Dartmoor for sale

Origin and history of breeding Dartmoor ponies

It’s often said that Dartmoor ponies have been on the moor for at least 3,500 years. Evidence of hoofprints was found preserved at Shaugh Moor, one of the early settlement sites on Dartmoor, during an archaeological excavation in the 1970s. However, this has been disputed, and most of the early excavation reports refer to sheep and cattle hoofprints rather than those of ponies. Medieval records dating to the 11th century confirm the existence of ponies on the moor at this time, as they are referred to in a will. As tin mining developed, the ponies became a valuable resource, as they could be used as pack animals. The herds still live a semi-wild existence, being brought in at certain times of year during a process called “the drift”, which also happens in the New Forest. The ponies are tough and need little in the way of extra feed, but they all belong to someone and receive regular care when they require it. Dartmoor ponies have historically worked at a range of tasks, including drawing delivery vans and underground as pit ponies. They also worked on Dartmoor’s horse-drawn tramways, pulling tubs full of granite for construction.

>Dartmoor ponies in equestrianism

Over the centuries, Dartmoor ponies have learned to perform many tasks and now their native toughness and versatility combine with their acquired skills to make an excellent riding pony. In the 1920s, they were crossed with Arabian horses to produce polo ponies. They have always been a popular choice for trekking centres. As surveys always show that visitors to Dartmoor love the ponies, a concerted effort is now being made to ensure the survival of the traditional pure-bred Dartmoor ponies.