THE DARTMOOR PONY

The Dartmoor has a long history in Great Britain.  The first written reference to a Dartmoor Pony appeared in the will of a religious leader named Aelfwold of Crediton in 1012. Because Dartmoor was the location of many tin mines, Dartmoor Ponies were used to carry the tin from the mines to surrounding towns. By the end of World War I in 1918 registered Dartmoor Ponies had become very rare and scarce. Although their numbers increased after World War II through the efforts of dedicated breeders like Miss Calmady-Hamlyn and the Prince of Wales, today there are only 5000-7000 Dartmoors worldwide and only about 150 in the United States.

Dartmoor Ponies are about twelve hands high. They are mostly bay, brown or black with very few white markings. Once in a while a Dartmoor may be gray, chestnut, or roan. They are particularly good ponies for children to ride.