The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust is holding its first sale of quality Dartmoor heritage ponies this weekend at Brimpts Farm, Dartmeet, from 10am to 4pm each day. The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) is a registered charity that works to preserve the indigenous Dartmoor pony from extinction and to maintain its presence on Dartmoor. There are now fewer than 400 Dartmoor Heritage ponies on the Commons of Dartmoor – the numbers are officially rated as critical. The pony sale at the end of September will see 30 halter-broken ponies available for purchase, ranging in age from this year's foals to backed six-year-old geldings and mares. Pony breeders will be on hand to discuss the ponies and their suitability for individual situations. Vanessa Bee, of Positive Horsemanship, will be running demonstrations of pony handling during this weekend. She will also show a range of equipment to help manage semi-feral ponies. For more information, contact her on [email protected]">[email protected], or phone 01409 221166. 'The DPHT sings the praises of Dartmoor ponies. These tough ponies born and bred on the Commons of Dartmoor make outstanding riding or driving ponies,' said Dru Butterfield. 'They are perfect for boosting young riders' confidence. they are surefooted, with kind and gentle temperaments.' Anyone wishing to run an equine stall at the pony sale should contact Mrs Butterfield on 01626 355314.
