“Friends of the Dartmoor Hill pony”
Registered Charity Number 1141045
The FDHP have recently become a charity. Their aims include protecting Dartmoor and its indigenous pony population
The present economic climate has made the keeping of ponies on the moor very difficult.
WITHOUT THESE PONIES DARTMOOR AS WE KNOW IT WOULD NOT EXIST.
Numbers of ponies have dramatically been reduced over recent years, but every year there is still a crop of approximately 900 foals. Some of which are sold privately, some of which are sold through the market after the traditional autumn drift. Sadly some have to be humanely slaughtered.
The economic climate has made the selling of colt foals particularly difficult.
The FDHP have so far this year castrated dozens foals through there sponsorship scheme. Thus giving them a brighter future.
The FDHP are also in the process of setting up a pilot scheme using “the pony pill”. If successful this will help the feral and semi-feral herds world wide.
HELP IS DESPERATELY NEEDED.
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEAS TO HELP RAISE FUNDS?
CAN YOU SPONSOR A PONY?
DO YOU KNOW OF ANYWHERE NEEDING CONSERVATION GRAZERS?
HAVE YOU A TALENT OR SKILL WE COULD USE?
www.friendsofthedartmoorhillpony.co.uk
or call 01363 631036.
THANK-YOU
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Due to the economic problems being felt in this country and abroad, the sale of equines countrywide has dramatically decreased.
This is particularly a problem for the semi-feral herds in the U.K.
It is necessary to introduce a new management system because of the vast reduction in demand for foals and we feel Equity has role to play in this. Is it possible that Pfizer Animal Health UK could help with this project?
Dartmoor relies on its herds of ponies to keep it as it is. The moor would loose its rich ecological diversity, and, in many in places become too overgrown, without the ponies grazing.
A better way forward would be to REDUCE FOAL NUMBERS coming onto the market, whilst still retaining the ponies on the moor.
The Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony are putting together a pilot scheme to work on the feasibility of using “Equity”. This however takes TIME and inevitably considerable FUNDING.
We URGENTLY need help with this project.
We have the support of World Horse Welfare and Natural England, also the Dartmoor Commoners Council,and many other welfare organizations on Dartmoor.
Welcome news indeed; the impact of the recession, a very cold winter and the escalating price of hay has meant that many of last years crop of foals, particularly the colts remained unsold at both the Chagford and Tavistock Drift sales.
Sadly as they can’t be returned to the moors many of them will have met an untimely death as food for zoo animals. It really is a tragedy to see this happen – as in previous years these hardy adaptable creatures have been ‘sold on’ to make great children’s ponies, as they are by their very nature versatile and charismatic.
Over recent months we have been working hard to save as many foals as possible from slaughter - so far homes have been found nationwide for over 350. And an additional 25 have passed through our sponsorship scheme. This has only been possible with help from the fantastic horse loving community on and around the Moors; local vets who cut the colts at reduced cost – we are able to micro chip for a fraction of the price - we also have a small team of volunteers who have been working on long-term sustainability projects purely for love of the ponies.
So having charity status will now allow us to apply for funding for various projects to protect and preserve the Dartmoor hill ponies for future generations. These projects include a new pony management regime on the moor and a new social enterprise involving a number of local charities and organisations that will contribute to the Dartmoor Hill Ponies future once they are off the moor.
But its early days and now we desperately need people to donate to help us save these ponies for the future.
Without a robust dispersal market for this semi feral pony we have to ask: How long will the local breeders continue to produce foal crops if they cannot be sold? And if ponies are no longer being produced to graze the moors - what will the impact be on local tourism and the unique ecosystem of Dartmoor.
If you would like to join the ‘Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony’ charity, or would like to sponsor a foal: please contact Charlotte Faulkner on 01364 631 036 or Gilly Greenham on 01803 857473.
Ways to donate:
*The Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony charity aims to raise funds to support all of the hill ponies on Dartmoor.
