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Understanding Feral Ponies - Dartmoor Walk and Talk

Join BHS and the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, where we'll explore the fascinating lives of Britain's feral ponies.

  • 10th September 2026
  • 5:30PM - 8PM
A Dartmoor Heritage Pony Copyright Malcolm Snelgrove A Dartmoor Heritage Pony Copyright Malcolm Snelgrove

How to book

Tickets are free. If you are able to, we welcome suggested donations of £5 or £10. Donations will be shared between BHS and Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust.

Book Here


Location details

Yelverton PL20 6TT, UK

Event Details

Join the British Horse Society and the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust for a unique guided evening walk through the stunning surroundings of Bellever Forest, Dartmoor, where we'll explore the fascinating lives of Britain's feral ponies in the landscape they call home.

Why Understanding Matters

Before a feral pony can successfully transition into a domestic home, it's important to understand its origins. This relaxed and informative walk offers a rare opportunity to observe ponies in their natural habitat while learning how they live, interact and thrive as free-roaming animals.

What You'll Learn

As we walk across the moor, we'll explore:

  • Herd dynamics and social structures
  • Natural equine behaviour and communication
  • Grazing patterns and feeding habits
  • Seasonal changes and how ponies adapt
  • Natural movement and use of the landscape
  • The important role ponies play in Dartmoor's unique ecosystem

You'll gain valuable insight into how ponies' physical, behavioural and social needs are met in the wild, helping you better understand the changes they experience when moving into domestic ownership.

Who Should Attend?

This event is ideal for:

  • Current horse and pony owners
  • Prospective feral pony homers
  • Equestrians and equine professionals
  • Conservation enthusiasts
  • Anyone interested in equine behaviour and welfare

Whether you're considering homing a feral pony, already own one, or simply have an interest in Dartmoor's iconic ponies, this promises to be an informative and inspiring evening.

About the Feral Pony Education Series

This event forms part of the British Horse Society's Feral Pony Education Series, delivered in partnership with leading regional charities and equine professionals. Together, we aim to promote responsible ownership, improve understanding, and support lifelong equine welfare.

Important Information

What to Bring

  • Refreshments for the evening
  • Suitable outdoor clothing
  • Sturdy footwear for uneven terrain
  • Long trousers or leggings are recommended due to ticks

Bringing Your Dog

Quiet, well-behaved dogs are welcome on short leads. If your dog is prone to barking, we recommend leaving them at home as they may disturb the ponies.

Seeing the Ponies

Every effort will be made to locate the local ponies during the walk. However, these are wild animals and, unfortunately, they haven't read the agenda for the day! Please bear this in mind when booking.

Parking & Facilities

The car park is pay-and-display and accepts both cash and card payments.
Parking charges are payable separately on the evening.
Toilet facilities are available at the car park.

Tickets & Donations

Tickets are free.

If you are able, we invite you to make a suggested donation of £5 or £10. Donations will be shared between the British Horse Society and the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, helping us continue our charitable work to improve equine welfare, education, access and safety, and support the people who care for horses and ponies.

Book Here

We look forward to welcoming you for an evening of discovery, learning and appreciation of Dartmoor's remarkable feral ponies.