor pony breed show.

“Conformation is conformation, irrespective of what type or breed of pony you are looking at,” Jacky begins. “A Dartmoor should be a scaled down middleweight hunter in many ways with good bone, nice short cannons, good feet and a pretty pony head with small ears. Bone is exceptionally important; I would not buy a pony with weak bone.

“Ultimately, we’re looking for a quality pony for the riddens; whether we’re buying a pony or aiming to breed one, it needs to have a job. They must possess a good shoulder where the saddle can clearly sit. Movement wise, a pony should cover the ground and not daisy-cut like a show pony, while also following through with the hocks.

“Also, we’re looking for a pony that has a good temperament.”

What can I do with a Dartmoor pony?

Dartmoor ponies are seen in multiple disciplines and they are very popular show animals, being ridden by small adults and children in the show ring.

They compete and are successful in open, junior, lead rein and first ridden mountain and moorland (M&M) classes and they also feature in working hunter pony classes.

The Dartmoor has its own final at HOYS and otherwise they contend small breeds classes. Dartmoors make good family ponies as they can be shown but can also stand up to other activities such as Pony Club, hunting and jumping.

They are fairly low maintenance to keep, requiring little intervention to live happy and healthy lives, however as with most smaller ponies, buyers should be aware that laminitis can be a risk.

Where should I buy a Dartmoor pony from?

“A lot of buyers come to us as breeders looking for something specific,” says Jacky. “We have a demand for Dartmoors of all ages, from foals to fully grown ponies ready to start their ridden careers.

“While the pages of Horse & Hound and online sales sites can be useful, a lot of good ponies are sold via word of mouth.”

How much should I expect to pay for a Dartmoor?

“A reputable stud with a good track record can expect higher prices for their stock,” says Jacky. “They could sell a foal from around £800 up to £1500. A good pony aged four years old or over and ready to back could be several thousands.

“Ridden prices can vary; I’ve seen ponies go for £5,000, and others go for £20,000 depending on their records and results. Dartmoors can be for anyone, they can easily carry a small adult but they make fantastic children’s ponies if they’ve been educated properly and have been given the best start in life. This is the reason that we don’t usually sell ponies until they are three or four years old.”

What about Dartmoor Hill Ponies?

Dartmoor Hill Ponies or Heritage Ponies cannot be shown in affiliated native ridden or in-hand classes, but this does not mean they don’t have jobs, as Jacky explains: “They are still very versatile ponies, just as much as their pure-bred counterparts. We have several Heritage Dartmoor Ponies in our riding school and they are athletic and intelligent animals who can do many things.”

I’ve agreed to buy a Dartmoor, now what?

It is time to consider a pre-purchase vetting, something that is strongly recommended. If the pony is for a child, perhaps asking for a trial period would be sensible, but not all sellers will agree to this.

It’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting what you intend to use the pony for so they can assess it accordingly. If you tell the vet that you want the pony for the show ring, they should hopefully inform you of any blemishes or conformational faults which could impact its future career, even if they don’t impact its soundness or performance.

“We are always open to vettings, though we don’t tend to get a lot of people requesting them,” says Jacky. “It’s a personal choice and depends on how much you are paying for a pony, and if you need to obtain one for insurance.”

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‘He only started jumping 12 months ago’: former HOYS flat winner triumphs over fences

Alex Robinson — Thu, 10 Oct 2024 12:55:20 +0000

Sarah Parker and Sarah Weston’s two-time Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) open Dartmoor pony of the year winner Westown Wildfire (Milo) returned to reign over fences in the 2024 HOYS 122cm M&M working hunter pony of the year final.

The eight-year-old first won at the NEC as a first-season five-year-old and he returned in 2023 to lead his class once again. The stallion, who is by Westown Fire Cracker out of Cayberry Sugar Plum, only started jumping last year.

Sarah has ridden him for the duration of his career for his breeder Sarah.

“He’s only been jumping for 12 months,” rider Sarah confirmed. “He did the BSPS summer champs last year after only jumping for two weeks and he won everything. We got a bit excited about him then and wondered if it could be his new career. Last winter he didn’t go home to cover and he stayed with me to jump.”

Milo qualified for the 122cm M&M working hunter pony class at Royal International on his first attempt and he finished second at the final.

“It’s such a big thing for him here [at HOYS] as he’s spooky,” said Sarah.

Sarah’s most famed working hunter ride was the now retired Dartmoor Pumphill Buckthorn, a former winner of the HOYS M&M working hunter pony of the championship. When asked if both stallions possess similarities, Sarah said: “They have slightly different attitudes, but Milo definitely has a lot of jump in him.”

The track in the 2024 HOYS 122cm M&M working hunter pony final was a meaty challenge. The course featured a sizeable 75th anniversary fence included to mark HOYS’ diamond celebrations.

“That suits my ponies though; they like it bold,” Sarah said. “It’s a championship so we need a good track at this level. It splits us all up.”

Sarah fondly credited her young sons for their schooling of Mylo ahead of HOYS: “My son Thomas rides him at home a lot, but my youngest Owen, who is still in lead-rein, was trotting him around on his pre-HOYS outing. He has to have the credit!”

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‘He’s a diamond’: 12-year-old’s dedication pays as she wins HOYS with home-produced Dartmoor

Alex Robinson — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 17:30:18 +0000

A home-produced gelding who has taken his 12-year-old jockey up the ranks in the show ring topped the 2024 HOYS Dartmoor pony of the year final at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Samantha Walker’s mannerly nine-year-old Feldons Red Kite, known at home as Tonto, and Evie Walker took to the centre line on what was their debut in an open final at the NEC.

Bred by Sue Williams by Moortown Crusader out of Shilstone Rocks Meadow Sweet, Tonto is also through to the M&M junior ridden final later in the week.

This marked Evie’s first-ever HOYS win, though her sister, Lilly, has reigned here before on her family’s Welsh section B pony Melau Aramis. The sisters have landed six HOYS tickets between them this season.

Tonto joined the Walker Family five years ago.

“We’ve done lots of things together, even arena eventing,” said Evie. “He was the first pony to ever take me to HOYS, too, in first-ridden. He’s a funny pony, I love him to bits.”

Samantha said: “The girls are very dedicated and work very hard with their ponies. Evie is still very young to be in this class but Tonto is a diamond; you could put your granny on him. He’s literally done everything for her, initially taking her into first-riddens off the lead-rein.”

The family will be kept busy this week as they have three ponies to compete.

“We’ve had a really great year as a family,” Samantha added.

Katy Marriott-Payne took second in the 2024 HOYS Dartmoor final aboard Felicity Thompson’s home-bred Salcombe Frowder Cove, while Sam Roberts finished third with Newoak Bobby James, owned and bred by Joyce Newbery.

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Grandmother watches granddaughter reign at RIHS on home-produced pony

Alex Robinson — Fri, 26 Jul 2024 11:54:20 +0000

Home-produced Dartmoor ponies and their young jockeys led the 2024 RIHS BSPS Heritage M&M supreme Pretty Polly mini championship on day four of the Agria Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Champion of the four contenders forward was the winning lead-rein, Donna Pearson’s Parkbourne Picasso (Charlie), a nine-year-old gelding by Pumphill Bael.

He was piloted by Donna’s granddaughter, seven-year-old Nevaeh Mae Catterall, and led by family friend Lucy Brown.

Donna bought Charlie from Tiffany Smith and she keeps him at home with her. As well as holding an impressive show ring CV — he qualified for Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) for the first time in 2023 and he also appeared at the RIHS last term — he is a true child’s pony.

“This is only his fifth show this year,” said handler Lucy. “He’s just been hacking, chilling and having a nice time. He’s an ace pony and you can do anything with him. He loves the kids; Nevaeh bathes him before a show and she’ll catch him in from the field.”

This was the first time any of Charlie’s connections have triumphed at Hickstead.

“This was just amazing to watch; there were a few tears,” Donna said.

Senruf Honey Bear, ridden by Amelia Baxter. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Reserve for the 2024 RIHS M&M supreme Pretty Polly mini championship fell to the winning first-ridden, Ryan Baxter’s Senruf Honey Bear, ridden by Amelia Baxter. The Moortown Honey Man eight-year-old has been a consistent contender for the Baxter Family, having appeared at HOYS on two previous occasions and also standing reserve supreme in the £1000 home-produced championship at North of England.

Two Shetlands completed the championship. These were lead-rein Ladbury Pretender and Queenie Follows, handled by Steve Follows, and first-ridden, Clibberswick Special Delivery and Morgan Matthews.

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Police on the hunt after reports of men ‘trying to steal’ foals

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 25 May 2024 19:51:23 +0000

Police are on the hunt for two men who have reportedly been trying to steal foals and “bothering ponies” on and near Dartmoor in the past week.

Officers from Devon & Cornwall Police has asked the public to remain vigilant, after a series of reports of attempted theft and more.

“In one incident on Tuesday 21 May, two men were seen acting suspiciously around the ponies at Pork Hill near Tavistock,” a spokesperson for the force said.

“They appeared to be trying to separate the foals and managed to grab one young animal, although it escaped. They quickly left after being challenged by a member of the public.”

The spokesperson said it is believed the men are travelling in a black or grey van with Irish numberplates.

“Further reports have been received this week of suspicious men bothering ponies and visiting farms and homes in the Tavistock and Princetown areas trying to buy the animals,” she added.

Officers are appealing for information and asking the public to report any further suspicious incidents to them.

Neighbourhood team leader Sergeant Tom Ottley said: “I ask that the public remain vigilant to any behaviour out of the ordinary around livestock and report any concerns to police on 999 if you believe a crime is ongoing.”

Any witnesses or anyone with information about the incidents is asked to contact police, either online or by telephone on 101, log number 410 of 21 May.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

‘I can’t believe he’s done it again’: working stallion reclaims Dartmoor title at HOYS

Alex Robinson — Wed, 04 Oct 2023 09:53:58 +0000

At the 2023 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS), a stallion reclaimed the National Pony Society/Baileys Horse Feeds M&M ridden Dartmoor pony of the year title he last won two years ago.

Sarah Weston’s foot-perfect seven-year-old Westown Wild Fire last reigned in Birmingham when he was a first-season five-year-old in 2021. His rider throughout his career has been his producer, Sarah Parker. This season, the stallion finished reserve supreme M&M at Royal Windsor before he qualified for HOYS at Lincolnshire Show and placed third at the Royal International Horse Show.

His breeder Sarah Weston has been involved with Dartmoor ponies for over two decades. She bred Wild Fire by Westown Fire Cracker out of Cayberry Sugar Plum.

“I always knew he was special, ever since he was a foal. He’s just so beautiful, and he knows it,” she said. “I got my first Dartmoor for my children, and they are very addictive. I started breeding, and I fell in love with the breed.”

“I can’t believe he’s done it again,” Sarah added. “He’s the best boy ever. He doesn’t only show, but he’s a working stallion and we have foals on the ground by him. And he’s also started jumping so next year we hope to do more working hunters with him.

“Sarah [Parker] loves him to bits, too. She treats all the ponies like they are her own, giving them the best care. I can’t thank her enough.”

The winning duo had fierce competition, as runner-up was last year’s class winner, Felicity Thompson’s Salcombe Starehole Bay, ridden by his producer Katy Marriott-Payne.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Is this a record? Meet the home-produced Dartmoor who has won 18 HOYS tickets over his career

Alex Robinson — Sat, 23 Sep 2023 15:32:17 +0000

The Dartmoor pony Pumphill Fandango (Roy) is set to compete in his 18th Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) final next month.

Roy is owned by Zara Johnstone-Evans and her 13-year-old son, Toby. This season the gelding is heading to Birmingham in both the junior small breeds and open Dartmoor finals.

Zara bought Roy just over eight years ago and he has been home-produced for the duration of his career.

“He’s our pony of a lifetime,” says Zara, who rode Roy to win his first-ever HOYS pass in 2015 as an open pony.

In 2016, Roy provided Toby with his first HOYS ticket in lead rein ranks. That same year he also qualified as a junior pony with Charlotte Thompson and as an open with Zara.

“He was also mini M&M champion at Royal Windsor that year, too,” says Zara, who runs her own cleaning business. “He has taken Toby from a tiny lead rein jockey to competing in open classes against the adults.”

Pumphill Fandango: HOYS and RIHS winner

In 2017, Roy qualified for the same finals once again and Zara won the open small breeds class at the Royal International with him. The following year, Roy added another string to his bow and qualified for HOYS as a first ridden with Maisie Chester, the pair winning the class at the final.

“Maisie was having a tricky time with her own pony so I said she could ride Roy for the 2018 season, and they qualified for HOYS first time out,” Zara recalls.

Toby has since taken Roy’s reins as a first ridden, as a junior ride and as an open pony.

“When we bought Roy, Toby was just four years old, and now he’s 13,” Zara says. “He’s never been shown that much — it’s expensive trekking up and down the country — but he’s always won his tickets easily. Toby is very animal orientated and he loves his ponies. He loves going to shows, too, and this year he was so determined to get his first ride in the opens so he can stay at HOYS for the whole week!

“I have pretty much retired from riding in the ring, as in 2021 I broke my leg and I now find it hard to ride for an entire class. But thankfully Toby has stepped up to the mark and he can now school and show Roy.

“Roy can be a spooky little bugger but we know him inside out now. He’s so sensible in some ways but in other ways he’s very cheeky. But he’s been very easy to home-produce and we’re so grateful to have him in our lives.”

