THE 31st Dartmoor Pony Moorland Show will take place on Sunday 3rd September 2023, starting at 10 am, at its traditional venue - Old Playing Fields in Princetown.

Dartmoors are especially good family ponies and as well as ‘show’ classes, both in-hand (led) and ridden, the event is aimed at encouraging families to take part, with lead rein classes for children 3 years and upwards and young handler classes for youngsters aged 5-14 years.

The Show is for pedigree ponies registered with the Dartmoor Pony Society (DPS) and for those listed on the DPS Supplementary Register (SR), which means that they have been bred within the Dartmoor Pony Moorland Scheme. The Judge is Mrs Helen Banbury of St Austell.

The Duchy of Cornwall has been working with the Dartmoor Pony Society and local Dartmoor pony keepers/farmers for many years, to help ensure a future for the Dartmoor pony and to encourage owners to ‘breed up’ from moorland-bred non-pedigree ponies. This scheme is known as the Dartmoor Pony Moorland Scheme.

The Show is run by a small committee, some members of which are involved with the Scheme, with greatly appreciated secretarial support from the Duchy of Cornwall.

DOG
(Clare Stanton)

As Dartmoor ponies are recognised as being ‘At Risk’ by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust, it is vital that breeders are encouraged to breed high-quality ponies to help ensure a future for one of the UK’s much-loved equine breeds.

Fees for entering the Dartmoor pony classes before the Show (closing date is 25 August 2023) are just £4, rising to £8 on the day. Schedules are available from Anne Kelly, Duchy of Cornwall Office, Princetown, tel: 01822 890205

The Family Dog Show has 10 classes including Best Youngster (18 months and under), Best Pedigree, Best Crossbreed, Most Handsome Dog and Prettiest Bitch. First prize winners will compete for the Best in Show and Reserve Best in Show. Rosettes 1st – 6th place. Entries are on the field from 10.30 am and judging starts at 11 am. Entry is £1.00 per class. Proceeds to the Dartmoor Pony Society.

Spectators are always welcome – and are guaranteed an opportunity to see some super Dartmoor ponies as well as a wide variety of lovely dogs!

Refreshments will be available, there will be a big raffle and visitor admission is free. The show field is easy to find and will be well-marked on all approaches to Princetown.