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Mother
and foal; A familiar sight on both Dartmoor and Exmoor
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Pony
power
During recent years, the Registered Dartmoor Pony has become a very attractive
sight on the showground and, as with all pedigree stock, it has developed
a reasonable value. But the average unregistered Dartmoor Pony that we
are all accustomed to seeing on the moors has lost favour and with it,
its value.
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Could
the autumn drifts become a
thing of the past?
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There
is a fear that the traditional autumn events, the pony drifts followed
by the pony sales in the market towns around Dartmoor, could soon become
a thing of the past, another loss to our heritage. Dartmoor without its
ponies is a frightening thought and must not be allowed to happen.
Now for some good news
Thanks to a few breeders that are determined the Dartmoor Pony will survive,
all this is about to alter. They have instigated a new image and formed
themselves into a group to promote The Dartmoor Hill Pony.
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The
Dartmoor Hill Pony must be
encouraged to survive
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Here
is an opportunity to do something positive to save our heritage. Instead
of trying to sell unbroken semi-wild ponies, they intend to develop a
market for at least "halter broken" stock, bred from these hardiest of
breeds, carrying years of developed genes. Bred from herds that have grazed
and graced the moors for generations and have a track record of long life
and reliability.
Show and sale
Hill farmers and the general public have an opportunity to learn more
about this scheme by visiting Corndonford Farm, Poundsgate, on Tuesday
31st July from 10.00 a.m. to 4.00 p.m., for the First Show and Sale of
The Dartmoor Hill Pony.
There will be crafts on display, cream teas in the garden, show rings,
Sheep dog demonstrations, wagon rides and an exhibition to promote this
new venture, while at the same time, raising money for C.L.I.C. (Cancer
and Leukaemia In Childhood Trust).
Corndonford Farm is two miles from Poundsgate and two miles from Widecombe
in the Moor. For more details phone Mrs. Faulkner on 01626 888713.
That's it for another month - take care and come back for another page
or two of my Dartmoor Diary soon.
If
you'd like to get in touch with Tony you can email him
at devon.online@bbc.co.uk
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