‘We’ve had to learn on the job’: RIHS glory for 11-year-old in her first season of showing

Alex Robinson — Wed, 26 Jul 2023 21:21:03 +0000

An 11-year-old rider in her first season of showing at affiliated level came to the fore in the BSPS RIHS mini M&M supreme championship at the 2023 Royal International Horse Show (RIHS).

Harlow White and her mother Chelsea White’s Coppinshill Commemoration (Rolo), a nine-year-old Dartmoor by Springwater Happy Day out of Shilstone Rocks Another Beach, led a 29-strong first ridden field before they pipped winning lead rein combination, Finlay Clay and Heather Clay’s Dartmoor Springwater Tactician led by Craig Elenor, to the overall championship sash.

The result was understandably a shock for Harlow and her connections standing at the ringside, including Rolo’s producer Bea Shepherd, as Harlow had never stepped foot into a show ring prior to April of this year.

“We bought Rolo in November after going to Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) last October to spectate,” said Chelsea. “We thought the showing looked so fun. Harlow loves dressage and flatwork as well as grooming and making the ponies look all glam, and she decided she’d like to give it a go. And so began our hunt for a perfect little Dartmoor to take her into the ring.”

Rolo was purchased six weeks later. Chelsea spotted him on a social media advert, as she explains: “We went to see him a couple of days later, and brought him straight home. He’s been an unbelievable pony ever since he arrived with us.”

Chelsea and Rolo appeared in the UKPH young riders final earlier in the morning. On the day they qualified for both the young riders and first ridden finals, they stood champions of both sections.

“Rolo did one season of showing when he was five, qualifying for HOYS, but he hadn’t been into the ring for about three years,” Chelsea added. “We’ve had to learn on the job. Rolo had been out of the game for a while, and Harlow had only done local stuff, low level show jumping and a little bit of dressage.”

Harlow added: “ I will never forget this moment. Rolo is such a chilled out dude and he’s very calm, though he does have his spicy moments. At home I do a bit of everything with him. As it’s my first time riding at the RI, I just wanted to get round the ring and do my best. I didn’t even mind if I didn’t get a rosette!”

Finlay Clay rides Springwater Tactician to the reserve championship spot, handled by Craig Elenor. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Finlay and his ultra-consistent Dartmoor Springwater Tactician, who is by Hisley Diplomat, were securing reserve in the RIHS mini M&M supreme championship for the second year on the bounce.

Huge distress as seven ponies hit – and five killed – within eight days

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 01 Mar 2023 13:20:24 +0000

Seven ponies have been hit and five killed on Dartmoor within eight days, the most collisions ever seen in such a short time.

Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society livestock protection officer Karla McKechnie told H&H the incidents were hugely upsetting, especially as only three of the collisions were reported, leaving the ponies involved in the others to suffer.

“It’s very distressing,” she said. “We’ve never had so many in such a short space of time.

“One had a broken leg and was left to die. Three were reported but the others were just left.

“People have to realise that these ponies are all owned by someone, so there’s not only the financial loss, there’s the emotional side, of knowing that their animals have been left to suffer. That is not good enough.”

Karla said it might be that the cold snap had contributed, as ponies get a taste for the salt used on the roads and so are attracted to them.

“We get a lot of fog on these roads, and people have to drive with more awareness and to the conditions,” she said. “There are miles and miles of unfenced roads on Dartmoor, and it’s great to see the animals grazing freely, and they have every right to be there. It’s their home and they should be able to graze and flourish and live in peace and safety. People have to realise there may be animals on the road.”

Karla added that although she is not pointing the finger at any individuals, it is “absolutely criminal to leave a pony like that, knowing it could be injured”.

“It’s hard in the dark but do the right thing and call it in,” she said. “I’m on call 24 hours a day, or call the police, then we can get help to that animal. There’s always someone you can call.

“Or people do call and say the pony’s fine, it went off, but it’s probably only gone five metres, and could be there with a broken leg. Or then you ask what the damage is to their car and they say it’s written off. Then you know the pony needs seeing to.

“It took 15 years to get the A386 fenced off but these are B roads and unless there’s a human fatality, I don’t think anyone will listen. But again, why should they be fenced, why can’t people just drive sensibly? It’s a beautiful, majestic national park, and those animals have every right to be there.”

Delicious pony poo: tuck in to help horses

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 25 Feb 2023 20:21:05 +0000

Fancy tucking into some “pony plops”? Who wouldn’t?

Now you can sample some “pony poo”, chocolate clusters bursting with things like mini marshmallows, honeycomb, caramel and granola, and feel virtuous as you’re also supporting ponies on Dartmoor.

Award-winning confectionary business Flapjackery has nominated the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) as its supported charity. The “pony plops” have been added to its range in the equines’ honour, and it is to donate £1.50 to the trust for every Dartmoor box of treats sold.

Carol Myott, who owns Flapjackery with her business partner Sally Jenkin, told H&H: “A bag of Flapjackery pony poo is a really fun way of remembering a trip to Dartmoor and seeing its wonderful native ponies. Luckily, ours are edible.”

Carol added that the business is based on the edge of the moor, and the team knows and loves the ponies.

“They are iconic with people coming from far and wide to see them, and are an important visitor draw,” she said. “They are also an important part of our heritage and culture and it’s sad to think that the days of native Dartmoor ponies as we know them could be numbered, so we are delighted to be able to support the work of the charity, and increase awareness through our Tavistock shop.”

The DPHT relies on public donations and chair Malcolm Snelgrove said the charity is delighted by Flapjackery’s support.

“The DPHT is such an important charity, not only in the work it is doing to ensure a sustainable future for traditional Dartmoor ponies, but also through its conservation work, and by engaging with the public so that they are inspired to connect with Dartmoor’s wildlife, landscape and heritage,” he said.

Flapjackery has a number of shops and also sells online. All products are gluten-free and there is a range of flavours available, as well as the pony poo.

‘He’s such a genuine pony’: perfect child’s pony takes HOYS mini title for the second time

Stephanie Bateman — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 15:32:51 +0000

Shilstone Rocks Thunderbird repeated a foot-perfect performance to land both the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) M&M lead rein pony title, followed by the Colne & The McNeil Family HOYS mini M&M championship honours for his young rider Willow West, owner Brogan West and handler/producer John Harvey, for the second consecutive year.

The consistent 12-year-old Dartmoor gelding is by Shilstone Rocks Atlantic Gale and out of Shilstone Rocks Snowbird. The team qualified for HOYS at the Showing Register Summer show and here, they performed a relaxed and flowing show to wow the judges for a second time in the Topspec arena.

“It’s great to have done the double,” said Brogan. “He’s such a genuine pony. He literally only had a 15-minute lunge this morning and he’s gone in and coped with that atmosphere after winning the championship title last year. We really can’t ask any more of him.”

The pony is clearly a true schoolmaster as he has taught his five-year-old rider Willow to ride.

“He’s almost the perfect pony – he bites me quite a lot and doesn’t like standing up when asked – but if it wasn’t for those things, he really would be 100% perfect,” laughed Brogan. “Willow also takes him on fun rides as well as her riding lessons, so he is just so genuine. I think he really will have to stay with us for ever now.”

Reserve went to the winner of the first ridden championship, Lotuspoint Cassius, a 15-year-old skewbald Shetland gelding ridden by Lilly Ahern-Lee.

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‘We wish Mum could have been here’: special home-bred stallion produces emotional HOYS win

Alex Robinson — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 08:04:11 +0000

Judging kicked off at the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) with an incredibly special home-bred stallion lifting the HOYS Dartmoor final, giving his producer her first ever NEC centre line moment on a Dartmoor pony.

Felicity Thompson’s homebred Salcombe Starehole Bay (Cecil), ridden by Katy Marriott-Payne, is an eight-year-old by three time-HOYS finalist Shilstone Rocks Snowy Mountain.

Despite having won at HOYS on natives several times during her career, including winning three classes at last year’s show, this was the first time Katy has trotted to victory on a Dartmoor representative.

“I think I’ve been second four times with Darties; I decided I couldn’t win here with one,” said Katy.

Emotions were running high after Cecil’s triumph, as heartbreakingly his breeder Felicity couldn’t be at HOYS to watch; in September, Felicity sustained a severe head injury after being kicked by a horse at home.

“We wish she could have been here to watch this,” said Felicity’s daughter, Freya Thompson, who was ringside at HOYS. “Mum has known Cecil was special from the moment he was born. He grew up with his brothers at home in Devon and I showed him in-hand a little bit, before Katy asked us to send her a project in lockdown. He’s taken a while to mature, but he’s been worth the wait and we love him so much.”

Cecil won the Royal International (RIHS) and stood Heritage champion in 2021 and earlier this year he reclaimed his class and took section reserve. At Royal Windsor in May, he lifted the M&M ridden championships, qualifying for London International, where he was best of breed and reserve champion last year.

“When he won the RIHS this year I dropped everything and raced to watch the championship with Mum,” said Freya.

Katy added: “This means so much to us, but it’s a double edged sword as we wish Felicity could have been here. He’s definitely special Cecil to us all.”

Dartmoor ponies to wear reflective neck bands after ‘sickening’ number of road accidents

Eleanor Jones — Mon, 11 Jul 2022 11:23:20 +0000

More than 200 ponies and cows on Dartmoor have been given reflective neckbands in an attempt to prevent road collisions.

The idea came from Dartmoor Forest Parish Council, which said accidents and deaths of animals were a major concern. The council successfully bid for £6,306 from the Vision Sero South West road safety partnership.

The scheme, through which bands were issued to farmers, was launched on 24 June.

Dartmoor livestock protection officer Karla McKechnie said the unfenced roads become “death traps” if drivers are not animal-aware.

“I am sickened and saddened by the high number of collisions I attend involving dead and dying animals,” she said. “If you witness an animal being hit, please call me urgently on 07873 587561.”

Cllr Mark Williams of Dartmoor Forest Parish Council said: “The B3212 is the busiest of the two main roads across Dartmoor, the arterial route from Plymouth on to the moor. The stretch between Peek Hill and Princetown is unfenced, with a speed limit of 40mph, and runs across Walkhampton Common, where around 150 cattle and 80 ponies roam freely.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Collisions involving vehicles hitting animals are unfortunately frequent. There were 117 involving animals on Dartmoor in 2021 recorded by the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society. Most result in the death of the animal and heavy damage to the vehicle involved. Some also result in injury to drivers and passengers.”

Cllr Williams said the council had worked with the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Devon County Council highways, the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Dartmoor Speedwatch and Burrator Parish Council on the scheme.

Andrew Watson, head of recreation and access at Dartmoor National Park said: “The national park sees thousands of visitors each year, attracted by the vast open areas of moorland with unfenced roads and grazing livestock. The authority is delighted to be part of this partnership, working to reduce the number of animal deaths and injuries across Dartmoor, and improve road safety for all visitors and residents.”

The funding has also paid for an interactive speed sign, and improved signs alerting drivers. Cllr Williams added: “These neck bands have proved successful in their use in the New Forest. We hope these measures will raise driver awareness of the need for caution and reduced speed on this stretch of road, and that traffic collisions and incidents involving livestock will be reduced as a result.

“If this initiative proves successful the aim is to roll out similar measures on other key routes across the moor, should additional funding become available.”

Warning over Hackneys’ future in latest rare-breeds watchlist

Becky Murray — Sat, 16 Apr 2022 18:03:47 +0000

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) is “renewing its warning” about the future of the Hackney horse and pony, after just 31 registered foals were born last year.

The 2022/23 RBST watchlist published this month features seven breeds in the “priority” category; Hackneys, Cleveland Bays, Dales, Dartmoors, Exmoors and Eriskays. Clydesdales, Fells, Highlands, New Forests and Shires have been classed as “at risk”. Shetlands and Welsh ponies and cobs appear in the “UK native breeds” category, and Connemaras and Irish Draughts are listed in the “Irish breeds in the UK” category. The categories are based on population size, taking into account numbers of males and females and the degree of inbreeding. All the breeds remain in the same category as the 2021/22 watchlist.

The RBST reported that while the numbers of Eriskays, Suffolks and Cleveland Bays remains low, the “stability in the breeds’ data in 2021 is positive”. But there are “extreme concerns” around Hackneys.

“The Hackney breed, which already had very low numbers, has seen further decline over the past year with just 31 females producing registered progeny from only 12 breeders. This compares with more than 300 breeding females registered in 2011,” said an RBST spokesman, adding that the organisation is urging more people to support the breed’s modern uses.

Mark Hardy, chairman of the Hackney Horse Society, told H&H the pandemic and increase in the cost of living had caused issues for breeders, and they are also limited in choices as there are so few of them.

“After the Second World War, there was a big revival of Hackneys and at the time there were lots of breeders and trainers. But as time has gone on, many have passed away or moved on to other things,” he said.

“As an organisation, we are really trying to promote the breed and show how versatile it is and hopefully we will see more people using them in other disciplines and create more demand. People usually associate Hackneys with driving and showing, but they’re also very good all-rounders.”

According to the RBST, the number of Shire foals registered last year was 228, down from 250 in 2020. The number of overall New Forest breeders registering progeny has declined – as has the number of dams, which the RBST classifies as mares who have had at least one foal, but the breed still has the greatest number of dams of all the rare equine breeds. Though Dartmoors and Exmoors remain on the priority list for 2022/23, there has been an “important increase” in the number of dams, which is “crucial” for managing inbreeding in breeds with low numbers.

“The Exmoor data is the highest recorded since 2017, with the number of dams up 37% on 2020 and Dartmoors have also made significant progress with the number of breeders registering progeny at its highest since 2011, and the number of dams up 46% on 2020,” RBST senior conversation adviser Tom Blunt told H&H.

