Foal Fostering Scheme

One of the primary aims of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust is to "make the indigenous Dartmoor Pony more valued". The word value has several meanings; we want the ponies to be valued for their precious bloodlines, conservation grazing and their value to tourism and our heritage.

However, we also need to increase their financial value. One of the most effective methods for improving their value is to handle and mature ponies to a more valuable age. This work also ensures ponies in the Foster Scheme are given the best possible start to a long and useful life.

Guide Dogs for the Blind have successfully used puppy walkers to take on potential guide dogs in their first year. Our foster scheme works in a similar way. We have a continual supply of young stock requiring experienced equine homes from just weaned foals to gelded yearlings. Dartmoor foals are usually weaned at six months, following the pony drifts in early October.

Walking a foal is not a simple task and requires a certain amount of experience, plus land and buildings. Full training is given to all new foster homes.

If you are interested in helping with our scheme, please call 01626 355314 or email Dru Butterfield

We will need to know how much equine experience you have and what facilities at home.