One of the most iconic sites across Dartmoor and the wider Exmoor area is the wild pony. These graceful creatures have roamed free on Dartmoor for at least four millennia shaping the land, supporting farming families and industries alike. Such are their significance to the culture of the area the ponies have been featured as the logo of the Dartmoor National Park since its formation in 1951.
The future of these beautiful animals is now under threat, with a number of proposed measures to limit movement and control population. In the last 25 years we have seen an 86% reduction in the wild pony numbers, and it is feared that this could reach a 90% reduction by 2030. In actual numbers this could be up to 6,400 animals being lost since the start of the 21st century.
When we think of historical milestone events this is not one I feel we should lookback on with any sort of pride. This is however a more complicated issue than many might appreciate, affected by land agreements, grazing rights and the general financial hardship hitting us all with rising prices.
To raise awareness and a few pennies Rachel is creating a collection of artwork dedicated to the beauty of our hillside ponies. These pieces of art are designed to be a celebration, something that should be hung with pride, providing a visual talking point and a positive banner for the cause.
Rachel Stubbs
I always remember the excitement of spotting the ponies and stopping to watch them as we drove across the moor. They always seemed almost mystical.
I'm deeply saddened to hear about the proposed new grazing agreements for Dartmoor and the potential loss of an estimated 90% of the Dartmoor hill ponies. I hope that, with careful planning and collaboration, this rare and iconic breed will continue to roam the moor for generations to come.
The aim is to display this collection throughout the national park, making limited prints available for purchase to help in supporting the cause. We will keep you up to date as this project develops, please check back with us regularly and follow our social media.