“Both breeds have also seen an improvement in effective population size which indicates successful management of inbreeding.”

Pony charity appeals for help to beat thieves after hundreds stolen from honesty box

Eleanor Jones — Fri, 14 Jan 2022 15:56:14 +0000

The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) is having to build “Fort Knox” after thieves stole hundreds of pounds from an honesty box — and is asking for ideas that may help prevent future thefts.

The metal box, which held proceeds from parking at the DPHT headquarters, was found broken open and the stone cairn around it destroyed, last week.

DPHT chief executive Dru Butterfield told H&H there was about £350 inside, boosted by Christmas visitors, but the charity is losing more every day as it has nowhere for drivers to pay their parking money.

“It’s just one of the worst things that could have happened,” she said. “The cairn, which had been lovingly built with the security box encased in it, has been absolutely wrecked, they jemmied it open, and we lost all the donations from one of our busiest times.”

Donate to the trust online

Dru said four stonemasons had already offered to rebuild the cairn.

“The British public is fantastic for animal charities,” she said. “But the problem is what to rebuild. Will someone come along again, now we’ve been hit, and have another go, and destroy it? Will we now have to install CCTV, which will cost more, or a high-end security system for a donation cairn in a car park?”

Dru said the car park cannot be manned. The trust has a QR code on the gate, which can be used to pay the £3 daily parking charge, but drivers do not tend to do so.

“We’re National Trust tenants, which costs us about £7,000 per year, and the car park is how we get some of that back, and pay for the ponies’ hay,” Dru said.

“It’s not cheap to be here, and run the education and visitor centre, but it’s to ensure people can learn the story of the Dartmoor pony. Our work is to secure the future of the Dartmoor pony, on Dartmoor, and having the venue is the showcase.

“We struggled all through Covid, and are due to be opening in February, and then this. I just couldn’t believe it.”

Dru said she is trying to stay positive, adding: “I pray they raised our donation box because their need was greater; I have to tell myself that, which makes me feel a bit better.

“But if anyone has a foolproof idea for an anti-theft device; we need Fort Knox, please get in touch.

“We can’t man the car park but we do find the honesty-box approach works. People sometimes put in £5 or £10 notes because they know it’s for keeping the Dartmoor pony on the moor. And the love of the Dartmoor pony is what it’s all about.”

‘He’s so chilled’: Five-year-old Dartmoor stallion wins M&M section title at HOYS

Stephanie Bateman — Thu, 07 Oct 2021 19:26:14 +0000

SARAH PARKER headed the Dartmoor/Exmoor/Shetland section of the ridden mountain & moorland finals at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) riding Westown Wild Fire.

This is the five-year-old Dartmoor stallion’s first showing season, having moved to Sarah’s yard at the start of the year by owner and breeder Sarah Weston.

“His breeder and owner Sarah hasn’t seen him since he moved – this is the first time she’s seen him in the flesh all year,” said Sarah, who qualified the stallion at the Derbyshire Festival of Showing.

The stallion by Westown Fire Cracker out of Cayberry Sugar Plum has had a successful season, coming second at the Royal International and winning two HOYS qualifiers alongside his HOYS title. He is also a breeding stallion.

“He’s got some lovely youngstock on the ground,” said Sarah. “He mixes breeding and being ridden really well and is an absolute gem at home – my two boys lead him around. He goes home for covering and then comes out to shows and it’s like nothing has been happening. He’s so chilled.”

Sarah keeps Wild Fire fit by riding him on the gallops and hacking him out regularly.

“He does a bit of everything,” she said. “We have just started jumping him as well – his dad jumps – so we’ll do a bit of workers through the winter with him, hopefully. He’ll also do the Heritage show and then we’ll aim him at Olympia in December.”

Stay away: desperate plea to walkers and riders as ponies on Dartmoor suffer ‘nasty’ strangles strain warning: upsetting image

Eleanor Jones — Tue, 03 Aug 2021 20:31:37 +0000

A desperate plea has been made to visitors to Dartmoor: stay away from the ponies to help stop a “vicious strain” of strangles spreading.

The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust is trying to “put a firewall” in place around the 450-hectare site it leases from Forestry England at Bellever, to protect its 27 ponies.

Other animals on neighbouring commons, at Haytor and Widecombe, are already infected, so the trust is urging riders and walkers to stay out of Bellever, in hopes of stopping the infection spreading to more moorland herds.

Charity chief executive Dru Butterfield said: “The neighbouring [new intake] to the land we lease has contracted strangles, and this strain is particularly nasty.

Picture by Malcolm Snelgrove (Image credit: Malcolm SNELGROVE)

“We are devastated that our herd, which we go to such extreme measures to care for, are now almost certain to contract this terrible infection.

“We urge the public to avoid any contact with our ponies and to please enjoy them from a distance. If you are a horse owner we would ask you to avoid Bellever until we provide an all-clear notice.”

The trust is working with vets and the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society.

H&H reported in February that visitors to the moor were being asked to look but not touch, as some of the ponies were carrying strangles.

Anyone who sees a pony with a snotty nose or abscesses, or coughing, is asked to call Dartmoor livestock protection officer Karla McKechnie on 07873 587561.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Tales from Hickstead: Dartmoor pony makes owner’s Royal International dreams come true

Stephanie Bateman — Thu, 22 Jul 2021 07:58:46 +0000

AFTER seven years of attempting to qualify for the Royal International Horse Show (RIHS), Gemma Beck and her 13-year-old daughter Delilah are now en route with their Dartmoor pony Kingshaugh Eclipse, aka Elsie.

“We are delighted to be heading to the final with Delilah’s best friend Elsie after Vicky Casey qualified her at the BSPS winter champs in the open Dartmoor/Exmoor/Shetland class,” said Gemma.

“Delilah and I have been dreaming of qualifying for the RIHS for several years – she has been competing since the age of six and it’s been her aim since then. We’ve been close, but not quite close enough – thankfully we continued to try!”

Elsie was bred by Gemma’s friends Jane and Allan Brown and began her ridden career with Anna Bereford before finding her way back to Gemma in November last year.

“She is one of those ponies who was just meant to be,” added Gemma. “After a year with Anna, she was sold to a family in Cornwall, who contacted us when they were going to sell her. We bought her all the way back to Nottingham unseen.

“Delilah and Elsie have developed such a lovely partnership and Delilah simply can’t wait to ride her at her first RIHS.”

Gemma previously owned Elsie’s son Kingshaugh Northern Lights. She puts their success down to help from close friends.

“It is lovely how everyone is still involved with her – Anna gives Delilah lessons and Jane and Allan have three horses at the show this year, so we’ll all be there together,” said Gemma. “Teamwork has made the dreamwork.”

‘Fantastic opportunity’ for most at-risk rare breeds in new championship classes

Becky Murray — Sat, 29 May 2021 15:27:03 +0000

Rare breeds of the “highest concern” will be recognised at a show with new championship classes aimed at promoting the breeds’ high standards.

For the first time the Norfolk Equestrian Show (28 July) will host Rare Breed Survival Trust watchlist classes, with the highest-placed horses and ponies going on to compete in the RBST championship for priority and at-risk breeds. The classes follow the release of the 2021/2022 RBST watchlist published last month with updated categories; priority, at risk, UK native breeds and Irish breeds in the UK. Previously the categories were critical, endangered, vulnerable, at risk and minority.

Cleveland Bays, Dales, Dartmoors, Eriskays, Exmoors, Hackneys and Suffolk horses appear in the priority category. Clydesdale horses, Fell and Highland ponies, New Forests, and Shires have been classed as at risk.

RBST chief executive Christopher Price told H&H the watchlist classes will give dedicated owners and breeders of rare native horses and ponies the chance to demonstrate their “amazingly high standards”, and show the great potential of the breeds.

“We hope this will also encourage more people to get involved in the work to ensure rare native equine breeds such as Eriskays and Suffolks can thrive long into the future,” he said.

RBST chairman Gale Sprake added that with competitions so severely limited over the last 18 months, the trust is delighted to provide this “fantastic opportunity” to celebrate rare breeds, as well as the people, organisations and communities that support their survival.

“Each of our native pony and horse breeds has its own characteristics, unique features and history and each has played an extraordinary role in our nation’s history,” she said.

“The new RBST priority and at-risk classes at the Norfolk Equestrian Show will really show why they are special.”

Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association chief executive Mark Nicholas said the organisation is “thrilled” to be welcoming competitors.

Continued below…

(Image credit: Linda Trotman)

Seven equine breeds classed as ‘highest concern’ in Rare Breeds Survival Trust watchlist

The 2021/22 watchlist, published this week (8 April), has been updated with new categories: priority, at risk, UK native breeds

(Image credit: Linda Trotman)

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(Image credit: Linda Trotman)

“We are particularly pleased to be working in partnership with RBST and helping them to promote the importance of breed diversity and survival,” he said.

The show’s organisers hope that holding the “streamlined” show behind closed doors in 2021 will support the planned return of a full Royal Norfolk Show in June 2022. The schedule includes in-hand and ridden classes and retains Horse of the Year Show qualifiers from the cancelled Royal Norfolk Show. Entries close on 30 June.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

UK’s biggest zoo turns spotlight on Dartmoors, as ponies join the team

Sarah Radford — Mon, 24 May 2021 06:03:55 +0000

The UK’s largest zoo will be turning the spotlight on one of the country’s endangered native breeds when two Dartmoor ponies join its exhibits.

Yearling geldings Thomas and Stargazer will be representing the breed at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire.

The ponies were bred by Tim Whitley and family at Hedgebarton Farm near Widecombe-in-the-Moor.

They previously ran as part of a herd that lived on common ground close to Hound Tor, where Arthur Conan Doyle based his Sherlock Holmes story The Hound of the Baskervilles.

The herd consists of 11 grey mares who breed a crop of foals each year.

Co-founder of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust Dru Butterfield was heavily involved in securing the move of the ponies, which it is hoped will raise the public profile of the breed.

“We are thrilled to have these ponies going to the zoo to promote the wonderful temperaments of hardy Dartmoor ponies and to showcase them to a huge audience,” she said.

Continued below…

(Image credit: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo)

Pony poo power harnessed to improve life for birds

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(Image credit: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo)

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(Image credit: ZSL Whipsnade Zoo)

To prepare them for their new role at the zoo, the ponies were handled by Mr Whitley’s family with help from Dru. The handling and castration of the ponies was paid for by the Elise Pilkington Charitable Trust.

“We made sure they were desensitised, the family took them for walks, groomed them all over and picked out their hooves,” she said. “They are super quality ponies. It will be wonderful for us to watch their progress alongside other rare breeds at Whipsnade and we’ll be keeping in touch with them for regular updates.”

Animal Manager Matt Webb said: “We are delighted to be welcoming these two Dartmoor ponies to Hullabazoo Farm at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo, where so many children and families will be able to watch and enjoy them.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Pony poo power harnessed to improve life for birds

Eleanor Jones — Sat, 24 Apr 2021 10:02:30 +0000

The RSPB is harnessing the power of pony poo to help improve life for birds and other wildlife at its headquarters.

Six Dartmoor ponies – Kevin, Pook, Podkin, Barramoor Tom, Black Magic and Roger – have moved to The Lodge nature reserve, Bedfordshire, to help restore the space for invertebrates and birds, “through their grazing, trampling and poo”.

An RSPB spokesman said: “Their pooing style is an essential skill set.

“Dartmoor ponies are an endangered native breed prized for their hardiness, even temperament, and ability to eat plants that other ponies and horses might balk at. This ability to nip, nibble, and stamp thick gorse and brambles brings in light and opens up whole new pathways for them to poo in. This creates space for plants to grow, and their poo provides food for insects and bugs which themselves are tasty morsels for reptiles and birds.”

The Lodge warden Alan Kell said the team has had to use diggers and mowers to try to recreate what the ponies do naturally.

“So asking the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust for help in recruiting some new team members made a lot of sense,” he said. “They’re settling in nicely, and I can’t wait to see how they reinvigorate the reserve.”

Mr Kell thanked the trust for its efforts, and asked visitors to The Lodge not to approach the ponies.

Trust co-founder Dru Butterfield said: “We are thrilled to have Dartmoor ponies at the heart of the RSPB for conservation grazing. They are being used for a very important piece of habitat management. Visitors will be able to see these beautiful animals doing what they do best, creating fantastic habitats for wildlife as they do all over Dartmoor.”

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The ponies will stay at The Lodge for some months, then go back to Dartmoor in the autumn.

Rare Breed Survival Trust chief executive Christopher Prince said: “The Dartmoor pony has been part of our history since at least the middle ages, originally working in the tin mines and then, before mechanisation took over, in farming. So we need to conserve it, for all the same reasons we conserve other animals.

“Thankfully the Dartmoor still has an important role to play. Being small and hardy, it is a great breed for grazing poor-quality forage, so I hope other landowners will be similarly inspired to consider using native breeds.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

At home with native pony breeders Julian Walters and David Hodge

Rebecca Haywood — Mon, 12 Apr 2021 11:00:48 +0000

The duo on a mission to breed “proper”, true-to-type natives for the ridden market talk to Rebecca Haywood about their greatest achievements and plans for the future

A FARMING couple with a passion for promoting the versatility of the British native breeds have not let the global pandemic stand in the way of their ever-growing breeding mission. Despite last year’s showing plans being scuppered by Covid, Julian Walters and David Hodge have carried on at home with as much determination as ever.

Their breeding programme, which began with the Shetland pony, continues to evolve and the pair have recently turned their focus to the Dartmoor and Exmoor breeds, too. The sheep and cattle farmers, who are panel judges on both the Shetland Pony Stud-Book Society and the Dartmoor Pony Society, can look back on pre-Covid years with a huge sense of pride.

