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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.
In the UK we are lucky enough to have beautiful native horses and ponies roaming our land. Some of the Native breeds originate from particular regions across the UK & Ireland and roam in semi-wild herds that are accustomed to their particular environments. They graze in harsh, vast landscapes where hill farmers with commoner’s rights are custodians of these breeds. They care for them, protect them, ensuring their safety, health and continuing the long line of ancient gene pools continue for these native breeds to thrive and be healthy. Other native breeds are traditional workhorses with a long history of working alongside men from agriculture to industry over the years.
Their environments are changing, from intensive agriculture, expansive building, fencing off vast areas of moorland which restricts grazing, lack of interest in native breeds from horse enthusiasts, hill farmers whose families have farmed their land for many generations are unable to pass down their farms to new generations due to financial pressures and changes to farming legislation. All these elements are diminishing the likelihood of a future in the wild for our rare native breeds.
I’m passionate about our rare native breeds and the natural habitats they live in. I have loved every minute of creating this wonderful book project. I hope that Wild Hearts will raise the profile of our native breeds who have grazed and shaped our land for hundreds of years – some of which are facing possible extinction.
At a time when our world is fragile and in need of great change and care from us all. I believe it’s so important to cherish all our environments, nature and animals. With a passionate message of conservation at its heart, once complete, I hope that my fine art horse photography art book aim will show people the heart and soul of these wonderful breeds and to encourage people to support these vulnerable breeds, either by protecting them in their natural environment or by buying a registered pony; a step which could help save these rare breeds.
| Print Size (ISO) | 45cm x 32cm, 17.7in x 12.6in (Fits A3 frame), 64cm x 47cm, 25.2in x 18.5in (Fits A2 frame), 89cm x 65cm, 35in x 25.6in (Fits A1 frame) |
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| Frame Option | Sanctuary frame, Unframed (print only) |
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