Pony handling and training courses
Market forces have caused the value of the Dartmoor pony to plummet and many moorland farmers are coming to the conclusion that keeping herds on the moor is no longer financially viable. Traditionally, the wild foals are gathered in the annual autumn 'drift' and sent straight to market. However, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust has identified that handling and training the foals and young ponies can add value and secure a wider market for them as pets, riding and driving ponies, or for use in conservation grazing.
When the foals and young ponies come off the moor they are very wary of people. Handling them can be traumatic and hazardous for both foal and handler if not carried out by trained and experienced people. DPHT provides a pony handling service as well as training courses for people interested in learning our handling techniques. We use a quick and kind method of handling, using natural horse communication techniques in the safety of a round pen. By carrying out this work we are making the ponies safer and more valuable to sell and this helps the Dartmoor farmers who own the ponies by adding value to their foals and young ponies. The ultimate aim of course is to keep the breeding stock on the moor where they belong.
If anyone is interested in purchasing one of our handled foals, or taking one or preferably two on winter loan, we suggest you attend the training days and talk to us about foal walking.
Every training day includes the following key areas:
- Welcome
- Health & Safety advice
- Shedding a foal from the herd
- Using the round pen to halter a foal for the first time
- Teaching a foal to lead
- Grooming and picking up feet
- Loading into a trailer
Course Fees:
One day course £75 per day per person based on a minimum of 5 people per course. Or £10 per person per day to spectate.
Two day course £125 per day per person based on a minimum of 5 people per course. Or £10 per person per day to spectate.
If you are interested in attending a course, please contact us by calling 01626 355314 or email Dru Butterfield.
Need accommodation? Stay with one of the farmers who breed Heritage List ponies:
Lowertown Farm, near Widecombe-in-the-moor
Testimonials
Just a quick note to thank you Andy, Joy and the team of volunteers for the time and effort given to handling our foals. They have all come back in excellent form and settled back into day to day life eating everything put in front of them. It was so interesting to learn of the individual characters and traits so much so I think we were able to build up the bigger picture with a couple. Naturally now we would be delighted if they sold onto supportive loving homes with their future assured as well handled children ponies.
You now encompass an all round service for the pony keepers, Michael and I are most grateful for the assistance not only with the handling of young stock but the castration grants and of course the all essential marketing and sales list. An annual open day show/sale/farm visit might be an idea to consider and even a competitive SR & Heritage/part bred show for fund raising and awareness.
To this end we would just like to thank you and wish you and you team every success with the coming year.
With all good wishes
Margaret & Michael
Venton farm
Widecombe