Not only have Julian and David achieved some enviable successes in the ring – including three Olympia best of breed titles and two wins of the Kellythorpe Stud Shetland sire of the year award with one of their top sires, Newbarn Piran – but they made history in 2016 when their Shetland mare, Sharptor Trinity, became the first of her breed in 30 years to contest the Cuddy in-hand final. Trinity took the reserve spot in the pony section of the final at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2016 and 2017, having also finished second at the Birmingham venue under saddle as a lead-rein in 2013.

“The Cuddy is the ultimate for breeders and it became our obsession,” admits Julian. “We were determined to qualify a Shetland and we travelled miles and miles, and did years of county shows. To qualify at Pembrokeshire County Show that first time was the greatest achievement for us, showing that if you work hard enough, you reap your rewards.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Other ponies propelling the stud into the limelight include Sharptor Bellisima, who won the first ridden final at the Royal International (RIHS) in 2016 and finished second in the open small breeds class at HOYS the year before. In 2019, David and Julian landed three breed accolades at the National Pony Society (NPS) summer championship show, with Sharptor Kittiwake also winning the NPS silver medal final. Kittiwake is a daughter of Schivas Kirsty, who won the NPS gold medal in 2012.

THE couple’s home is a 1,500-acre farm in the Dartmoor National Park, near Yes Tor, the second highest point on Dartmoor. The yard stands at 1,400 feet.

“Our ground actually runs higher than that,” says Julian, who met David in 1998. The pair were involved in livestock showing and met through mutual friends. David is the seventh generation to take over the family farm and it was his father, John, who started the Shetland pony stud, breeding under the Halstock prefix.

“I had already established the Shetlands when I met Julian; my father registered the first one in 1967,” says David, who started to source fresh bloodlines and stallions in the 1990s, many of which were miniature Shetlands. “In the year 2000, we did our first show and came home with a champion and reserve. This first outing kickstarted a new love of showing ponies.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The couple continue to farm pedigree Belted Galloway cattle and pedigree sheep, including Valais Blacknose.

“When you start breeding, you’re constantly looking for ways to make the next generation better than the last,” says Julian, who notes that they regularly travel the country visiting Shetland studs to develop their breeding programme. “We search for both pedigrees we like and breed type. We try out different breeding lines, too. We particularly favour the Southley bloodlines, which are put across some of the established black Shetland lines. This blood has clicked for us.”

Julian is quick to credit Bob and Dorothy Griffiths – breeders of their prolific stallion Ladbury Rembrant – who gave them the opportunity to acquire more good bloodstock.

“Rembrant is the sire of Sharptor Trinity and Sharptor Armani, as well as numerous other county show winners,” says Julian, who explained they found late chestnut stallion Newbarn Piran at a stud in Shetland. Piran originates from Southley bloodlines and is the sire of Sharptor Bellisima and Sharptor Silver Skyline, two ponies who qualified for the 2019 HOYS mountain and moorland lead-rein final.

“We discovered some exceptional mares at the Schivas stud,” says David. “Some of these have been successful in the show ring, but have also bred exceptional offspring for us.”

Adds Julian: “What makes the UK unique is the variety of ponies. We love to promote the versatility of the breeds, especially the Shetland – their pedigrees go back to one of the oldest UK studbooks.”

JULIAN and David started to dip their toes into Dartmoor breeding in 2011 with their first Dartmoor foal, Blackertor Moorcroft, being registered in 2014.

“When we ventured into Dartmoors, we were fortunate to find some super ponies,” says David. “We didn’t realise how small the gene pool is. We brought a stallion over from Switzerland; he had old British lines that had been lost here.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Julian – who has taken the in-hand championship at the Dartmoor breed show three times with three different ponies – adds: “The sire who has been the most instrumental here is Shilstone Rocks Rain Man; we bought him as a foal from Elizabeth Newbolt-Young and had great success with him right from the beginning. He’s been supreme champion at the breed show and has been champion at four Dartmoor society star shows.”

The Exmoor is still relatively new to David and Julian. Their interest was sparked when David saw Blackthorn Poldark for sale as a foal on social media. Now aged five, Poldark will be out under saddle this term after a strong in-hand career.

“We’ve had to source some wives for Poldark; one notable mare is Bluebarn Nancy who won the Exmoor championship for us at the NPS championships in 2019,” says David.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The stud set-up consists of a combination of old stone buildings that have been adapted to stables, mainly for the stallions, and two American barns with internal stabling, for the mares and youngstock. David and Julian breed around 45 foals a year. They are a combination of all three breeds, but the majority is made up of standard Shetlands.

“Our grazing is suited to native ponies, especially the small breeds, as the land is not the best quality,” says Julian. “Our ponies run in small herds all year, aside from covering time. We’re lucky we never have any ponies suffer from laminitis. The fact they have quite large expanses of land to move on is the reason why they have such free movement, too.”

DAVID and Julian are helped by full-time groom, Stacey Palmer, who has been with them for 15 years. There are two part-time grooms, Conlaed Hooper and Ruby Collyer. The ridden ponies are in production with Jessica Talbot in Somerset.

“Due to the height of the farm, we produce our show team indoors for the early county shows,” says Julian. “We bring our show prospects in around January or February and start the feeding, rugging and grooming to get them ready for our first major show, which is usually Royal Windsor.

“We rough the ponies off in the winter; we believe in stripping them back then starting afresh in the new year. We aim to apply fresh condition by recommencing feeding in the new year for a topline. We are pretty old-school; we make our own mix from straights. Last year, due to the pandemic, we ended up turning the show ponies back out in April,” adds Julian.

“This was really heartbreaking after putting so much effort into them,” says David, who admits they are behind this year due to the uncertainty surrounding the competition season. “It was hard not to have the shows last year and not see everyone, but it was great to be able to catch up with things on the farm.”

Adds Julian: “It’s been an amazing year for pony sales, too, so it’ll be interesting to see if the trade stays as buoyant this year.”

Sharptor Trinity – Shetland Champion (Image credit: creditUnknown)

With hopes that we will get some form of showing term in 2021, David and Julian are looking forward to watching ponies they’ve bred out both in-hand and under saddle.

“We love being involved with these ponies in the show ring,” enthuses Julian. “Our main aim in life is to breed a pony that oozes breed type and quality but can ultimately perform and succeed under saddle.”

Four to watch

SHARPTOR TRICOLORE

Six-year-old bay Shetland stallion

Sire: Sharptor Laser Red

Dam: Sharptor Trinity

Julian says: “Tricolore is being produced by Jessica Talbot under saddle this year. He has the movement of his mother and is a very exciting prospect.”

BLACKERTOR MAGNETO

Seven-year-old black Shetland stallion

Sire: Clivocast Napolean

Dam: Bayview Maggie May

David says: “He had great success in 2018 and his foals from last year are making impressive yearlings. He is the one we have high hopes for.”

BLACKERTOR MERCURY

Three-year-old bay Dartmoor colt

Sire: Shilstone Rocks Rain Man

Dam: Newoak Myth

David says: “He was champion foal at the breed show in 2018 and we hope he’ll follow in his sire’s footsteps.”

SHARPTOR DIVINE

Nine-year-old black Shetland mareSire: Sharptor PredatorDam: Danethorpe DeliaJulian says: “Divine is the broodmare who has been waiting in the wings. She was shown successfully as a junior and was due to come out last year.”

This feature is also available to read in this Thursday’s H&H magazine (8 April, 2021)

Visitors warned: ‘look but don’t touch’ as ponies on Dartmoor develop strangles

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 17 Feb 2021 13:04:01 +0000

VISITORS to Dartmoor have been urged to “look but don’t touch” the ponies, as some are carrying strangles.

The Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society and the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust have issued a joint statement asking people to “enjoy the herds from a distance”.

The affected animals are being monitored, and with higher visitor numbers expected to the moors as soon as lockdown restrictions ease, and as spring approaches, the charities are hoping people respect their plea.

Livestock protection officer Karla McKechnie said: “We are aware that a number of ponies on Dartmoor currently have strangles. Infected animals are being monitored by their owners and by myself.

“In order to help contain the spread of the disease we are urging all visitors to the moor not to go near or touch the ponies.

“Strangles is highly infectious and transmitted via contact and we need everyone to work with us in helping to prevent its spread.”

The statement, aimed at visitors and the general public, explains the nature of strangles and its transmission, which can occur through indirect contact, even via cars.

“This is a challenging disease to manage and eradicate because infected horses and ponies become carriers, where even though they appear healthy and show no outward signs, they can be intermittently infective to other ponies,” the statement reads.

The charities are also urging the public not to be tempted to feed the ponies.

Continues below…

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

‘It could have been fatal’: Dartmoor foal found with dog poo bag stuck in its mouth

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Strong evidence in support of new strangles vaccination

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“There have been a number of reported cases countrywide of horses and ponies choking to death when they’ve been fed unsuitable food,” Karla said.

“Feeding of ponies has been directly linked to an increase in pony-related road accidents by encouraging them to the roadside in the expectation of being fed. Our message is to admire the ponies from a distance.”

Anyone worried about a pony looking ill can call Karla on 07873 587561.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Dartmoors from Australia, New Zealand and US compete with British-bred ponies in online ‘extravaganza’

Sarah Radford — Fri, 01 Jan 2021 13:09:49 +0000

Two Dartmoor enthusiasts who organised an online showing “extravaganza” were astonished to attract competitors from as far afield as Australia, New Zealand and America.

The show’s organisers were among many to turn to virtual classes while events have been suspended owing to the coronavirus but were still surprised to receive more than 100 entries.

As well as giving amateur and professional producers from all over the world the chance to share images of their ponies, the show also raised money for organisations supporting the Dartmoor breed.

One of the organisers, Debbie Roberts-Jones, said she had seen that virtual showing had been embraced by the Exmoor and Dales pony societies and wanted to do something similar for the Dartmoors.

“Lisa Howarth-Podesta already had a platform for online showing with her Giddy Up Online Showing Facebook group and together we tested the water with a Dartmoor only online show, in aid of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust. We raised over £600 for them during the first coronavirus lockdown in the spring,” Debbie said.

“This autumn we decided to run another online show and to donate profits to the Dartmoor Pony Society, as shows were abandoned and any income from events completely wiped out. We expect to donate more than £500.”

Debbie, who works part-time in Morrisons, added that they were keen to encourage amateur competitors, and she had won the two- and three-year-old colt class herself with her home-produced Sam, who was also reserve youngstock champion.

“I live in north Shropshire, so having the opportunity, even if it is just via a photograph, of a Dartmoor Pony Society panel judge assessing him and placing him highly, gave me the faith to continue,” she said

She added that it was “fantastic” that ponies from Australia were able to compete against ponies from the Britain.

“Each entrant was given a number and photos were cropped to remove handlers to ensure anonymity if possible,” she said.

“Whilst it is not ideal and nothing like the real thing, at least we seemed to achieve some of the excitement and joy that a live competition gives and it felt like we had at least got our ponies seen.

Continued below…

(Image credit: Allan Brown)

Boom in native pony sales despite pandemic

(Image credit: Allan Brown)

The Dartmoor pony: the ‘perfect child’s pony’ from the south west

Find out everything you need to know about this native breed

(Image credit: Allan Brown)

“The camaraderie among everyone involved really warmed us over this bleak time and certainly gave us a sense of achievement that we had brought Dartmoor pony enthusiasts together when we couldn’t be together physically.”

Dartmoor Pony Society chairman Sue Martin said 12 months ago she would have been hesitant about the popularity of online showing and “never imagined” so many people would take it up.

“We’re so grateful for the support and say a big thank you to Debbie and Lisa, the judges and competitors,” she added.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Boom in native pony sales despite pandemic

Sarah Radford — Sat, 28 Nov 2020 12:06:42 +0000

Horse prices seem to be strong across the UK this year. H&H looks into how this trend has been affecting native pony sales

THIS autumn’s native pony sales have achieved some of the strongest turnover in decades, echoing what appears to be a boom in horse prices across the UK.

The Fell Pony Society’s annual sale on 31 October also achieved the strongest prices for many years, with Townend Oran, a black mare put forward by Mrs E Robinson of Penrith, selling for 3,700 guineas.

Foals were particularly popular, with almost 100% sold. Fillies averaged £1,296 and colts £965. The Potter family’s grey colt Greenholme Olaf, sired by Greenholme Diego, was the top lot in this section, going for 2,200 guineas.

The pandemic led some pony societies to switch to online-only bidding, which attracted a wider audience.

At the 61st annual Shetland pony sale in Lerwick, Scotland, on 2 October, the number of registered bidders more than doubled this year from 36 to 84.

Auctioneers Shetland Livestock Marketing Group (SLMG) and Aberdeen and Northern Marts (ANM) achieved an average price of 624 guineas, up from 375 guineas last year. All 41 ponies sold, 33 during online bidding. The hammer fell at 3,100 guineas for top lot Bergli Lanca, a six-year-old skewbald miniature mare from Norway.

“The sale was exceptionally good this year,” Sheena Anderson, chairman of the Pony Breeders in Shetland Association, told H&H. “We had fewer lots, in part because we held a select sale last year, but although numbers were down, the quality wasn’t.”

The pandemic forced the cancellation of the New Forest Beaulieu Rd drift sale, which was rescheduled for November before the second lockdown pushed back the date. A sale hosted by Southern Counties Auctioneers was due to take place online from 2 December, dependent on restrictions.

