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You are here: Home > Newsletters > Wild Pony Days on Dartmoor
Wild Pony Days on Dartmoor26/09/2007 00:00
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Wild Pony Days on Dartmoor
A visit to Dartmoor is always a magical experience with it’s unique and untamed landscape. But how many of us really get the opportunity to understand what it takes to survive this most challenging of environments?
Witnessing the evolution of Dartmoor from 1000 years before the birth of Christ were the Dartmoor Ponies who have also had to evolve and adapt their roles to suit the demands of the era. From the earliest agricultural activity to mining and quarrying, the ponies have played a crucial role. More recently they found huge popularity as perfect children’s ponies although this market has become crowded and diluted.
They have also shaped the moor through their grazing activity and have provided a vital draw to tourists for whom the site of wild ponies grazing and lazing in the sun is a key attraction.
Increased awareness that the indigenous Dartmoor Pony could be wiped out has led to the formation in 2005 of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, a registered charity who’s principal aim is to save the indigenous Dartmoor Pony from extinction and maintain its presence on Dartmoor, thus protecting our heritage for future generations.
The work of the Trust is varied and dynamic and has identified many opportunities to benefit a wide range of individuals from their interaction with the indigenous wild pony herds of Dartmoor.
It was not that long ago that the value of the Dartmoor Pony had plummeted to £1 and many moorland farmers found that continuing to breed herds was no longer financially viable. The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust however identified that by offering farmers the opportunity to train the wild foals and ponies, that would have previously gone straight to market after the annual “Drift”, they could add value and find a wider market to sell into.
The process itself of actually taming a wild animal straight from its herd can have a profound effect on the individual taking part and the bond of trust that is gradually created can have long lasting impact for both pony and handler.
Apart from the wider benefits that the Trust can now offer to main stream and special needs educational groups who engage in this process, there are also similar opportunities to be offered to the increasing number of visitors to Dartmoor who are looking for a unique and unforgettable “experience led” holiday.
This Winter the first “Wild Pony Handling Breaks” will be offered on Dartmoor in conjunction with the Trust’s leading handling team headed by the renowned Vanessa Bee of Positive Horsemanship.
Held at TV’s “Forgotten Farm”; Holwell, near Widecombe, guests will be staying in Dartmoor’s only 5 Star Self Catering Cottages and learning “hands on” training techniques against the stunning backdrop of Hay Tor.
Here, Vanessa gives an insight into the areas that those lucky enough to participate in one of these Courses can look forward to;
“The first stages of handling a pony that has recently been “drifted” in off the open moor takes place in a “round pen”. Entering a round pen for the first time is a daunting prospect, but we must remember it is far more frightening for the pony. As a herd animal their instinct is flight from predators. The pony is yet to learn we are not entering the pen to kill and it eat. This animal will feel very uncomfortable with the close proximity of a predator at this early stage. It is up to the handler to show quickly that he means no harm and indeed wishes to be friends. By using non-threatening, passive behaviour, we are able to start work with the wild animal.
Controlling our emotions is essential; breathing exercises will help control heart rate and adrenalin levels. If we show aggression or dominance we could push the pony into a situation where it shuts down; it is as if it would rather die than take any more stress. If we allow an animal to get to this stage; we will cause long lasting issues that may take, weeks, months or even years of work to overcome. Alternatively, the pony could become defensive and put the handler in a difficult situation.
The handler must remain calm, confident and aware. We are looking for the slightest change in behaviour. Positive behaviour is instantly rewarded with a release of pressure. Pressure can be applied with a rope or just our presence.
Handling wild stock is not just a physical exercise; we tap into our own personal reservoir of inner strength, providing calm reassurance to the animal we are working with. Our aim is to head collar the pony during the first session. However, we must remember all ponies are individuals and will all react differently to handling.
Handlers are taught a range of techniques to tame wild ponies. Instinct and intuition are something that can not be taught, but we can remain aware of the ponies’ behaviour, this will tell us whether we can push harder to get an appropriate result, or if we need to take the handling process at a slower pace.
Taming wild ponies is about building layers of trust; the pony needs to believe we are capable of looking after him / her. Ponies act as mirrors; if they sense weakness they will throw it back by not trusting and therefore, not allowing us to advance in handling. We are unable to build strong foundations from weakness.
Taming wild ponies is a privilege; few have the opportunity to witness non-verbal communication at its most pure level. This course delivers a life changing experience for those wishing to embrace it.”
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