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This is called the Drift. And it is spectacular to watch - The ponies are caught and checked, foals born in the previous spring are weaned from their mothers, the mothers are returned to the moors and the foals are sent on to the pony sales. Sadly for some of the colt foals it’s an uncertain future; due to castration costs many will remain unsold and will be homeless. With this in mind Charlotte Faulkner founder of the charity ‘Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony’ has set up a pony foal sponsorship scheme - for a donation of £100 a sponsor will be able to rescue a colt foal – Charlotte will choose a foal from the sales on their behalf; take him home to Corndonford Farm and care for him over the winter. He will then be halter-broken, castrated, wormed, micro-chipped, and passported and resold the following spring with a much better chance of finding anew home. Any profit will go back into the sponsorship fund.
Charlotte Faulkner – says.. ”I have been keeping ponies on the moors for many years. Dartmoor’s vast size and range in altitudes provides is a wide variety of habitats and produces a wonderful variation of pony. The 3000 year gene pool has made these animals into hardy, adaptable creatures with excellent potential, charisma and character. They make great ponies for children and will compete successfully both under saddle and as driving ponies.
Sadly though – nobody seems to want the colt foals and they don’t get sold – they can’t be returned to the moors and will be considered “unwanted”. Last year we introduced the sponsorship scheme at the Chagford sale in a bid to support the colt foals for the first year of their lives and hopefully save them from a sad end. This scheme should appeal to all those animal lovers out there who would like to do something to help, its not just for individuals – local companies, groups or organisations can get together and sponsor a colt foal too.
Please contact Charlotte Faulkner on 01364 631036 – if you would like to know more about the sponsorship scheme.
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Filmed & Edited by Alan Tibbitts
Produced by Charlotte Faulkner
Narrated by Brian Blessed
Once in a while something comes along that deserves to become a huge success.
Some years ago Alan had such success with a beautifully shot film featuring the working partnership between a farmer and his sheepdog on the rugged coast of North Devon.
It looks like he has done it again, with a fascinating collaboration with a group of Dartmoor Hill farmers and their wild pony herds. Fiercely proud of the legacy of their herds, and faced in recent years by declining markets and assaults on the reputation of their ponies, the film shows the other side of the coin. Wonderful scenes of the majestic and granite strewn moors are seamlessly weaved with the wild and rugged faces of the characters who live on the High Moor, and care for the ponies.
From Bronze age to Roman, to the industrial recent past, the story of the Dartmoor pony is a reflection of Dartmoor’s own history. The symbol of the Dartmoor National Park, the wild ponies of the moor are, in their way as fascinating as the wild animals of Africa, and yet we know so little about them, despite them being on our doorstep. From some 30,000 ponies last century they have declined to less than 3,000, which is about the same number of years they have lived on Dartmoor.
After harsh Dartmoor winters, early Spring sees the foals being born and the film follows their progress as they run with the herds amidst the heather and skylarks until the Autumn “drifts”. The Mares know the old routes down to the farms that lead them from their hefted areas. Generations of Moorland ponies have followed such “drift roads” before them and the pony herders quietly guide the herds down, in scenes that are truly reminiscent of the Wild West Country.
Warning don’t buy this video if you have a small child who dreams of having their own pony. For what parent could resist after seeing the wild ponies excelling after handling and training for riding and driving. What shines through most of all is the special bond that they form with their small owners, so perfectly captured in a quiet scene between one year old Thomas and two year old Grit, these two are quite literally destined to be friends for life. One of the many highlights include the one in a million 'miracle twins' Gorse & Granite.
If you care about the ponies and their future you will want to buy this film, but the scenes of Dartmoor life and the traditions that continue today make it a fascinating contemporary portrait. President of the Council for National Parks, Brian Blessed, provides the perfect commentary, his rich voice and passion for Britain’s, countryside and traditions shine through and his rendition of the famous folk song “Widecombe Fair”is another treat! However the beautiful Dartmoor landscape, which pervades the whole film from rocky outcrops and huge skies, to tumbling moorland streams and drifts of scented bluebells, makes this reason enough to enjoy and watch this film over and over again, but don’t blame me if you ended up with a new four legged friend in your back garden!
