The slaughtering of Dartmoor Hill Ponies for meat has become an increasingly upsetting issue, one that Hill Pony Resources are trying to prevent.

Two locals, who recently discovered the fate of these ponies, have created a solution to keep these precious native ponies off the menu and on the Moors, resulting in the rescue of over 100 Dartmoor Hill Ponies from the slaughter houses.

They have always admired this native breed and only recently became aware of their fate. Historically, this indigenous breed had been used for riding, as pack ponies and as conservation grazers. However, unfortunately, the market for these ponies has reduced, but instead of keepers reducing their numbers, the ponies have been allowed to continue breeding. Consequently, many foals were sold on the meat market for zoo’s and through a recent scheme which tried to promote the human consumption of horse meat.

A spokesperson for Hill Pony Resources stated that: “Consensus is that there is no place for pony meat in this country, a poll showed over 70% of people opposed that ponies were used for meat.” The majority wanted to see a reduction in breeding for example by the removal of stallions.

Another solution is the castration of stallions/colts to then allow them to run on the moor as geldings. Previously, Hill Pony Resources have run two successful castration clinics after which the ponies returned to the moor to roam free whilst not adding to the over breeding. Additionally, vasectomizing the stallions is another option that has been successful. Unfortunately, numerous efforts are hindered because a few keepers refuse to take such simple steps in the attempt to reduce pony numbers.

The versatility of the Dartmoor Hill Pony is a surprising aspect. With quiet handling, these ponies can make wonderful riding ponies for children and small adults, driving ponies and therapy ponies. The HPR offer a successful and promising service where the ponies can be handled before they go to their new homes and people are often willing to pay slightly more for ponies who have received basic training. Hence, Pony Keepers with their years of experience could handle the ponies themselves and thusly in turn, benefit from the higher price.

The HPR is a non profit organisation, run by volunteers and kind donations. They hope to expand their services and are currently attempting to fundraise for the purchase of their own yard on their own Crowdfunding page. They are trying to raise £65,000 to cover the costs of this yard, thus any donation, no matter how small would be appreciated. This would allow the charity to grow, offer work experience and enable opportunities for more people which will give the ponies a purpose when they leave the moor. HPR would also encourage visitors and local people to get involved, but this will only be possible through the improvement of their facilities.

The charity believes that there is a place for all Dartmoor types on the moor from Hill Ponies, Pedigree and Heritage ponies. In the long run, they are aiming to offer a service to pony keepers so that ponies can be kept on the moor for generations to come which they believe can be achieved through more controlled breeding and a small market when the ponies leave the moor as ridden, therapy, companions and conservation ponies.

If you are able to help, Hill Pony Resources can be reached via Twitter, Facebook, Website http://hillponyresources.weebly.com/ , email [email protected] Phone 07943556196. Details of their Crowdfunder can be found here https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/hillponyresources