The South West Film and Television Archive (SWFTA) is the regional film archive for the South West of England. Established in 1993, SWFTA's core collection comprises of the combined programme libraries of Westward Television and TSW (Television South West). The archive also cares for a significant number of donated film collections, both amateur and professional, dating back to the early 1900s.
This film is part of Free
Dartmoor Ponies
Dartmoor ponies go wild on the moors
From the collection of:
Overview
This is a film of the ponies that live in a semi feral state on Dartmoor. Dartmoor ponies are a hardy breed and deal with the harsh climate of the moors. Traditionally ponies were used as working horses in local tin mines and quarries. Ponies have lived on Dartmoor for centuries and from the 1900s to the 1960s were bred at Dartmoor Prison and used to escort the prisoners. The ponies belong to Dartmoor farmers and are cared for with extra food put out in the winter.
Dartmoor became a National Park in 1951 and the pony was chosen as its emblem for its unique character and long rural history of inhabiting the moors. The Dartmoor pony adds to a visitor's enjoyment, is part of the area’s cultural heritage and is used for conservation grazing. There is the native pony, the pure-bred Dartmoor pony, often seen at shows and the Shetland pony. The Shetland is not local to Dartmoor but was introduced in the early 20th century. They are not truly wild animals and may sometimes bother picnickers for food. They are a popular riding breed for children.
Related
Watch for free
The Way to the West The Way to the West
Travelogue 1947 17 mins Silent Location: Cheddar Gorge
Hitchcock went the wrong way! Head south by southwest with this travelogue from Bath to Cornwall.
Watch for free
Postbridge Clapper Bridge Postbridge Clapper Bridge
Current affairs 1963 1 mins Silent Location: Dartmoor
Dartmoor's foremost Saxon bridge receives traditional repair.
Watch for free
Recollections of Our Summer Holiday at Babbacombe South Devon August 1931 Recollections of Our Summer Holiday at Babbacombe South Devon August 1931
Amateur film 1931 10 mins Silent Location: Babbacombe
Bowling along country lanes in the family's Austin motor car plus dancing on the beach: the delights of a holiday in Devon
Watch for free
Cricketers visit Dartmoor Prison Cricketers visit Dartmoor Prison
News 1968 0 mins Silent Location: Dartmoor
Ex-England, England and County Cricketers visit Dartmoor Prison
Watch for free
Dartmoor Pony Trekking Dartmoor Pony Trekking
Current affairs 1962 4 mins Location: Dartmoor
A group of riders unbridle their passion for horses and moors
Watch for free
Dartmoor Ten Tors Dartmoor Ten Tors
Current affairs 1976 1 mins Silent Location: Dartmoor
Young people take the Ten Tors challenge on Dartmoor
Watch for free
New Perspectives: La Haine New Perspectives: La Haine
Short documentary 2025 4 mins
Charlie Hammersley, a student from Northumbria University, explains how Mathieu Kassovitz's 1995 film holds up a mirror to society.
Watch for free
Dreamers Q&A Dreamers Q&A
Inside Film 2025 30 mins
The film-makers behind a haunting tale of love and community within a UK immigration detention centre visited the BFI Southbank to discuss their film.
Watch for free
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 50 mins
Paul Thomas Anderson and Leonardo DiCaprio in Conversation at BFI Southbank, discussing the making of One Battle After Another.
Watch for free
Laura Mulvey in Conversation Laura Mulvey in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 76 mins
Laura Mulvey in conversation, following her BFI Fellowship Award.
Watch for free
George Clooney in Conversation George Clooney in Conversation
Inside Film 2025 74 mins
George Clooney visited BFI Southbank to look back on his life and career.
Watch for free
Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025 Chloé Zhao Screen Talk | BFI London Film Festival 2025
Inside Film 2025 65 mins
The Oscar®- winning director of Nomadland discusses her unique approach to filmmaking and the inspiration behind the adaptation of Hamnet.