Registered Charity No: 1109196 (England & Wales).
The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust is not only committed to preserving the Dartmoor pony on Dartmoor, it also demonstrates the breed’s amazing temperament and versatility by using Dartmoor ponies as the ‘platform for learning’ for children and students of all ages and abilities, as part of its ‘Ponies Inspiring People’ Equine Assisted Learning programmes.
The Charity works with adults and young people but has particularly focussed on making a difference to the outlook of those affected by the challenges of life, suffering from high anxiety and disaffection, perhaps due to childhood trauma or a variety of behavioural difficulties. We also specialise in enabling those with disabilities ranging from autism to complex physical and emotional conditions, to become more independent and extend their capabilities and achievements.
Dartmoor ponies have the perfect temperament: resilient, challenging but gentle and with a remarkable sense of knowing how much to ‘push’ and encourage. They are wonderful ‘motivators’ for our students - whether working with them at our Centre or out on Dartmoor.
Demand for our intuitive and highly adaptable work is expected to increase considerably in the aftermath of the Corona Virus as we anticipate a demand for bereavement support for families who have suffered. Our ponies have such empathy and gentleness; they offer the perfect medium for encouraging people to talk, to reassess life values and to regain confidence and self-belief.
At our site at Bellever on Dartmoor, we provide free guided walks to enable people to access and enjoy the solace, wild open spaces, health and wellbeing benefits of this extraordinary landscape. They learn about history, heritage, archaeology and environment, leaving with a far greater appreciation of the Dartmoor story, plus respect and understanding of why it is so important that it is managed and valued for its importance in the mitigation of climate change and to people.
By giving in your Will or Legacy, you will help us to preserve the Dartmoor pony in its native habitat and inspire people of all generations.
