Dartmoor ponies to get their own 'passports'

ENTIRE MULTI-GENERATIONAL HERDS ARE 'AT RISK'

- By JANET KING

AS the future of Dartmoor's ponies comes under growing threat, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) has announced it is reintroducing the Dartmoor Heritage Pony passport scheme.

The numbers of Dartmoor Heritage Ponies continue to dwindle, placing at risk not just individual ponies but entire multi-generational herds. This raises concerns for the survival of a breed that has roamed the moor for thousands of years, shaping and protecting this unique landscape and ecosystem.

Working with the Dartmoor Pony Society (DPS), the DPHT has brought back the Dartmoor Pony Heritage passport, which was discontinued several years ago. The aim is to help distinguish the Dartmoor Heritage Pony on Dartmoor and give recognition as well as encouragement to the Pony Keepers who strive to ensure that these sure footed, quiet temperament and traditional Dartmoor ponies continue to graze the moors.