Wild Foal Training Demonstration at Bicton College

Equine and animal care students at Bicton College in East Devon will be learning how to train and handle wild Dartmoor pony foals.

The students will be attending a two day training workshop at the college run by the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) in conjunction with Positive Horsemanship. Observation of this training at close hand and having the opportunity to handle the wild foals will give them a greater understanding of animal behaviour and can also increase personal confidence.

Dru Butterfield, DPHT Charity Manager said, ‘The process of taming a wild pony herd can have a profound effect on the individual taking part and the bond of trust that is gradually created can have long lasting impact for both pony and handler. We are pleased to be able to offer this type of training to people who are entering the equine and animal care industries.’

The Trust is also running a Wild Foal Training demonstration at Bicton College on Friday 16^th November at 7pm. Principal trainer Vanessa Bee of Positive Horsemanship and Dru Butterfield of DHPT will give an entertaining and educational commentary throughout the evening, giving an opportunity to watch completely wild Dartmoor Ponies ground started in five foundation skills: catching, leading, loading, tying up and feet handling.

Tickets are £10 Adults / £5 Children in advance from DPHT or £12 Adults / £6 Children on the door. Call DPHT on 01626 355314  or email dru@dpht.co.uk to reserve your place. The demo will be in the indoor school but please bring warm clothing!

Three very special demonstrations have been organised throughout the Autumn. Dru Butterfield (of The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust) and Vanessa Bee (Positive Horsemanship) have been invited by organisations throughout the Southwest to present Wild Pony Handling Techniques at day and evening events.

We have also been asked to work with the National Trust helping wardens handle conservation ponies and to teach at Bicton College helping the students understand the subtleties in handling wild and previously untouched horses and ponies - we are so grateful for their support.

The first demonstration is FREE... at Mole Valley Farmers 20th Birthday Bash at the Newton Abbot branch on Saturday the 6th October. The first demo is at 11.00am and as with all wild animals ANYTHING could happen - and that's just between Butterfield and Bee! 'Butterfield and Bee have been working together for two years and with their friendly banter and informal approach make an entertaining and informative demonstration.' Well that's what the paper's say!

The next demo is at Bicton College at 7pm on Friday 16th November, refreshments etc on site.

The following Sunday on 18th November Butterfield and Bee demonstrate their skills at the Big Sheep Equestrian Fair near Bideford. Vanessa will also be demonstrating ridden skills with her beautiful thoroughbred Secret. Do come along and join in the fun.

We will be handling hundreds of Untouched Ponies this Autumn but the demonstrations are very special to us as it helps spread the word about our work and how we can help more ponies go on to happy homes.Just to put it into persepective - we have handled over 200 hundred ponies this year and every one has been homed to loving caring homes, putting a bit of training onto these ponies increases the probability of this, most people don't feel able to handle a young wild foal, but by working with us they have been able to foster and purchase young ponies and continue their training.

Our autumn foal / pony handling courses start on the 20th September. We will be running regular courses throughout the next few months. If you would like to learn how to ground start this years foals then please join one of our courses. All ponies arrive unhandled, within a few minutes of working in the round pen we quietly halter and teach the foals to lead, moving onto grooming, tying up and loading into a trailer. Further information is available under Pony Activities

For further information on course details and dates, please contact Mrs. Dru Butterfield 01626 355314 or email dru @ dpht.co.uk.

Click here for our August 2007 update on the Adoption Ponies

Pony handling displays by Vanessa Bee of Positive Horsemanship, falconry displays and filming for Johnny Kingdom's next BBC2 series; were part of the attractions at our second annual sale of Dartmoor Heritage ponies. We held the event at Holwell Farm in Widecombe-in-the-Moor on Saturday 21st July.

The day was a "fantastic" success with crowds of more than 500 people, and 13 ponies sold. The atmosphere was buzzing and we had far more people turn up than we expected - even though we heard several buyers couldn’t make it due to getting stuck in the M5 floods on the way down.

Pony keepers made several thousand pounds and ponies went to the right people. There were 30 ponies on sale, with animals sold going for between £800 and £225, from as far away as Manchester and Norfolk.

