Dartmoor Ponies: Breed Profile
An English moorland pony.
Dartmoor ponies come from Devon.
Purpose
They are used for riding.
Where the breed stands today
The breed is uncommon.
What to look for in a Dartmoor project animal
Look for a small body. Have a knowledgeable adult, a breeder or your veterinarian look the animal over before you buy, and compare more than one seller.
Showing Dartmoor at 4-H and FFA
Ponies are judged in halter, in-hand, riding and driving classes depending on the show. Rules differ by fair, so read your show book before you commit.
Pros
- Hardy
- Calm
- Versatile
- Ponies and miniatures are smaller and often easier for young exhibitors to handle.
- Many shows have halter, driving and in-hand classes for small equines.
Cons
- Few classes
- Cost
- Few breeders
- Ponies can be strong-willed and easy to overfeed, and some are prone to laminitis.
- Classes for particular breeds may be limited.
Caring for your project
Plan for careful diet control, regular hoof care and consistent handling. Keep a record book from the first day, and write down feed, health care and costs, because judges and buyers both ask about them.
Getting started
A good first step is to visit a show in your area and watch the classes for your species. Talk with exhibitors, the superintendent and your club advisor about what they look for, and ask whether the show has a class for Dartmoor. Many students find a mentor this way, and a mentor can save you from the most expensive beginner mistakes.
Planning your budget
Add up the purchase price, feed, bedding, veterinary care, entry fees, travel and equipment before you commit. Ask your advisor what a typical project costs in your county, and plan for the chance that the animal will not qualify for the sale. A realistic budget keeps the project fun for the student and fair to the family.
Show-day tips
Arrive early so the animal and the exhibitor can settle before the class. Check the show book for the class name, age limits and check-in time, and bring your paperwork, feed, water and cleaning supplies. Judges notice calm, well-prepared exhibitors, so keep the animal clean, stay quiet in the ring and answer questions honestly. Afterward, ask the judge for feedback, because a few minutes of advice can shape next year's project.
Learning from the ring
Win or lose, every class teaches something. Write down what the judge said, compare notes with other exhibitors and talk with your advisor about one thing to improve before the next show. Students who treat each show as practice usually improve fastest, and they tend to enjoy the project more.
Questions to ask a breeder
- How old is the pony, and what is her training?
- Is she registered, and what is her measured height?
- How does she behave with children and new places?
- What are her health and hoof records?
- Does my show have a class for her breed or size?
Bottom line
Dartmoors are a moorland pony.
To see how the contests work, read How Showmanship Is Judged. Suppliers, vets and feed stores near you are listed at agriculture.directory. For a lighter look at fair life, farm.fm has Cowboy Attempts Therapy, Horse Sits In and Interrupts Constantly, and the Livestock Conservancy tracks the status of rare breeds.