Rendell’s sale of Dartmoor Hill Ponies in Chagford (8 October) also enjoyed success; 100% of stock sold for an average £178 – a marked turnaround from 2013, when only 32% sold, at an average of £18.The top price was £1,491 for a coloured filly from Mr A Steed, who averaged £909 per animal. The drift sale’s success has been attributed in part to an increased appreciation of the ponies’ value and the impact of the pandemic on people’s lives and interests.

“I realised there was a wave of interest before the sale as we had a lot of enquiries, but I was still nervous,” the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association’s Charlotte Faulkner told H&H. “People have begun to realise the ponies are worth their weight in gold, and the buyers were all knowledgable homes.

“When people pay more for a pony, they invest more time in it and treat it with more respect, and a better pony is produced.”

9 novice ponies set to make waves in the show ring this season

Alex Robinson — Tue, 11 Feb 2020 08:24:41 +0000

Heading out with a novice pony this year? Check out these 9 potential super stars you could be standing next to in the line-up.

Which combinations do you think will take the show scene by storm?

1. Bluehaven Rock Goddess

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Victoria Costello’s six-year-old home-bred Welsh section C mare will be entering her first ridden proper show season with producer Lauren Beaumont.

“Bambi, as she is known at home, has had a successful in-hand career up until she was a three-year-old winning multiple bronze and silver medals,” says Victoria. “She competed lightly under saddle last year and she will be produced by Lauren for the foreseeable future. As her breeders, myself and my parents are very much looking forward to watching her out under saddle.”

2. Lindeth Whistleblower

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Sam Bently, age 12, will be making his debut with his novice five-year-old 14hh show hunter pony.

“Sam has won the Royal International (RIHS) twice and is looking forward to getting his new pony out this year,” says Sam’s mum Nicola. “They are coming along much quicker than we anticipated which is credit to his producer, Charley Baxter, and also the temperament of the pony.”

3. Moin na Guise Paddy

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Despite being 10, the scopey Connemara will be hitting the working hunter circuit for the first time during 2020. Ridden by 14-year-old Soffia Cynwyl, Paddy has had two double clears in the British novice show jumping classes and has qualified for the NSEA Arena Eventing Championship representing Cardigan secondary school.

“Paddy is a real character and makes us laugh,” says Soffia’s mum Anwen Francis.

4. Loughmore Rebel

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

The four-year-old class one Connemara stallion owned by Steph Peto is set to have a bright future under saddle. He had multiple successes in-hand as a three-year-old including taking reserve supreme at the Connemara breed show and youngstock supreme at NCPA Pony of the Year show.

“We are extremely excited to get him out under saddle this year,” enthuses Steph.

5. Redshaw Romeo

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Phil Creighton and team will be producing the four-year-old intermediate show hunter for owner and rider Hazel Noble.

“He has been a winner in-hand and has been now been broken,” explains Phil. “He is a wonderful young horse and is going amazingly.”

6. Glenkyle Swallow

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Kelsey Walker’s novice four-year-old Connemara will be making a ridden debut with Emma Boardman who is currently breaking the mare.

“We bought her as a three-year-old old from Jackie Parry,” said Kelsey. “Swallow was very lightly shown in-hand last year with great success being supreme in-hand NCPA Northern Spectacular.”

7. Gigman Babylonian

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Alicia Thomas will be riding her own Palomino Welsh section B in novice small breeds ranks this term.

“I’ve waited so long for a palomino section B to come along so this is a very exciting season for me,” says Alicia. “He attended his first show and started off his season just how we wanted, with a win.”

8. Brandreth Just Fine

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Ferdi — as he is known at home — was bought by Sue Plevin as a suprise for her daughter Emily’s 21st birthday. The five-year-old by Fortino will contest a handful of novice intermediate show riding type classes.

“We really think a lot of him and are very excited to bring him out this season,” says Steven Hulston of the Cuddington Stud, who will be producing him this year.

9. Shilstone Rocks River Dart

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

After the retirement of her big winner Shilstone Rocks North Westerly, Chloe Chubb has a new Dartmoor stallion from the same stud waiting in the wings.

“I have him on loan as they want him back to breed from eventually but the plan is to get him out under saddle in 2020,” says Chloe. “He is by Shilstone Rocks Snow Goose who I rode at HOYS to be fourth many years ago. He is a scopey Dartmoor with a good amount of limb. He is very laid back about it all and if he can do half as well as his dad and Windy, I’ll be happy.”

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Two leading native ponies to bow out at Olympia

Alex Robinson — Wed, 11 Dec 2019 13:01:14 +0000

While the Olympia International Horse Show signals the end of the season for the showing community, this year’s fixture will also mark the end of an era for two of the country’s best-loved and succesful natives who will be retiring from the ridden show circuit.

The prolific Welsh section B stallion Cadlanvalley Buzby — reserve at Olympia last term — will have his final ping around the London arena with Libby Grota, while Chloe Chubb will pilot Dartmoor stallion Shilstone Rocks North Westerly for the crowds one last time.

Shilstone Rocks North Westerly with Chloe Chubb (Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Both ponies have phenomneal tallies under saddle. Buzby, now aged 10, rocketed to fame when he scooped the open ridden championship at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in 2016 with Katy Marriot-Payne.

He has since been known for his parntership with Libby Grota, the granddaughter of his breeders Yvonne and Howell Davies. Libby and Buzby were crowned young rider champions at the Royal International (RIHS) last season and stood second at HOYS in October. Buzby has also won the National Welsh section B Brynseion final three times and was supreme Heritage champion at the BSPS summer championships.

“I knew he was going to be a superstar as he took to the ridden job like a duck to water,” said Libby’s mother Hayley Grota. “He won HOYS as a five-year-old and then the following season he was champion there. We’ve decided to retire him because we asked ‘what more can he win for us?’

“I want him to be remembered as the golden boy he is. He’s an outstanding sire and as he’s being ridden we haven’t used him on our mares to his full potential. We’ve also got two younger Cadlanvalleys to come out and we feel they will also have fantastic careers ahead of them.”

Dartmoor Shilstone Rocks North Westerly (Windy) will also bow out at the top. The 12-year-old has won HOYS on three seperate occassions, in 2016, 2018 and 2019. He has also recieved top placings at the RIHS, been best of breed at Olympia and qualifed for the Cuddy in-hand final, standing third in the final as an eight-year-old.

Owned by Lynda Calcutt, Windy has been ridden by Chloe since he was five.

“The first show we took him to I went into the HOYS class and I ended up standing next to him with his bridle in my hand,” said Chloe. “Windy is what can be described as ‘cold-backed’. He has never changed but I am so used to him now.

Continues below…

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Olympia M&M ride judge Nigel Hollings’ top tips for success

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(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

Henrietta Knight: crowning a worthy native champion at Olympia H&H VIP

Olympia M&M conformation judge and successful Connemara breeder Henrietta Knight shares her views on this prestigious class

(Image credit: Peter Nixon)

“That first time winning HOYS was like no other; we always knew he was a champion it just took us a while to get there.

“He is certainly a pony who likes to keep you on your toes; he has managed to deposit two substitute riders in championships over his years. He has taught me to stick a pony well as he is often scared by different colour patches of grass, or particular leaves while out hacking.

“I can’t explain how much I will miss him as a partner in crime, there is never a dull moment with him in your life but what else does he have to prove. I am hoping one day his son might follow in his footsteps.”

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‘It could have been fatal’: Dartmoor foal found with dog poo bag stuck in its mouth

Eleanor Jones — Wed, 29 May 2019 16:59:59 +0000

Pictures of a Dartmoor foal with a bag of dog poo stuck in its mouth have gone viral – but this is just one example of a widespread issue.

Pam Clifford, who volunteers with the Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony group, was checking this year’s youngsters on the moor on 14 May as part of the Dartmoor foal watch initiative.

She told H&H she photographs the foals as part of the project, and posts them online, which can help find them homes after weaning.

“I’d taken one picture of the foal lying down, then went to take one from another angle, turned round and thought ‘oh my god’,” Mrs Clifford said.

“I went back across and tried to get hold of the bag but he just went zooming off. I tried my best but there was no way I could catch him, so I got hold of the local pony keeper, who lives nearby, and she came out and got the bag out of his mouth.”

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

Mrs Clifford was unable to get close enough to the foal to check, but believes the bag was stuck as it was still there when the keeper arrived.

“It could have been fatal if he’d swallowed it,” she said.

“But it wasn’t just that one; the keeper picked up about 14 other bags of poo while she was there.”

Mrs Clifford said walkers’ leaving bagged poo behind is a major issue locally.

“It’s not just up on Plaster Down, it’s all over,” she said. “There’s an airfield, where ponies graze, there are bags hanging from trees and fences, and it happens in the New Forest, Wales, everywhere.

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“There are also people who dump huge piles of grass cuttings for the ponies to eat, boxes of apples; they just don’t think, and it can all be fatal.

“I just want to do anything to help spread the word.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

The future of Team GB? Watch this 10-year-old jockey and her 11hh pony take on some serious cross-country fences…

Alex Robinson — Wed, 27 Feb 2019 16:24:34 +0000

While most 10-year-old jockeys are navigating around nursery stakes courses, one plucky young rider and her pint-sized Dartmoor pony are taking on fences some adult riders would baulk at.

Claudia Groves and her 11hh black gelding, Roseashes Trew (Trooper), quickly captured the hearts of the internet when Claudia’s mum Sam shared a video of them jumping around a sizeable cross-country course at Dene Farm in Hampshire over the half term holidays.

The pair are seen flying over an array of rustic fences, including logs, skinny brushes and chunky oxers, the pony never faltering in his approach and Claudia showing a technique and eye for a line expected of someone well beyond her years.

“Surprisingly, Trooper wasn’t always like this,” said Sam, of the 15-year-old pony the family have owned for three-and-a-half years. “He has had quite a few homes. We bought him quite cheaply as Claudia’s first pony and he has really made her into the rider she is today. He used to have a really dirty stop and be quite a picky jumper as he got anxious at events.

“They have established a great partnership over the past six months. He is a super all-rounder and at home in the school, she regularly jumps him over a meter, riding bareback.

“Claudia works so hard, come rain or shine, and puts a lot of effort in to her ponies. I teach her myself at home. One thing people always comment on is her attitude; she is a very sympathetic rider and is always positive and polite.”

As well as competing in the show ring at national level, Claudia has more recently made a foray into the world of Shetland pony racing and competed at Liverpool last year.

“She has been asked to ride several ponies in the show ring and while she loves showing, I think she has her sights set on the eventing world,” added Sam. “Her passion lies in horses and her ultimate goal in life is to ride for the British Team. I don’t think she’ll ever give up until she’s got that union Jack.”

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

The Dartmoor pony: the ‘perfect child’s pony’ from the south west

Horse & Hound — Thu, 20 Dec 2018 12:24:09 +0000

The Dartmoor pony is the native breed of the county of Devon in the south west of England. The ponies have been recorded living on the moors of Dartmoor since the middle ages, meaning they have developed to be hardy and resilient. They cannot exceed 12.2hh and can be bay, brown, black, grey, chestnut, roan. Piebalds, skewbalds and spotted ponies are not allowed.

The Dartmoor Pony Society (DPS) represents the pedigree Dartmoor pony, but there are many ponies living out on Dartmoor of all sizes and colours, most of unknown breeding. These are typically described as Dartmoor Hill Ponies.

The DPS states that: “The true-to-type Dartmoor Pony with known breeding is recognised as a rare breed by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust and is typical of the ponies seen in the show ring at county shows throughout the United Kingdom.”

The breed standard of the Dartmoor Pony is as follows:

Colour: A certain amount of white is and always has been acceptable. Excessive white markings to be discouraged. (e.g. Acceptable – small sock to fetlock, small star or snip. Not Acceptable – White blaze, stripe and any stockings)

Neck and head: The head is small and bloodlike, reasonably short from eye to muzzle and without much tapering to the nose. The ears are small and alert and the eyes fairly large giving the pony a kindly interested expression. It should be well set on a good neck of medium length. The throat and jaws should be fine and showing no signs of coarseness or throatiness. Stallions to have a moderate crest.

Shoulders: Good shoulders are most important. They should be well laid back and sloping, but not too fine at the withers.

Body: Of medium length and strong, well ribbed up with a good depth of girth giving plenty of heart room.

Loin and hindquarters: Strong and well covered with muscle. The hind quarters should be of medium length and neither level nor steeply sloping. The tail is well set up.

Limbs: The forelegs should not be tied in at the knee. The fore-arm should be muscular and relatively long and the knee fairly large and flat at the front. The cannons should be short with ample good, flat bone. The pasterns should be sloping but not too long. The feet should be hard and well shaped. The hocks should be well let down with plenty of length from hip to hock, clean cut and with plenty of bone below the hock. They should have a strong second thigh. They should not be sickled or cow-hocked.

Movement: Low and straight coming from the shoulder with good hock action but without exaggeration.

The breed standard also states that the Dartmoor makes a very good looking riding pony, and should be sturdily built yet with quality, like a scaled down middleweight hunter. The mane and tail should be full and flowing. The general impression given by a Dartmoor is of a well made, quality pony with ample bone which stands over plenty of ground.

The DPS has a grading system for stallions which can become premium or super premium through the progeny they have sired winning at the society’s star shows.

Dartmoor ponies were originally used to carry tin from the mines, for farm work and as pack-horses for transporting goods.

In the 1920s, Prince Edward (Edward VIII) kept and bred Dartmoor ponies near Princetown and crossed them with Arab ponies with the aim of producing a finer polo pony. Dartmoor ponies were originally recorded in the Polo Pony Society Stud Book, then in the stud books of the National Pony Society from 1898 and then in 1924 the DPS was created and took over the maintenance of the stud book.