We will continue to run these exclusive sales, as we believe it is the only sustainable solution to stop any further decline in the population of Dartmoor Heritage ponies on the commons of Dartmoor. The only people eligible to keep ponies on the commons of Dartmoor must have Commoners Rights.

By raising the value of the stock through handling and holding these specialist sales, we can encourage farmers to continue keeping Dartmoor Heritage Ponies, thus saving the breeding population.

The DPHT has secured grazing rights to 1,000 acres of land at Bellever Tor, Dartmoor. This offers us outstanding opportunities to develop our management plan to preserve the ponies. The site comprises some of the best heather heathland on Dartmoor, an abundance of archaeological features and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSi). The land is a wildlife haven, which will benefit from Dartmoor Pony grazing.

This site enables the DPHT to mature young stock which will improve their value. But, most exciting is the opportunity to run a protected breeding program for vulnerable herds on this enclosed site.

Our main objective will be to manage the pony herds, maintain the fences and grass areas protect the SSSI’s and conserve the streams and wet areas.

Please consider the opportunities.

We can provide a reservoir of Heritage Ponies which can be returned to the moor for the benefit of our children’s children; pack-pony walks through our own land and educational and recreational trips for all visitors.

We need to raise £15,000 per year to cover the daily costs associated with pony welfare and land management Help save our Heritage ponies and make a donation today. Thank you!

The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) is running its ‘second’ annual sale of quality Dartmoor Heritage ponies on Saturday 21st July at Holwell Farm – TV’s “Forgotten Farm”, Widecombe-in the moor, Dartmoor.

The day’s entertainment starts at 10.30am with some fascinating demonstrations of wild pony handling techniques from the well respected Vanessa Bee of Positive Horsemanship. Vanessa and the DPHT team will have spent an intensive week handling all ponies for the sale, the team will run ‘handy pony’ sessions demonstrating how easy the ponies are to handle and work with.

Also the opportunity to come and meet TV celebrity Johnny Kingdom who has been handling ponies with us in the run up to the sale and will even be trying his hand at selling the ponies he worked with later in the day.

An awesome falconry display will run late morning, a selection of eagles, hawks, falcons and owls will wow the audience with their aerial acrobatics.

Pony stock will be on view from 12noon and the sale will then run between 2pm - 4pm

There will be a BBQ available with all meat being supplied from the Farm’s butchery “Tor to Tor” and visitors will also be able to buy fresh Dartmoor meat to take home too. A selection of stands and stalls will also add to the occasion.

A selection of 30 halter broken ponies will be available, ranging in age from yearlings to backed six year old geldings and mares. Pony breeders will be on hand to discuss their ponies and suitability for your situation.

These tough ponies, born and bred on the Commons of Dartmoor make outstanding riding or driving ponies. They are also perfect for boosting a young rider’s confidence; as they are surefooted and are known for their kind and gentle temperaments. They also make excellent conservation graziers and can live out happily all year round with minimal if any supplementary diet.

The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust became a registered charity in April 2005. The trust has committed itself to raising awareness and the overall value of the indigenous Dartmoor ponies which have fallen into such steep decline. With less than 400 Dartmoor Heritage ponies on the Commons of Dartmoor they find themselves now rated at a critical level. The loss of their precious blood lines are cause for great concern, as these ponies fall ever closer to extinction.

However, there is a simple solution. By raising the value of the stock through handling and holding these specialist sales for more discerning buyers, we can encourage pony keepers to continue to breed them for the commons.

By investing in a Dartmoor Heritage Pony you are helping preserve the indigenous herds of traditional Dartmoor Ponies running wild and free on Dartmoor. Help the DPHT secure their future.

If you are looking for fun and a new family member, or would like to attend the sale with a stand please contact Charity Manager Dru Butterfield for more information and a Sales List on dru@drubutterfield.fsnet.co.uk or phone 01626 355314 or 01364 631250 Website www.dpht.co.uk

Vanessa Bee of Positive Horsemanship who will be running demonstrations during the sale on handling ponies and supplying a range of equipment to help manage semi-feral ponies. For more information please contact Vanessa Bee on mail@positivehorsemanship.com or phone 01409 221166

Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust Registered Charity No.1109196

NEWS RELEASE May 2007

Taming Dartmoor Ponies

A rare opportunity to see the moment when a wild animal is faced by a human being is on offer when Pennywell Farm hosts a wild foal training demonstration at 7.00 pm on Wednesday 13th June.