The duration is 84 minutes - real value for money!
A must for pony enthusiasts of all ages!
This production is sold in support of work carried out by the Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony.
For further information or to place an order please contact :
Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony
Corndonford Farm
Poundsgate
Dartmoor
Tel: 07734785644
Email: redshed@eclipse.co.uk
www.dartmoorhillpony.com
Available in: VHS (RRP £12.99, Cat.no. Videx 022) and DVD (RRP £15.99, Cat.no. Videx 023), P&P £1.50 each.
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I think you are doing a valuable job at highlighting the issues we are facing on the moor.
Many years ago the number of ponies on the moor was much higher. This meant
that the fragile ecology of the moor was carefully balanced. However in
recent years the decline in the number of ponies has led to it becoming more
overgrown making it less, almost impossibly in places, passable for walkers.
These tourists provide a valuable income for the moor. The grazing of ponies
also ensures that there is a suitable environment for various rare species
including the Fritillary Butterfly and the Dormouse.
This was highlighted in
the press recently and you can view the article here:
The various herds are all owned and managed by farmers but to ensure that
the ponies do not group together to form one big herd and therefore graze
the moor unevenly, the use of stallions is vital as they keep their own
mares to their own 'lear' and do not stray to other areas therefore ensuring
that grazing levels are balanced all over the moor. Therefore it is not
possible to simply "stop" breeding unless valid forms of contraception could
be introduced. However, these methods are still being trialed in the USA and
Australia and are unlikely to be implemented any time soon as we were hoping
for funding from Natural England.
The ponies are a symbol of the moor, in fact they are the image on the
National Park's own emblem! it would be a shame to see them go.
The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association are trying to implement a 10 point plan
which has been in creation for the past year, however, funding for the
project has unfortunately been cut making it impossible to continue. They
are applying for lottery funding but until this can be put in to effect
something has had to be done.
The farmers earn very little money from keeping ponies and it is now a
labour of love rather than a profit making enterprise. They want to keep the
moor looking as it traditionally always has and should.
Charlotte Faulkner, who has worked very hard on behalf of the ponies for the
past 10 years has said "at the moment the markets for foals from the moor
are at rock bottom as a result of credit crunch and legislation. This
creates a welfare problem as they cannot go back on the moor and the
breeders cannot keep them in all winter. I realise now that we must face the
bleak reality that we must put our own bottom in the market in order for the
future of the ponies on and off the moor to be secured. This has sadly led
to the introduction of a sustainable welfare management scheme for those
ponies we have to take off the moor but for whatever reason cannot provide a
home for, in the two reports commissioned by the National Park on the future
of the ponies the same conclusion is drawn. We now have a purpose built
local ³humane welfare disposal site, taking ponies straight from the farms
to slaughter. This is proving to be a sustainable scheme where by the
farmer¹s breed ponies of which the quality ponies go to the sale, and those
who don¹t make the grade for whatever reason are dealt with, with compassion
and without suffering ordeals of long journeys, going to more sales once
they leave Dartmoor etc. It would mean we are no longer in this cleft stick
of needing the ponies for conservation on the moor and not having anywhere
for them to go, as sterilisation is still not feasible and other methods of
not producing so many young stock are still being worked upon."
Ponies are needed on the moor, but it is not possible for the farmers to
stop breeding.
If you feel you can help the ponies or the issues surrounding
them please visit: http://www.dartmoorhillpony.com/
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Information for buyers of ponies from the Dartmoor Hill Pony Drift Sales
The Dartmoor livestock markets at Tavistock and Chagford hold sales in the autumn for the young ponies born on the moor in the spring of that year, who have been brought in (drifted) and weaned. The success of these sales is vital to the future of the the Dartmoor hill pony and to the grazing regime, the appearance of the Dartmoor that we all enjoy is achieved by the balance of ponies sheep and cattle over hundreds of years.
