The first documentation relating to The Dartmoor Pony appears in 1012, in the will of Bishop Aelfwold of Crediton. The Dartmoor Pony has inhabited the moor land of Southern Devon for many years and is related to the Exmoor Pony. Due to their small size Dartmoor ponies were not considered suitable for military use. Instead Dartmoor Ponies were used to carry tin from the mines. Following the closure of the mines many Dartmoors were left to roam free on the moors.
General Appearance
The Dartmoor Pony has a small head, strong neck, strong back and hindquarters. They are Hardy, strong, versatile, a good jumper and long lived. The Dartmoor Pony is often bay, brown or black although other colours may occur.
The Dartmoor Pony is reliable, sensible, kind and quiet, an ideal pony for learners or nervous jockeys.
Uses for the Dartmoor pony
The Dartmoor Pony is an excellent child's pony due to their small stature and careful movement. Dartmoors make good driving ponies and are also able to compete in events such as cross county and dressage.
Registered Dartmoor ponies
With the Dartmoor pony society have a green or blue passport and the height limit is 127cms, just to avoid confusion with Dartmoor hill ponies.