The Dartmoor is listed as a rare breed as there are less than 1,000 breeding mares remaining.

Today, the Dartmoor pony is seen as an excellent child’s pony, although they are also ridden by small adults.

PUMPHILL BUCKTHORNSARAH PARKER (Image credit: Lucy Merrell)

In 2010 and 2011, two Dartmoor ponies consecutively landed the Olympia M&M supreme title. The 2010 champion was Sue Hughes’ black stallion Pumphill Buckthorn (above) who had won the overall M&M ridden pony of the year title at HOYS three months before. The following year, Christine Anderson’s bay stallion Rushfield Bailey was crowned champion.

For all the latest equestrian news and reports, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday

Move over, Rudolph: star driving pony called in to help Father Christmas

Lucy Elder — Mon, 26 Nov 2018 18:44:05 +0000

A driving pony is putting his training to a very special use as he prepares to help Father Christmas this December.

Dartmoor pony Chinkwell Basil has given Rudolph the boot and will be receiving visitors at the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust Centre open day on 8 December.

The pony was born on the commons, near Widecombe, and was bred by Margaret Rogers and Michael Lamb of Higher Venton Farm.

Dartmoor pony and driving enthusiast Trisha Luxton bought him and broke him to harness before he was sold to David and Denise Browne three years ago.

“Basil” is driven by the Brownes’ granddaughter, 16-year-old Isobel Wesbroom-Warr, who has competed internationally with the pony.

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“Basil is just incredible”, said Isobel.

“He is 13 years old and has become very accomplished in his lifetime. With Trisha he completed a John O’Groats to Land’s End charity drive with his half-brothers William and Archie.”

Isobel and Basil competed at the FEI youth driving European Championships in Hungary this year.

“We think that’s a pretty amazing achievement for a little pony bred in the wilds of Dartmoor,” Isobel added.

“We are very proud of this much-loved family pony who loves life and is a personable character with the heart of a lion.

“He is going to love being a ‘Dartmoor reindeer’ and we are honoured to have been asked to help Father Christmas!”

Santa Claus, Isobel and Basil will be meeting visitor between 11am and 2pm on the open day at Parke in Bovey Tracey.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

Petition calls on Defra to end potentially ‘devastating’ red tape

Sarah Radford — Sun, 04 Nov 2018 15:42:17 +0000

A Dartmoor hill pony owner has launched a petition calling on Defra to review its new equine ID regulations after the struggles faced at this year’s drift sale.

Up to 250 foals were left potentially facing being shot after the government body introduced new rules days before the annual sale at Chagford (11 October) was due to take place.

New regulations meant ponies from semi-feral herds — who only require microchips and passports if they leave their native environments — be given passports as soon as they left the sale ring.

Organisers feared the auction would be cancelled, and the foals left without buyers, owing to the impracticalities of getting vets to draw up that many silhouettes in such a short space of time.

Last-minute efforts from Charlotte Faulkner and the Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony meant a Perspex “photobooth” was created on site, which allowed for vets to draw up accurate silhouettes after the ponies had been sold.

Emily Dorman-O’Gowan, who bought a foal at the sale, has created a petition to ask Defra to change what she considers to be “nightmare” process.

“The fact Charlotte managed to do what she did was tantamount to moving heaven and earth, there is no other way of describing it, the whole thing was unbelievable,” said Emily, who was visiting the sale for the first time. “Pet ID is now being left to process 250 passports in a matter of days.”

Emily also described how meeting Defra’s conditions had involved the additional movement of animals who were unused to handling.

“They are six months old and wild. My pony had obviously had minimal contact with humans— you’re talking about the adrenaline levels of little babies taken from herds and their mothers and then herded through the system,” she said.

“The people who handle them at the sales are incredible, the animals all looked fabulous and everything was done as expertly as it could be, but you’re still talking about wild ponies who are terrified.”

Emily bought a coloured filly for £80 — the top lot from that breeder — and said that Defra’s rules could easily undermine the progress that has been made in recent years in ensuring a future for these herds.

“The money is barely worth getting them to the sale as it is. If it becomes too difficult to process them through the sale ring you worry they aren’t going to bother bringing them,” she said.

“I have another Dartmoor hill pony that my four-year-old son has broken in himself — that’s the kind of pony and temperament we’re talking about. We’re risking losing such a great children’s pony that’s part of our heritage and wildlife. If Defra’s red tape puts paid to that it would be devastating.”

Continues below…

(Image credit: Emily Fleur Photography)

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Defra said it ran an open public consultation prior to the changes, but the Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony, the auctioneers and the relevant passport-issuing authorities all said they had not been approached for their views.

Speaking to H&H last month, Charlotte Faulkner said they had known nothing about the legislation prior to its release on Oct 1.

“We will have to go back to them to get them to do something about this,” she said. “Wild ponies having to go through this process is ridiculous.”

H&H has approached DEFRA for comment.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

Celebrating Devon: 7 scrumptious Dartmoor ponies we’ve seen out and about this year

Alex Robinson — Sun, 24 Jun 2018 14:00:50 +0000

As Devon is crowned H&H magazine’s horsiest county, we celebrate the region’s native breed — the Dartmoor — by picking out seven stunning ponies who have shone in the show ring already this term.

Which one would be your dream ‘Dartie’?

1. Cayberry Pimpernel

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

This picture perfect lead rein pony was piloted by Kian Doherty to land the mini mountain and moorland (M&M) title at BSPS Area 1B.

2. Moortown Crusader

478 - MOORTOWN CRUSADER & David Jordan, Champion Dartmoor & Cuddy Champion (Image credit: www.hamishmitchellphotography.co)

Ensuring the breed retains its local form, the consistent stallion was overall in-hand supreme at Devon County Show for the second year running, booking his return ticket to the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) Cuddy final.

3. Hisley Carnival

BSPS Winter Champs 01.04.18 RIHS Heritage Pretty Polly Mini Champs.Champion No. 288 Hisley Carnival (Image credit: Trevor Meeks)

Partnered by Jemima Jewson, this gelding was overall mini M&M Royal International (RIHS) Pretty Polly champion at the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) winter championships.

4. Langworthy Swift Ghost

460 Langworthy Swift Ghost & Lizzie Houghton - Champion Ridden M & M (Image credit: Hamish Mitchell)

Lizzie Houghton rode her own successful mare to bag the overall M&M open ridden title at Royal Cornwall.

5. Langfield Lord Asriel

P(UK) Young & Amateur Riders M&M ChampionshipChampion 451Langfield Lord AsrielOlivia Taylor (Image credit: Real Time Imaging)

Ridden by Olivia Taylor, the gelding was overall RIHS young rider victor at North of England’s spring fixture. The pair also won their HOYS junior class at Royal Three Counties.

6. Newoak Gold Edition

1050 - NEWOAK GOLD EDITION & William Parkin, M & M Lead Rein (Image credit: www.hamishmitchellphotography.co)

William Parkin and this eight-year-old gelding cleaned up at Devon and Cornwall, landing M&M lead rein classes at both.

7. Vean Night Flight

Hilary Cowie Vean Night Flight (Image credit: BLM Photography)

At NPS Area 25, Hilary Cowie rode the RIHS young rider winner to bag a Hickstead place.

Don’t miss this week’s issue of Horse & Hound magazine (21 June 2018), to find out how your county fared

Dartmoors save the day when trek leader is taken ill

Sarah Radford — Sun, 27 May 2018 10:03:07 +0000

Two Dartmoor ponies demonstrated their impeccable temperaments, helping a group of diasadvantaged teenagers to complete a 15-mile moorland trek when their team leader suffered a sudden leg infection.

George and Smartie, who belong to the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, were taking part in the “Fresh Tracks” walk, which forms part of the British Army-organised Ten Tors challenge.

The Fresh Tracks programme caters for students who cannot tackle the full 35-55 mile, two-day hike but do not face the complex challenges of those taking part in the Jubilee Challenge, which is aimed at disabled teenagers.

“We were asked to set up the special Fresh Tracks category,” explained Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust spokesman Clare Stanton. “It runs as part of our Ponies Inspiring People programmes.

“We exist as a charity to promote and raise awareness of the ponies on the moor and show people why it’s important to keep them there and why we shouldn’t lose them.”

The programme invited 12 students from two local schools “with no pony experience or enthusiasm” to undertake a ten-week course in pony skills, moorland skills and first aid.

“We took 12 youngsters with no self-esteem, confidence or belief they could walk a mile let alone 15 miles across a rugged moorland landscape and also got them to camp out the night before,” said trek leader Dru Butterfield.

“Last Friday night (11 May) it was pouring with rain and cold and they were not in the best spirits. My night-before briefing was more of a bawling-out saying I was in doubt whether they were going to succeed.”

But it was experienced team leader Dru who nearly could not complete the challenge, as she nearly lost a pony and was then struck down with red and painful legs at mile four.

“We started out with helicopters giving us a wonderful display, eight paratroopers came down with Union Jacks and there was canon fire, and then nearly 3,000 very fit, well-trained and motivated teenagers leaving for the Ten Tors,” Dru said. “The two ponies had been incredibly well-behaved with all of that going on

“George did start side-stepping when the bagpipes started and I was thinking ‘I hope I can hold him’ when the halter decided to unclip. Fortunately with some help from our chairman Judy I managed to hold on and clip it back.

“We then led out the whole of the Jubilee Challenge with parents applauding, the local TV filming and bagpipes playing,” she said.

But as her students “started to get stronger”, Dru found herself getting increasingly weak.

“I know now I had a major infection in my legs,” she said. “Four miles in I had huge red swelling start but despite constant helicopters above us, the ponies kept us going.

“What we have on Dartmoor is a pony that evolved over many centuries a temperament and tenacity to deal with the terrain, an ability to deal with all sorts of environments and an ability to work with people. That particular day it got me ten miles in a lot of pain,” she said.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“I worked with a young man who held my hands last four miles while I was leaning across George and it got me through. I was in doubt if the kids would do it but on the day it was actually their trainer who nearly gave up. I’m normally chivvying them but in the end everyone was chivvying me.”

Not only did the normally tough Dru go down with an infection, but photographer Malcolm Snelgrove, who had been chronicling the programme, also suffered a low blood sugar episode.

“Malcolm had a stroke in November and it was his longest walk since recovering — he went low on sugar and had a blood pressure crash, so the two people who should know better made the whole thing much more dramatic!” Dru said. “He trains with the Bear Grylls team and is a real hard man and I’m usually pretty tough really!

Continues below…

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“I just want to pay enormous thanks to the ponies.”

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday.

In this week’s edition, out on 24 May, don’t miss our “cob special”, including how to find the perfect cob, meet champion cob Our Cashel Blue and more.

Four-legged local joins distillery team

Rachael Turner — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 15:55:06 +0000

A four-legged local has joined the team at a new Dartmoor distillery.

Bovey Tracey-based Dartmoor Whisky Distillery has adopted Dartmoor pony George of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT).

George will be attending a events at the distillery, including its “grand opening” this Easter.

“We are so pleased to have adopted little George,” said Greg Millar of the distillery.

“He’s a gorgeous pony and we’re glad to have him as the newest member of the team.”

The DHPT was established in 2005 in response to concern over the long-term survival of the Dartmoorpony.

Its work includes liaising with conservation bodies like the National Trust to place ponies for conservation grazing, working with special needs students and young people to help them develop life skills, and hosting educational initiatives to showcase the temperament and versatility of the breed.

“The Dartmoor pony is such an iconic representation of this land,” said Greg.

“So much so that a beautiful pony’s head is the main part of our logo. It is important we do all we can to conserve this rare breed and keep them roaming on Dartmoor for our children’s children to marvel at in the future.

“That is why we have chosen to make our chosen charity the DPHT and support the brilliant work they do here in the Dartmoor National Park, across the UK and beyond.”

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A DPHT spokesman added: “George is definitively a pony with character! He is brave and independent and is well known for taking the lead during Fresh Tracks, a special category of Ten Tors.”

Ten Tours is an annual Dartmoor challenge for teenagers in the south west of England.

Fresh Tracks is one of the DPHT’s “equine assisted learning programmes”, for which students train to gain the skills needed to navigate a walk of 10-15 miles over the moor, motivated by the ponies.

For all the latest news analysis, competition reports, interviews, features and much more, don’t miss Horse & Hound magazine, on sale every Thursday

‘Dartmoor has become Deathmoor’ as number of traffic collisions increases

Rachael Turner — Tue, 20 Jun 2017 16:16:21 +0000

Dartmoor has been branded “Deathmoor” owing to the increasing number of animals being fatally injured by motorists in the area.

Dartmoor Speedwatch Forum, a voluntary group founded last year to help improve road safety, used the term in an open letter urging drivers to take greater care.

The letter stated that it is the public’s use of the moor that is “killing Dartmoor’s natural habitat, ecology and unique place on this planet. It is rapidly becoming Deathmoor National Park”.

“We’re trying to make people aware that they must slow down and be aware of the animals,” forum secretary Julia Sanders told H&H.

“It has got worse over the last two years — more people are using the roads and not respecting the moor.

“It’s a 40mph speed limit but some people drive at 70-80mph.”

Out of control

Dartmoor livestock protection officer Karla McKechnie said that collisions between animals on the moor and vehicles are a growing problem.

“I really hope things will slow down, it got quite out of control last year,” she told H&H.

“We’re up against it in spring [with newborn animals] but also in autumn when it gets darker.”

She explained that ponies are also attracted to salt on the roads and the warmth of their surface, which is inviting to lie down on.

