LAST year, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust piloted the Fresh Tracks scheme.

Run as a new category of the Ten Tors challenge it gave 16 disadvantaged youngsters the chance to hike across the moor leading a pack of Dartmoor ponies.

Tomorrow, in a remarkable achievement, a total of 18 South Devon youngsters will be walking 14 miles in this year’s Ten Tors Jubilee Challenge.

They will be guided by a team of pony handlers, moorland guides and first aiders, the schools’ support staff and trust volunteers.

Highly demanding, the 14-mile trek has required a 10-week programme of intensive training.

The students, from Teign Academy, Teignmouth Academy and Ratcliffe special needs school at Dawlish, have learned to handle the ponies, gain first aid skills, and how to navigate their way and walk safely across some of the most difficult terrain on Dartmoor.

The Fresh Tracks scheme has been created, by the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) as part of its ‘Ponies Inspiring People’ equine-assisted learning programmes.

Dru Butterfield, in charge of Fresh Tracks said: ‘It’s an amazing team effort. The schools have made huge commitments to bringing their students to training sessions, including weekend walks.

‘The students and their families and carers have shown incredible determination and enthusiasm.

‘We cannot praise them highly enough; and we simply could not do this without our volunteer guides and support team.

‘The ponies make a real difference to whether our students succeed or not. Stoic and gentle, but also tough and resilient, Dartmoor ponies seem to be able to share these attributes with the students and undoubtedly motivate them to succeed.’

Lieutenant Colonel Peter Bates of HQ SW Region and the lead organiser for Ten Tors added: ‘The Army firmly believes in extending opportunities for young people to take part in a part of Ten Tors.

‘These youngsters have worked hard to get here and deserve the chance to shine, as well as gaining new skills and a real sense of self pride.

‘We are delighted Fresh Tracks has had a positive long-term impact on those involved so far, and on their families and carers.

‘We look forward to great achievements this year, especially as we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the Jubilee Challenge and recognise the opportunity that this category gives to thousands of youngsters with a range of challenges in life.’