The Dartmoor is a small, hardy pony bred for hundreds of years on Dartmoor in the far South West of England. Dartmoor is a wild upland area of moorland and granite tors, rising in places to over 2,000 feet it receives the full force of the Atlantic gales.

Over the years Dartmoor ponies have been used for many purposes. During the tin mining era on the Moor they were used to carry the tin to the Stannary towns. When this was finished, the ponies were left to roam free apart from those required for work around the farms. This was mainly shepherding for which they were well suited. At other times they proved excellent driving ponies, taking the family to market and on other outings.

In 1898 the National Pony Society set up a local committee to produce a Breed standard and inspect ponies into a new stud book. Except for the height, the original description was almost identical to the present breed standard. The Dartmoor Pony Society was started in 1924 and the maximum height of 12.2 hh was finally fixed at that time.

Why Choose a Dartmoor Pony?

The Dartmoor Pony has a very kind nature and is an ideal pony for children. Because of its good build, limb and bone it can also accommodate a small adult quite easily. Dartmoors make excellent Pony Club mounts as they are very level headed, able and willing.

They are good schoolmasters for young children. Excellent as hacks and with their careful movement they are ideal for the more nervous jockey.

In Hand, Ridden, lead Rein, First Ridden, Open Ridden, Cradle Stakes, Working Hunter, Hunter Trials, Dressage, Pony Club, Hunting and Cross Country. Dartmoor ponies can compete in all these disciplines with ease.

Dartmoor ponies break well to Harness and make smart driving ponies. The Dartmoor is a very good looking riding pony, sturdily built yet with quality.

By becoming the owner of a Dartmoor Pony you are helping to preserve a Rare Breed which is part of our national heritage.