Ms McKechnie is also concerned that the animals are drawn to the roads by visitors feeding them treats.

“A coach pulled up on the moor recently and everyone came out and fed the ponies. There were 15 ponies on the road,” she said.

“It was almost as if they had visited Dartmoor to feed the ponies.”

She added that this behaviour has “serious” consequences and is damaging to the behaviour of the semi-feral ponies who are not meant to be tame.

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Dartmoor ponies face cull after funding crisis

Natural England has withdrawn £140,000 funding to help

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

‘To drive off and leave her in agony is unforgivable’: pony suffers broken legs in hit-and-run

A reward of up to £1,000 is on

(Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Pregnant mare and aborted foal die in horrific hit and run warning: graphic image

The mare was dragged some 20 metres by

Three mobile speed monitors have recently been installed by Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society, Dartmoor Forest Parish Council and Dartmoor National Park, in a bid to protect the animals.

The solar-powered monitors display the speed motorists are travelling and the speed they should be doing.

Ponies’ bodies left on roadside as warning to drivers

Rachael Turner — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 06:55:17 +0000

The owner of two Dartmoor ponies who were killed in road collisions left their bodies by the road as a warning to drivers.

Verity Nicholls breeds Dartmoors for conservation grazing and has a herd of around 50.

On Friday 10 February at 8.20pm a mare and gelding belonging to Verity were hit by a car and killed.

The ponies were struck on the B3212 between Yelverton and Princetown.

(Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Eight ponies have been killed already this year alone,” she told H&H.

“One gelding and one mare got killed earlier this month — this is a fairly regular occurrence.

“Although the B3212 has a 40mph speed limit, it is a fairly straight road and motorists speed and don’t look out for ponies crossing or stood on the road.”

Verity, who also trains point-to-pointers, left the ponies’ bodies by the side of the road for three days after the collision as a warning to drivers to take care.

She said she wanted to make drivers “moor aware”.

“Tonight I witnessed something I have never seem before,” she wrote on Facebook on the evening of the accident.

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“Two of our ponies were killed 37 metres apart by the same car.

“These ponies will be picked up on Monday.

“I’m sorry for the distressing scene but leaving them there will hopefully make more drivers ‘moor aware’.

‘I want to win the Champion Hurdle with a Dartmoor cross’

Caroline Bankes — Fri, 17 Jun 2016 05:58:20 +0000

A 12-year-old who dreams of becoming a professional jockey has had his best season’s pony racing on a part-bred Dartmoor.

Walter Fisher Barnett, 12, had one win and two placings on the west country circuit with Superman, a 128cm half-thoroughbred bred by his mother Amanda Fisher Barnett, a former point-to-point trainer.

“The flag went down and Superman just flew,” she said.

“Walt is tiny, but after his win this year he walked like someone 6ft tall.”

Sister Ruby, 10, has also been racing, been placed twice this season aboard March, who was born on the moor and was the family’s first racing pony.

Superman and the family’s 140cm Batman (pictured, below) were bred from mares born on the moor put to thoroughbred stallion Wide Valley Rainbow.

Picture credit Megan Cobley (Image credit: creditUnknown)

“Dartmoors are amazing, agile ponies and because I chose such a good stallion they all have a massive stride,” said Mrs Fisher Barnett, who is passionate about the breed and has 15 ponies altogether.

“They are underestimated. The Dartmoor pony can really change your life.”

The family have built a circuit on its 10-acre smallholding on Dartmoor on which the children practise, but nothing beats trotting up and down the Dartmoor hills for keeping the ponies racing fit.

Next season Robin and Spiderman, both five-year-olds, will be making their debut on the track.

“Batman is now teaching his younger brother Robin to gallop, along with Spiderman this summer, before going to the Newmarket racing school with the children,” Mrs Fisher Barnett said.

Walter, who passed his stage 3 pony racing training at Newmarket’s Racing School last summer, wants to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather Walter Fisher, a National Hunt jockey-turned trainer, and become a professional jockey.

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The young jockey is 4ft6in tall and weighs five stone, while his mother says he “diets and is fitness-mad“. Both children aim to become racing apprentices when they leave school.

And Mrs Fisher Barnett is working hard to make sure they have the horsepower.

“My aim is to win the Champion Hurdle with a thoroughbred with a strain of Dartmoor blood,” she said. “It is possible.”

‘It was devastating’: death of foal ‘rescued’ by well-meaning walkers

Caroline Bankes — Tue, 14 Jun 2016 11:49:21 +0000

Walkers have been warned not to touch foals on Dartmoor after a day-old colt died after being “rescued” by passers-by.

The dun colt was found on 27 May by a group near Sharp Tor.

Believing the foal had been abandoned by its mother, the walkers carried him over rough terrain for over an hour.

They left him beside Luckey Tor and went to the nearby Rugglestone Inn for help.

The landlord told them to call Charlotte Faulkner who runs the Friends of Dartmoor Hill Pony group.

Mrs Faulkner set off immediately with her daughter Storm to find the foal.

Unable to find him, the Faulkners knocked on the door of a farmhouse at the end of the track on which he had been left.

“We were getting desperate but they kindly came out with us to find him,” Mrs Faulkner told H&H.

“It was starting to get dark but we found the foal snuggled up by some bushes and carried him between us back to the farmhouse, put him in the Land Rover and brought him home.”

The foal was dehydrated and put straight on a bottle.

A two-day search for the mother was unsuccessful but the foal, named Billy, was doing well on two-hourly feeds.

Billy, credit Richard Austin (Image credit: Richard Austin)

But five days later, on 5 June, he died. “It was devastating,” said Mrs Faulkner.

She said this was the second time well-meaning members of the public had thought a foal had been abandoned, but that the mares will not leave them unless “something desperate has happened”.

“There are so many wonderful people who walk on Dartmoor but we must work as a team,” she said

“That means if you see something please take a note of the location and immediately contact us or the police.”

Anyone who comes across a foal in difficulty should take careful note of where it is then call the Dartmoor livestock protection officer on 07873 587561.

“She will ensure the correct actions for the wellbeing of that animal and involve the farmer who owns it. You can rest assured that it will looked after: taking it off the moor may not be in its best interests,” said Mrs Faulkner.

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Walkers are encouraged to post pictures of the foals on the Dartmoor foal watch Facebook page or the Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony website.

These can help find new homes for the 500-600 foals that come off the moor in the autumn drift to be weaned and find new homes.

About a third of these are sold at a pony sale in October and 10% go back into farmers’ herds.

The rest are either rehomed or put down as only a certain number are allowed to graze on the commons under the Natural England agreement.

Dartmoor ponies ‘changed people’s lives for the better’

Caroline Bankes — Sat, 14 May 2016 07:49:06 +0000

A new training project with Dartmoor ponies enabled teenagers with “challenging life issues” not only to complete the gruelling Ten Tors challenge but also to change their lives for the better.

A group of 16 young people aged 14 and 15 last weekend (7 May) took part in a ten-mile hike across the moor, along with ponies from the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT).

DPHT spokesman Clare Stanton said the teenagers had no equestrian experience before the challenge, and that most were scared of horses, but that eight weekly training sessions with the ponies, during which they learned how to care for and manage them, had built up their confidence and self-esteem.

Mrs Stanton said: “They went from no ability with ponies to being able to cope with them on open moorland at a major event.

“The challenge was for young people, who might have been absolutely petrified, to learn they could manage — and if they can manage ponies, they can manage themselves.”

The DPHT created the Fresh Tracks programme after being approached by the Army to provide opportunities for youngsters facing life issues to take part in Ten Tors.

A total of 400 teams of six face hikes of 34.45 or 55 miles across Dartmoor’s difficult terrain, carrying everything they need on their backs. The ten-mile route caters for less able young people.

The 16 students, from Teign and Ivybridge secondary schools and Ratcliffe and Oakland Park schools, trained on the moor with three Dartmoor ponies, all under 12.2hh.

(Image credit: Malcolm Snelgrove)

The ponies, Lark, Chatty and George had the qualities needed to help the students learn to cope, according to Mrs Stanton.

“These ponies were born and bred on Dartmoor so they have all the characteristics they need to survive,” Mrs Stanton said. “They passed these on to the young people, giving them confidence and determination, and the strength and motivation to complete the challenge.

“Two months earlier, most of these youngsters wouldn’t even have been able to go out of their front doors to look at Dartmoor, let alone walk on it, it was an enormous achievement. This has changed their lives.”

An assistant head teacher said: “Two months ago, if I had suggested to these lads that we walk 10 miles across Dartmoor, they would have laughed at me.

“Today, they didn’t just walk up and down the tors, they climbed mountains – in their minds – and came back asking to do it again.”

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One parent said of her son: “The change is incredible: he is so much more confident and comfortable with life; he is taking responsibility for himself and getting prepared for the day ahead; he doesn’t get so stressed and worried about every little thing that might happen.

“Our family life has improved so much you wouldn’t believe.”

“These youngsters worked hard to get here and deserve the chance to shine, as well as gaining new skills and a real sense of pride,” said Ten Tors organiser Lieutenant Colonel Peter Bates.

It is hoped the Fresh Tracks event can be extended and will become a regular element of Ten Tors.

Native ponies: what were they bred for?

Aimi Clark — Thu, 11 Feb 2016 08:25:41 +0000

Knowing what your native pony was bred for will enable you to show them off correctly in the show ring. From a fast but smooth walk perfect for ploughing fields or carrying large loads over great distances, to ground-covering trots ideal for shepherding sheep and hunting wolves, this is what native breeds were used for in bygone years:

Shetlands

Small but hardy, Shetland ponies were commonly used to transport peat from the bogs and seaweed to fertilise fields. Some also became pit ponies, or were used as pack animals.

Highlands

Highlands were bred to work on farms in their native Scotland. From carrying deer and game off the hills, to transporting timber and ploughing fields — these sturdy ponies are capable of hard, heavy work.

Fell

Native to the North of England, Fell ponies were used by the Vikings to plough and pull sledges, as well as for riding and pack work. Their fast but comfortable walk made them ideal for carrying anything from material and food to local metal ores. Fells were also used for shepherding and hunting wolves to protect the flock.

Modern Fell ponies are renowned for their ground-covering trot, and have been used for trotting races in the past.

Dartmoor

Native to Devon and recorded as living on Dartmoor since the Middle Ages, this breed’s metabolism enables them to survive in tough conditions, ideal for working in the mines, carrying large loads as a pack animal and shepherding sheep. Their temperament made the ponies a popular ride, as they are today.

Exmoor

This breed dates back to when the Celts settled in Britain. The ponies were tamed and broken to pull chariots, as well as being ridden, used as pack animals and ploughing the land.

Welsh ponies

Section A: The smallest of the Welsh mountain ponies were useful for shepherding sheep, mining and riding, as well as being pack animals.

Section B: These ponies were also intended for pulling carts and carriages.

Sections C and D: All of the above, plus useful for farm work. Welsh mountain ponies could also be seen driving cattle.

Dales

Known for strength, hardiness, courage and stamina, the Dales pony has strong mining links. Evolved from the Scotch Galloway pack animal, the breed was used to transport lead, coal and ore from the mines of North Yorkshire, Teesside and Tyneside to the ports on the coast.

Dales ponies are capable of carrying heavy loads over long distances, and were also driven, ridden and used for farm work.

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Connemara

This compact, surefooted and intelligent breed stands on short legs but covers a lot of ground. Still popular for riding with adults and children alike, the attributes of a Connemara has made them ideal for farm work and driving for years.

New Forest

Having roamed the New Forest, Hampshire, since the end of the last Ice Age, these fast and sure-footed ponies have been a popular riding choice for centuries. History shows them being used to carry large weights over long distances, plus hunting and farm work.

Rare Dartmoor bloodlines not at risk after breeder banned, say RSCPA

Amy Mathieson — Thu, 26 Mar 2015 10:55:58 +0000

The RSPCA and Dartmoor Pony Society have reassured supporters of the breed that the Pumphill bloodline will not be lost after their breeder was banned from keeping animals.

Champion Dartmoor pony breeder and judge David Hinde told H&H he fears for the future of the Pumphill herd after he was banned for 12 years last week (18 March).

Mr Hinde, 50, breached a previous equine ban, caused unnecessary suffering to a pony, “Fred”, and two cats, and failed to meet the needs of 52 cats, a court ruled. He also received a 20-month suspended prison sentence. His parents Raymond and Cynthia were banned from keeping all animals, except dogs, for five years.

But Mr Hinde says the family’s famous bloodline is being put at risk.

He claims that if the RSPCA remove the ponies they will not be available for breeding and a gene pool of a rare breed will be lost.

The RSPCA told H&H that the family has 21 days [from sentencing] to rehome the ponies before they pass into RSPCA care.

“If the ponies do come to us, it is the RSPCA’s standard position that animals rehomed from us aren’t bred from because of overpopulation, but these decisions are dealt with on a case-by-case basis and we would work with the relevant breed societies to address any concerns,” an RSPCA spokesman said.

Mr Hinde added: “Especially in light of Dartmoors being recategorised as ‘at risk’ on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust Watchlist earlier this year, I’m very concerned about the bloodline.

“I’m starting a petition for support and to stop this happening because, despite numerous requests, the RSPCA won’t release the herd’s passports, so I can’t rehome them. I just want to safeguard the future of the breed.”

However, the RSPCA spokesman said the passports were being held as evidence in case it is need for any appeal.

“We will of course release any of the passports to the new owner, should he wish to rehome or sell any pony — he just needs contact us.

“The passports are the property of the issuing authority, ie the breed societies in this case who we have been in contact with, and agreed that we will release any of them if their ownership is being transferred.”