The event will be held in aid of the registered charity, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, at the popular farm attraction at Buckfastleigh.

Vanessa Bee of Positive Horsemanship and Dru Butterfield of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust will be showing completely wild Dartmoor ponies handled in five foundation skills

Chris Murray who owns Pennywell has agreed to host this demonstration because the Dartmoor Pony, one of Devon’s best-loved symbols, is also under threat.

“They play an extremely important role in maintaining the Moor and this is a wonderful opportunity for people to see at close quarters these beautiful animals.”

“This demonstration is not just for those involved with riding and keeping horses. It’s a special moment when a wild animal comes to trust a human being.”

“For many years, we have showcased a wide range of Devon’s native breeds, including the Dartmoor Pony and this is a chance to learn about the vital role they play in Devon’s heritage.”

The aim is to tame the ponies in less than an hour and Vanessa will give a full commentary, whilst the five handling skills of catching, leading, loading, tying up and feet handling are demonstrated.

Dru Butterfield of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust says that the breed is at a vulnerable level and estimates that there only 500 truly indigenous ponies left on the Moor. They are outnumbered by crossbreeds which attract higher prices.

“The aim of the Trust is to add value to the Dartmoor Pony and by demonstrating that it is possible to tame them relatively easily, we hope that farmers will want to continue to invest in these fascinating animals.”

Media Contact: Chris Murray at Pennywell Farm on 01364.642023 or 07734.572846 Or Dru Butterfield of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust on 01626.355314 or 07890 372709

Notes for Editors:

Tickets cost £10 available through the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust – 01626 355314 or £12 at Pennywell. Children - £5 per ticket.

The charity, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, aims to save the indigenous Dartmoor Pony from extinction and to maintain its presence on Dartmoor, thus protecting our heritage for future generations.Their website is www.dpht.co.uk

Pennywell Farm and Wildlife Centre at Buckfastleigh is off the A38 dual carriageway (the Devon Expressway) – look out for the brown tourist signs near Buckfastleigh.

Pennywell is the 2006 Farm Attraction of the Year Regional Winner of the England in Excellence Awards for 2002 and 2004. The centre won the South Hams For All Seasons Award – Best Attraction for the Year 2000 for providing excellence, quality and value. It is an organic farm and won the Westcountry’s Best Tourist Attraction in the England for Excellence Awards, 1998.

Venue Pennywell Farm Demonstration starts at 7.00pm Refreshments from 6.30pm

An opportunity to watch completely wild Dartmoor Ponies handled in five foundation skills: Catching, leading, loading, tying up and feet handling. Vanessa offers full commentary throughout the handling and will tame each of these ponies in less than an hour.

£10 per ticket available through DPHT or £12 on the door. Concessions for children £5 per ticket.

For further details please contact Dru Butterfield on 01626 355314.

One of Scotland's finest singer/songwriters will be performing both traditional songs and his own material at this newly refurbished, non-smoking venue. Ian is joined by Margaret Duffy for a fundraising evening for the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust. No admission charge, donations invited (and raffle). Tel Nigel 01548 531525.

Click here for our April 2007 update on the Adoption Ponies

Click here for our March 2007 update on the Adoption Ponies

We will be at Pennywell on the 12th and 13th April between 10am - 5pm. Our adoption ponies are staying back at the centre. As we know many of you are making specific journeys to see your pony over the holidays, we felt it would be a shame to drive all the way out to Dartmeet, only to find your pony is away. So don't worry we will be taking little India courtesy of Nigel and Sarah, Rosie courtesy of Neil and Anna Cole and Vanessa and Philip of Positive Horsemanship are bringing the new DPHT pack pony Frosty. So we should be in for some fun. It will be a great experience for all the ponies to see such exciting new environments. It will definitely help with the ponies training for Ten Tors.

