Information for Buyers of Ponies from the Hill Pony Drift Sales

The Dartmoor livestock markets at Tavistock and hold sales in the autumn for young ponies born on the moor in the spring of that year, which have been brought in (drifted) and weaned. The success of these sales is vital to the future of the Dartmoor Hill Pony and to the grazing regime. The appearance of the Dartmoor that we all enjoy is achieved by the balance of ponies, sheep and cattle over hundreds of years.

Like all such markets in this very rural part of , it is a social event where the farmers responsible for the ponies get to meet and chat. There is always a wide variety of ponies on offer which makes it a very interesting event.

In the days when pony numbers had not been reduced, you could navigate across Dartmoor by identifying the various herds of ponies. Because of Dartmoor’s vast size and range in altitudes, there is a wide variety of habitats. So individual breeders’ tastes and environment and, of course, market forces have given us this wonderful variation of pony. The 3,000 year gene pool has made these animals into hardy, adaptable ponies with excellent potential, charisma and character.

It’s a chance for people who don’t know Dartmoor to discover something very special. Once you’ve come to know about these wonderful characters of the moor you will be addicted.

Sue Witting said, “I bought one roan hill pony, she is now broken to drive and is so outstanding I keep coming back to Dartmoor and I now have seven ponies from the moor, all brilliant, there is just something about them.” Sue’s ponies have qualified for the National Indoor Driving Trials three years in a row and won the French National Driving Championships. Karen Towells’ Fern came 9th nationally in ridden Le Trec and has qualified again this year. And let’s not forget Norbert, the £1 pony which has been champion first ridden many times over, or Amber, the national reserve indoor driving champion a few years ago. Amanda Saville’s Chariots of Fire display team has Hill Ponies which qualified and competed at Windsor in the National Driving Trials. She uses them for her famous driving display and had three hill ponies qualified for the Horse of the Year Show in the Scurry. Fairy and Heidi, a pair of Hill Ponies which are lying second place overall in the Country Scurry Driving, could still win! The second place in the Pony Pairs Open went to a pair of Hill Ponies. There are many more success stories, but why not discover for yourself the magic of taking on one of these amazing ponies – “Drifts to Dreams”?

If you wish to come to the sales and need help in any way, whether it’s with somewhere to stay, transport or choosing the right pony for you or even bidding on your behalf, don’t hesitate to ask ([email protected]).

BEFORE YOU BUY

Collect a buyer’s card giving you an identity number for the auctioneer’s office and pick up a sales catalogue or print it in advance from the auctioneer’s website (www.rendells.co.uk). All lots are subject to VAT unless otherwise stated at time of sale. All lots at the fall of the hammer become the property of the purchaser. If you have never been to a sale before, the Friedns of the Dartmoor Hill Pony have people who will help you - call Charlotte 07734 785644.

Ensure you have a suitable trailer/lorry for transport or if you require transport see below. In all cases you should comply with all current legislation, e.g. The Transit of Animals (Road and Rail) Order 1975 and The Welfare of Animals (Transport) Order 1997. The Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony will have people on hand to help you load.

AFTER YOU HAVE MADE YOUR PURCHASE Pay at the auctioneer’s office and collect your receipt. Go to the Dartmoor Hill Pony sales day office and show your receipt as proof of purchase. On producing the ticket of sale and payment of £22, you’ll receive a copy of the passport application form (which will be sent off automatically by DHPA and the passport will be received within 5 working days) and microchip details of the pony. Some ponies will have a passport issued by another passport issuing authority; these passports will have to be returned to the issuing PIO with payment required by that PIO for administration in transfer into the new owner’s name within 30 days. The cost of transfer fees will depend on who the passport issuing authority for that passport is.

WHEN YOU GET HOME (FRIENDS OF THE DARTMOOR HILL PONY HAVE INFORMATION SHEETS AVAILABLE ON VARIOUS ASPECTS OF TRAINING YOUR PONY AS WELL AS ADVISORS WHO WILL BE DELIGHTED TO ASSIST YOU.) Worming is recommended as soon as you feel the pony has got over the trauma of leaving Dartmoor and establish a regular programme thereafter. Keep your passport safely. You will need to produce it for veterinary treatment or to sell the pony.

We wish you all the best with your pony and may you have as much enjoyment as we have from these amazing custodians of Dartmoor. We will add as a final note, please be aware of the temptation to overfeed. These ponies are used to walking 20 miles for their breakfast; if overfed it can lead to digestive and laminitic problems, once they stop growing.

Where to stay during the sales – please call 01769 560796 or visit www.devonfarms.co.uk for advice. For transport please contact Mark Shears 07881 745314; John Shears 01647 432356; Chris Cole 01822 617156 or 07889 76730; Graham Goddard 01822 854133 or 07713 262808. Lairage facilities available. Please contact Graham Goddard 01822 854133 or 07713 262808, or Charlotte Faulkner 01364 631036. A cash deposit of £70 REFUNDABLE DEPOSIT will be expected for this service and a payment of £5 per day PER PONY FOR LOOKING AFTER THE PONY, TO BE PAID upon collection of pony.

For a sales catalogue, contact 01647 432277 or visit www.rendells.co.uk.

The Dartmoor Pony Autumn Drift sale is on: Thursday 10th October at Chagford Market (TQ13 8DR) Contact Rendells: Tel: 01647 432277 www.rendells.co.uk [email protected]