The Dartmoor Pony Society told H&H it has been working with working with the RSPCA since 2010 and any decisions will be discussed with them.

“In the event that the ponies have to go into the RSPCA’s care after the 21 days dispersal period granted to rehome the animals, the Society has had assurances that although the RSPCA’s standard position is that animals rehomed are not bred from because of overpopulation, any decision is dealt with on a case-by-case basis, and they would work with the Dartmoor Pony Society to address any concerns regarding the future of the breed.”

Mr Hinde told H&H he is appealing the ban.

Dartmoor pony breeder and judge banned for 12 years

Amy Mathieson — Fri, 20 Mar 2015 16:55:49 +0000

Champion Dartmoor pony breeder and judge David Hinde has been banned from keeping animals for 12 years.

Hinde, 50, breached a previous equine ban, caused unnecessary suffering to a pony and two cats and failed to meet needs of 52 cats, a court ruled.

On Wednesday (18 March) after a six day trial — which began on Friday 6 February and concluded on Friday 13 February — Hinde was convicted of two allegations of breach of ban; one of causing unnecessary suffering to a bay pony called “Fred” by failing to provide veterinary treatment; two of causing unnecessary suffering to two individual pedigree cats, and one of failing to meet the needs of 52 pedigree cats. He also received a 20-month suspended prison sentence.

“The RSPCA was contacted after Fred was put to sleep on veterinary advice at a field where he was being grazed in Preston, and four other ponies were transported from the same location. Fred was collapsed, and emaciated,” said RSPCA inspector Nick Welch.

“An Animal Welfare Act warrant was executed at David Hinde’s address in October 2012 and a mobile phone, horse passports and paperwork, including a knackerman’s invoice relating to the removal of Fred’s body, were seized. Text messages found on a phone used by David Hinde were described by the District Judge in his verdict as ‘highly incriminating’.”

Hinde’s parents — Cynthia and Raymond Hinde — were also sentenced. They were both banned from keeping all animals, except dogs, for five years, and fined £500 each payable at £10 each per month.

“The RSPCA welcomes the verdicts of the court and hopes the sentences passed today send out a clear message that keeping animals is a privilege and one which should always hold the welfare of the animal with the utmost priority, whether they be kept as pets or for profit,” added Inspector Welch.

“The suffering endured by Fred who was so thin that he had collapsed and was unable to stand, is inexcusable in any arena, but is aggravated by the previous convictions of this defendant. Sadly Fred did not respond to veterinary intervention and had to be put to sleep to end his suffering.”

However, the breeder is concerned that the famous Pumphill bloodlines are now at risk. Mr Hinde bred the 2010 dual Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Olympia champion Pumphill Buckthorn.

In 2011 he was banned from keeping horses for three years, after admitting causing unnecessary suffering to a pony. At the time he also pleaded guilty to not meeting the needs of 13 other ponies by failing to address the causes of their poor body condition.

Hinde denies the pony was neglected by him and says that if the RSPCA removes the ponies the Pumphill bloodline will be lost.

He claims that if the RSPCA removes the ponies they will not continue to be bred from and a gene pool of a rare breed will be lost.

The RSPCA told H&H the family now has 21 days to rehome the ponies before they pass into RSPCA care.

“If the ponies do come to us, it is the RSPCA’s standard position that animals rehomed from us aren’t bred from because of overpopulation but these decisions are dealt with on a case by case basis and we would work with the relevant breed societies to address any concerns,” an RSPCA spokesman added.

Mr Hinde told H&H he will appeal the ban.

Dales pony ‘critical’ on rare breeds watchlist [H&H VIP]

Amy Mathieson — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 11:55:16 +0000

As the financial climate fails to pick up and the threat of overbreeding is ever present, some of our native breeds are in danger of becoming extinct. This month, Dales and Dartmoor ponies have been recategorised as “critical” and “endangered” respectively on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) watchlist.

As numbers of breeding females fall the Dales pony has moved from “endangered” to “critical” — meaning there are now fewer than 300 breeding mares. The Dartmoor moves from “vulnerable” to “endangered” with between 300-500 breeding mares.

“Described as a ‘species in crisis’ in the 2014 watchlist report, native equines continue to struggle in 2015,” said Tom Beeston of the RBST.

The risk is calculated by a significant fall in registration numbers and the estimated population trend.

“Last year’s watchlist was described as a wake-up call — this year’s delivers the message that we have more work to do, not less,” added Mr Beeston.

However, breed enthusiasts say the fall in numbers is not due to dwindling popularity, but because of responsible breeding.

The RBST agrees that due to the financial climate there is little or no market for youngstock, which has had a knock-on effect, reducing the number of pedigree registered foals.

“This has been necessary to prevent overbreeding unwanted foals, but it puts some breeds at particular risk,” said Mr Beeston.

Critical condition for Dales

Jo Asby of the Dales Pony Society told H&H the recent recategorising of the breed was “not unexpected”.

“2014 saw only 87 foals registered in the UK, but it is a reflection of the unique attributes of the Dales pony that traditional breeders do not breed foals for which there is no market,” she said. “The mass over-production of cheap black and white cobs has flooded the market for the up-to-weight family all-rounder, and the depressed financial climate means good working homes are hard to come by.”

Dales breeder Charlie Parker told H&H he had “felt a responsibility to cut back” until the market picked up.

“The summer of 2014 saw a slight rise in trade and so I have had some mares covered for this year,” he said. “I don’t feel that their popularity has fallen, but as with many of our British natives they are undervalued; we all need to sing their praises.”

Delia Weedon of Akehurst Dales Stud bought her first ponies in 1973. Since then she has bred 59 fillies and 55 colts. She doesn’t believe their popularity is decreasing either, just that the market is “very slow”.

“I have several youngsters still unsold, so for the first time since 1976 I shall not be having any foals in 2015, and my 15-year-old broodmare is about to start a new adventure, being ridden for the first time,” she said.

“It will be hard for the good breeders to keep going when people expect to buy a good, fully registered pony for less than it has cost to produce.”

Dartmoors now ‘endangered’

Although not as severe a situation as the Dales, the Dartmoor — a stalwart of the British showing circuit — is also on the decline.

But Viv Brown from the Dartmoor Pony Society (DPS) told H&H the society is “satisfied that the breed will continue to flourish” despite the fall in category.

“There is still a strong demand for ponies, who excel at the top level in all disciplines, and whose success is far greater in comparison with other breeds with much higher numbers of foals being born every year,” she said.

“The RBST’s figures do not include colts, supplementary registered foals or foals born abroad,” added Mrs Brown.

“Recently more colts have been born or registered than fillies, which does ensure a supply of ridden and driven ponies. Sadly, we cannot predict whether a breeder is going to have fillies only.”

Breeder Rod Newbolt-Young told H&H that DPS members have recognised the depressed economic situation by carrying out a responsible breeding programme. This is reflected in the numbers.

“When the situation changes the mares will be put back in foal to meet the demand,” he said.“Within the past few weeks we have seen signs this is beginning to happen, which is encouraging.”

Mr Newbolt-Young added that negative publicity surrounding the Dartmoor hill pony — an entirely separate breed — last year, when one organisation suggested preserving its future by eating them, was not helpful to the purebred breed.

“The Dartmoor pony is not for eating. In the valued, true-type Dartmoor pony almost all the breeding is controlled and pre-planned,” he said.

. (Image credit: creditUnknown)

Remaining steady

In better news, Clydesdales, Cleveland Bays and Shires have seen increased registrations compared to the previous year.

The Clydesdale remains in the “vulnerable” category, but enthusiasts are positive about the breed’s future.

“The numbers remain stable and we’ve had two reasonable years [2013 and 2014],” Marguerite Osborne from the Clydesdale Horse Society told H&H.

“It’s not a huge increase but it’s steady and they’re doing quite well, so it’s positive.”

Tim Ancrum from Adventure Clydesdale said he has noticed a “steady increase in interest” in the breed in the 13 years that he has been involved with heavy horses.

He believes the key is in the “amazing adaptability” of the breed.

The centre runs rides on the “rugged terrain of Dartmoor” and recently lent horses to take to the turf at Exeter racecourse (pictured above).

“I have seen the value of young heavies rise substantially over the years, and if the value increases the incentive to breed them rises, thereby helping the breeds to claw back from the brink,” he said.

Preserving for the future

The RBST told H&H it “remains very concerned” by the population trends and that much work is still required to help conserve these breeds.

Mr Beeston added that the RBST gene bank is an “essential insurance policy” for the future.

“The economic climate does not suggest that the lack of market is likely to be reversed any time soon. Conservation measures, like semen collections and gene banking, must be employed, so that if stallions are not able to be bred from now, their genes are at least banked for future use,” he said. “That, in turn, means that we have to look at ways to substantially ramp up our fundraising efforts to raise the essential revenue that will enable us to continue our work.”

➤ The RBST National Gene Bank is part of a scheme that was launched in 2002. Owners of rare-breed stallions are asked to help boost Britain’s threatened natives by putting their animals forward for semen collection. It can cost up to £5,000 to carry out a collection from a stallion, so the RBST is also appealing for donations. For information visit: www.rbst.org.uk

Ref: Horse & Hound; 22 January 2015

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“They appeared to be trying to separate the foals and managed to grab one young animal, although it escaped. They quickly left after being challenged by a member of the public.”

The spokesperson said it is believed the men are travelling in a black or grey van with Irish numberplates.

“Further reports have been received this week of suspicious men bothering ponies and visiting farms and homes in the Tavistock and Princetown areas trying to buy the animals,” she added.

Officers are appealing for information and asking the public to report any further suspicious incidents to them.

Neighbourhood team leader Sergeant Tom Ottley said: “I ask that the public remain vigilant to any behaviour out of the ordinary around livestock and report any concerns to police on 999 if you believe a crime is ongoing.”

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‘I can’t believe he’s done it again’: working stallion reclaims Dartmoor title at HOYS

His breeder Sarah Weston has been involved with Dartmoor ponies for over two decades. She bred Wild Fire by Westown Fire Cracker out of Cayberry Sugar Plum.

“I always knew he was special, ever since he was a foal. He’s just so beautiful, and he knows it,” she said. “I got my first Dartmoor for my children, and they are very addictive. I started breeding, and I fell in love with the breed.”

“I can’t believe he’s done it again,” Sarah added. “He’s the best boy ever. He doesn’t only show, but he’s a working stallion and we have foals on the ground by him. And he’s also started jumping so next year we hope to do more working hunters with him.

“Sarah [Parker] loves him to bits, too. She treats all the ponies like they are her own, giving them the best care. I can’t thank her enough.”

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In 2017, Roy qualified for the same finals once again and Zara won the open small breeds class at the Royal International with him. The following year, Roy added another string to his bow and qualified for HOYS as a first ridden with Maisie Chester, the pair winning the class at the final.

“Maisie was having a tricky time with her own pony so I said she could ride Roy for the 2018 season, and they qualified for HOYS first time out,” Zara recalls.

Toby has since taken Roy’s reins as a first ridden, as a junior ride and as an open pony.

“I have pretty much retired from riding in the ring, as in 2021 I broke my leg and I now find it hard to ride for an entire class. But thankfully Toby has stepped up to the mark and he can now school and show Roy.

“Roy can be a spooky little bugger but we know him inside out now. He’s so sensible in some ways but in other ways he’s very cheeky. But he’s been very easy to home-produce and we’re so grateful to have him in our lives.”

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‘We’ve had to learn on the job’: RIHS glory for 11-year-old in her first season of showing

Finlay and his ultra-consistent Dartmoor Springwater Tactician, who is by Hisley Diplomat, were securing reserve in the RIHS mini M&M supreme championship for the second year on the bounce.

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Huge distress as seven ponies hit – and five killed – within eight days

“It’s very distressing,” she said. “We’ve never had so many in such a short space of time.

“One had a broken leg and was left to die. Three were reported but the others were just left.

“People have to realise that these ponies are all owned by someone, so there’s not only the financial loss, there’s the emotional side, of knowing that their animals have been left to suffer. That is not good enough.”

Karla added that although she is not pointing the finger at any individuals, it is “absolutely criminal to leave a pony like that, knowing it could be injured”.

“It’s hard in the dark but do the right thing and call it in,” she said. “I’m on call 24 hours a day, or call the police, then we can get help to that animal. There’s always someone you can call.

“Or people do call and say the pony’s fine, it went off, but it’s probably only gone five metres, and could be there with a broken leg. Or then you ask what the damage is to their car and they say it’s written off. Then you know the pony needs seeing to.

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Delicious pony poo: tuck in to help horses

Carol Myott, who owns Flapjackery with her business partner Sally Jenkin, told H&H: “A bag of Flapjackery pony poo is a really fun way of remembering a trip to Dartmoor and seeing its wonderful native ponies. Luckily, ours are edible.”

Carol added that the business is based on the edge of the moor, and the team knows and loves the ponies.

Flapjackery has a number of shops and also sells online. All products are gluten-free and there is a range of flavours available, as well as the pony poo.

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‘He’s such a genuine pony’: perfect child’s pony takes HOYS mini title for the second time

“It’s great to have done the double,” said Brogan. “He’s such a genuine pony. He literally only had a 15-minute lunge this morning and he’s gone in and coped with that atmosphere after winning the championship title last year. We really can’t ask any more of him.”

The pony is clearly a true schoolmaster as he has taught his five-year-old rider Willow to ride.

Reserve went to the winner of the first ridden championship, Lotuspoint Cassius, a 15-year-old skewbald Shetland gelding ridden by Lilly Ahern-Lee.

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