The ponies behaved brilliantly. Neil and Anna Cole brought Rosie a 7 year old bay mare, she was rock solid and a firm favourite with the students. Pete Dendle senior teacher at Millford Special Needs School Plymouth says: “Contact with animals is great for our students – they learn to be quieter and more controlled. Our children find being with the ponies very calming, warm and meaningful.

We have worked hard to ensure we offer a first class educational facility for schools to learn about their cultural heritage. We offer hands on sessions, pupils learn how to catch, groom, and lead a pony whilst taking in the dramatic scenery. Teacher Kate Arnold was thrilled with the day and sent us this testimonial: "Our day can only be described as fantastic. The children were so excited about going and it lived up and was even better than many of their expectations. There were great activities to develop team work and patience skills. One child did not stop smiling the whole time. All they talked about were George, Charlie, Golden Flame, India and Rolo; laughing about their experiences. I would sum the day up as a unique educational experience and would recommend any school to get involved. To see the children's enjoyment and pleasure just summed up why I went into teaching!"

We were so pleased to be invited to this prestigious event as it gave us an opportunity to tell even more people about the plight of our Heritage Ponies. Golden Flame, as usual, carried the day with some aplomb ably supported by young Rolo. I sometimes wonder if we need to be there; such is Flame’s grace and style. I am running out of superlatives to describe her when you consider she was born wild. Rolo amazed us all; he was absolutely rock solid. He took everything in his stride taking a lead from Flame and showing interest in all that was around him. Thanks to Alison and to Sam from Mole Valley Farmers Ltd, who ran a very busy and well organised day. The catering was superb, with the invitation to donate to a charity in lieu of payment, and was greatly appreciated by all. The staff at Mole Valley Farmers Ltd. were so helpful to us and nothing was too much trouble. We hope to be invited to do more with this forward thinking company

Thank you to the people who attended and who made a super day for us. The ponies were brought in and the children were invited to groom them. Then we were put into family groups who then chose a pony to walk with and off we went along the “Tin Mine Trail" and told how, in years gone by, our ancestors had dug the ore from the ground. Then they took the ore by pack pony to the nearby furnaces. When you consider that they did not have the benefit of the ubiquitous, now a word in the dictionary, JCB, they didn’t do a bad job. We would struggle to do that sort of work today. Golden Flame proudly carried her pack saddle on these days and that seemed most fitting. We hope to become more involved in pack pony work and to that end we have three more ponies in training with Vanessa Bee of Positive Horsemanship at the moment. We would like to thank Ann and Tim Whitbourn who gave us a First aid kit that can be attached to the pack saddles.

A group of children and parents came to the centre for a talk and a walk around the “Tin Mine Trail” with Officer Dru and Ranger Ralph, in the form of Ella Briens and fellow National Park Ranger Bill Allen. Dru gave everyone a short talk about our ponies. This was followed by a ‘hands on’ grooming session of all five. Then off we went on a walk around the “Tin Mine Trail”. The weather held up and we stayed dry right up to the final few minutes then we had the promised rain. Children of all ages from toddlers and parents and grandparents, had, we hope, a super day; we did and look forward to holding another ‘Ranger Ralph’ day. For more information on joining the Ranger Ralph club, please contact Dartmoor National Park Authority on 01626 832093

We are holding another of our increasingly popular days for all to come and see the ponies during February's half-term.

Time: 11am to 2.30pm Date: Sunday 18th February Place: Brimpts Farm, Dartmeet. Clothing: Please wear boots or sturdy shoes and bring waterproofs.

Goodies for the ponies are appreciated, but help in paying for their next round of wormers would be more useful. They cost £40 each session, so we'll have a whip around to raise funds for this ongoing expense.

Walk: Dru will take everyone on a guided walk with the ponies. The walk will leave at 12noon, lasting approximatley one hour. We will take it gently, no speed walking! For those of you not wishing to partake in this activity, you can take refuge in the Brimpts tearoom, which will be open for light lunches (soup & a roll) and cream teas.

Look forward to seeing you in February, please let me know if you can make it. dru@dpht.co.uk or 01626 355314

P.S. All the ponies are fit and well and looking forward to seeing you all again.