Dartmoor Ponies

Dartmoor ponies go wild on the moors

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.