Child's First Pony (great disposition!)

The Dartmoor makes an excellent child's first pony. Their calm, consistent, quiet disposition encourages novice riders both in and out of the show ring. Pony ownership provides children a way to learn responsibility, moral judgement, leadership and self-confidence skills that last a lifetime.

Riding and Jumping

With their exceptional mental attitude, Dartmoors are perfect as childrens' riding and show ponies. They are ideal for small children learning to jump. Being very brave and possessing powerful rear quarters, they are solid and safe jumpers. Older children and adult riders appreciate the larger crossbred Dartmoor. Crossbreeding with Morgans, Arabians, Thoroughbreds or Quarter Horses produces medium and large ponies that maintain the favorable characteristics of the Dartmoor and excel in all disciplines.

Driving

Adults and older children find the Dartmoor ideally suited as a driving pony. Combining a quiet disposition, inherent hardiness and great work ethic, they excel in competition or pleasure driving. Driving enthusiasts are proving just how great these ponies are!  

Dartmoors for the "Older" Crowd

The Top Ten reasons Dartmoors are the perfect pony for the 55+ crowd:

1. Dartmoors are easy to get along with--super, quiet dispositions that make them excellent "first" ponies
2. They are attractive ponies that will look good at the drive or event
3. They are "low maintenance" equines when compared to many horse and pony breeds--they require much less space, feed, and upkeep than horses, and are great as the "backyard" pony
4. Grandparents can drive Dartmoors and the grandkids can come ride them safely
5. Dartmoors are a hardy lot, enjoy being out in all kinds of weather, and are remarkably healthy (compare vet bills for Dartmoors with those of other breeds)
6. Dartmoors love attention and enjoy being "part of the family"
7. Being small, Dartmoors can easily be handled and hooked by one person  (no flames please from the safety committee)
8. It's a lot easier to get a Dartmoor pony, its harness and vehicle clean and ready to go than a horse, harness, and vehicle.
9. Dartmoors perform and can keep up with the horses on a drive and look pretty classy doing it.  (Usual comment--boy, that's a good moving pony!)
10. Dartmoors are perfect for the new Sporting Day of Driving.  What breed can be more perfect as a country turnout, really setting off an antique vehicle?

And after that first Dartmoor, how can you resist getting another to make a pair?

(Courtesy Mary Thomas, member of the 55+ crowd, Bishop Field Farm, Clyde, OH)