"Dartmoor" Photographic Art Print

Dartmoors are the native pony breed of the county of Devon. The ponies have been recorded as living on the wild Dartmoor moors since the Middle Ages. The breed was well adapted to the moorland environment and their strength and ability to survive harsh conditions made them suitable for both farm work and as riding ponies. Despite their small frame, being smaller than 12.2hh, they are strong enough to carry a man. Over the years they have been used for riding, driving and transporting goods - in the 18th century they were the main means of transport of granite from the moorland quarries.

Nowadays, other than the semi-wild ponies on the moors, Dartmoor ponies tend to be used as children's ponies. Their exceptional temperament makes them fabulous companions. They can be brown, black, grey, roan or chestnut in colour.

Herds of ponies still roam and graze on Dartmoor. They are owned by the Dartmoor Commoners who have the responsibility of ensuring that the herds are kept healthy. In 1950 there were around 30,000 ponies on the moor, but numbers have fallen dramatically over the years and they are now classed as endangered with less than 500 in existence. There are a number of reasons for the decline in numbers. To try and reverse this trend, the Duchy of Cornwall established the Moorland Scheme in 1988 to preserve the Dartmoor Pony in its natural environment. This scheme is administered by both the Duchy of Cornwall and the Dartmoor Pony Society and it is also supported by the Dartmoor National Park. It has seen some success and the numbers of "true" Dartmoor ponies on the moor has increased.

There is no more iconic sight on Dartmoor than a herd of ponies grazing together, with stunning, mystical Dartmoor as their backdrop. Long may they reign supreme on the moor.