Like all such markets in this very rural part of England, social events where the farmers responsible for the ponies get to meet and chat.
There is always a wide variety of ponies on offer which makes it a very interesting event.
In the days when pony numbers had not been reduced, you could navigate across Dartmoor by identifying the various herds of ponies, because of Dartmoor’s vast size and range in altitudes, there is a wide variety of habitats. So individual breeders tastes and environment and of course market forces have given us this wonderful variation of pony. The 3000 year gene pool has made these animals into hardy, adaptable ponies with excellent potential, charisma and character.
It is a chance for people who don’t know Dartmoor to discover something very special. We must worn you that once you have come to know about these wonderful characters of the moor you will be addicted.
Sue Witting “I bought one Roan Hill Pony, she is now broken to drive and is so outstanding I keep coming back to Dartmoor and I now have seven ponies from the moor, all brilliant, there is just something about them.” Sues ponies have qualified for the National indoor driving trials three years in a row and won the French National driving championships.
Karen Towells, Fern came 9th nationally in ridden Le Trec.
There were two hill ponies in team that came second at National Polocross championships 2009.
If you want to hear more I could tell you about Norbert, the £1 pony who is a champion first ridden many times over or Amber the national reserve indoor driving champion a couple of years ago. Amanda Savilles Charriots of Fire display team, has hill ponies who qualified and competed at Windsor in the National Driving Trials, she also uses them for her famous driving display and has three hill ponies qualified for the Horse of the year show in the scurry.
If you wish to come to the sales and need help in any way whether it is with somewhere to stay, transport or choosing the right pony for you or even bidding on your behalf, do not hesitate to ask.
BEFORE YOU BUY
Collect a buyer’s card giving you an identity number for the auctioneers office and purchase a sales catalogue or print from auctioneers website. Note that the bidding is done in pounds this year. All lots are subject to VAT unless otherwise stated at time of sale. All lots at the fall of the hammer become the property of the purchaser, if you have never been to a sale before we have people who will help you, call charlotte 07734785644.
Ensure you have a suitable trailer /lorry for the transport or if you require transport please contact 07734785644. In all cases you should comply with all current legislation, e.g. the transit of animals (road and rail) order 1975 and the welfare of animals (transport) order 1997. We will have people on hand to help you load.
AFTER YOU HAVE MADE YOUR PURCHASE
Pay at the auctioneer’s office and collect your receipt. Go to the Dartmoor Hill Pony sales day office and show your receipt as proof of purchase.
On producing the ticket of sale and payment of £15.00; you will receive a copy of The passport application form(which will be sent of automatically by DHPA and passport will be received with in 5 working days) and microchip details of pony. Some ponies will have a passport issued by another passport issuing authority these passports will have to be returned to the issuing PIO with payment required by that PIO for administration in transfer into the new owner’s name within 30 days.
The cost of transfer fees will depend on who the passport issuing authority for that passport is.
WHEN YOU GET HOME (IF YOU WISH WE HAVE INFORMATION SHEETS AVAILABLE ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF TRAINING YOUR PONY , WE ALSO HAVE ADVISORS WHO WOULD BE DELIGHTED TO ASSIST YOU.)
Worming is recommended as soon as you feel they have got over the trauma of leaving Dartmoor and establish a regular programme thereafter.
Keep your passport safely you will need to produce it for vetinary treatment or to sell the pony.
We wish you all the best with your pony and may you have as much enjoyment as we have from these amazing custodians of Dartmoor, we will add as a final note, please beware of the temptation to overfeed. These ponies are used to walking 20 miles for their breakfast, if overfed can lead to digestive and laminitic problems.
Where to stay during the sales, please give Bridget Cole a call and she will advice you, tel: 01822 853563 or go on the website www.devonfarms.co.uk
For Transport please Contact John Shears 01647432356 / Chris Cole 01822617156
or mob 0788976730/ Graham Goddard 01822 854133 or mob 07713262808.
Lairage facilities available, please contact Graham Goddard (number above) or Charlotte Faulkner 01364 631 036. A cash deposit of £70 REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT will be expected for this service and a payment of £5 per day PER PONY FOR LOOKING AFTER THE PONY, TO BE PAID upon collection of pony.
For a sales catalogue contact auctioneers.
The Dartmoor Pony Autumn Drift sales are on
October 2nd and 4th December at Tavistock contact Ward and Chowen tel: 01822 610080. www.wardchowen.co.uk
14th October at Chagford contact Rendells tel: 01647 432277 www.rendell.co.uk
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The first ever summer sale of halter broken ponies at Chagford took place at Chagford Market on Saturday 19th June, in conjunction with the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association.
A good entry of 73 ponies were catalogued but, disappointingly, only 56 were forward at the sale.
Nevertheless, an impressive company of buyers attended, some from across southern England, as well as from Ireland. Trade was brisk for the better class of pony, with a top price of £640.50 for a 3 yo Dartmoor Hill Pony filly. Other leading prices included £525 for a 5 yo Dartmoor Hill Pony colt, £420 for a 4 yo Dartmoor Hill Pony gelding, £294 for a 3 yo Registered Dartmoor gelding and £199.50 for a Spotted Dartmoor Hill Pony yearling gelding. More quality ponies could have readily been sold with advantage. Overall average price for the sale was almost £120, with 70% clearance.
Auctioneers: Rendells
Rock House
Chagford
TQ13 8AW
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Firstly I would like to wish Mr Tim Garrett all the best following his injury on morning of Chagford Sale.
Sale promotion: 800 Posters and leaflets sent to Dengie Alpha retailers and Post
Offices, 70 sales packs and 100 approx pony training packs went
out.
Email a last minute thought to make up for postal strike so not accurate
enough, but working on a list for next year as very cost effective, £1000 to
contact approx 8000 people. Produced a lot of interest I am still replying
to them, although not useful for this year.
Tavistock: 66 % sold very few colts, I (Charlotte) took three year old ponies
put on end of sale to show how these ponies turn out, lady tried to bid in
ring but failed so bought them next day for £250 each. Any ideas on how to
make the sales more user friendly please let us know.
Sale went flat half way.
Chagford 77.27 % sold 286 put forward 221 sold 65 colts unsold and 57
buyers.
Sales report available for those who want an in depth view.
Tavistock final sale: No comment, it was heart-breaking.
We wish to Thank Ward and Chowen and Rendells for holding the sales for us.
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We managed to negotiate derogation for the ponies on Dartmoor; Microchipping at the sale went well as a result of a massive effort by all involved with ponies.
A big thank you to Uli Arnold, the vet, for his time and expertise for which
he refused to be paid anything except a bottle of whisky, the committee have
given him a dinner for two to show our appreciation for his help. Thank you so much.
Thank you to the rest of the team whose valiant efforts seemed to make it all run with out to many hiccups!!
Cost of chipping and passporting, £6000 approx but we have bought extra
chips as Moorgate and Dartvale vets are both running a scheme whereby hill
ponies can be chipped and passported for £15 through Pet ID.
A big thanks you to Debbie Elkin and Stuart Ingram and their team at Pet ID
for their hard work and support.
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if anyone wishes to put ponies on this let me know, or are
looking for ponies and want me to send them a list, we will be advertised
once a month in WMN hopefully depending on the deal they give us and funds
available, this should help to secure more good homes for these great
ponies.
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There is also a new website planned called "Pony Pairs" which may be of
interest.
Contact charlotte on 01364 631 036 or
Email: redshed@eclipse.co.uk.
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This website is sponsored by Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony, who would be delighted to give you any information on buying ponies, transport and collection centres as well as care, training and welfare of the ponies.
For further information contact Charlotte Faulkner via email at info@dartmoorhillpony.com