YOUNG people with complex and difficult life issues are taking part in the Army’s Ten Tors Jubilee challenge from Okehampton Camp tomorrow (May 12) with the help of two tough and resilient Dartmoor ponies.

The Dartmoor Pony Heritage’s specially trained ponies George and Smartie will be led over the moor by 12 teenagers from Ivybridge Community College and Ratcliffe School in Dawlish.

This is the third year running that the DPHT has taken part in the Jubilee Challenge, which gives youngsters with special needs the chance to be involved in the annual Ten Tors event.

The charity runs Fresh Tracks, the special equine assisted learning part of the programme, which gives young people with a range of complex, challenging life issues – from both mainstream and special needs schools – the chance to train to lead Dartmoor ponies across the open moor.

Many of the students – aged 14-16 – had never even touched a pony before beginning a ten-week course with the DPHT to learn to handle them.

Through training for, and then achieving, a demanding trek across some of the toughest terrain on Dartmoor while leading the ponies, the teenagers are having an unforgettable experience which builds up their confidence.

During ten weeks of intensive training they have learned to handle the ponies, to walk safely in the moorland environment and learn navigation, first aid and teamwork and are supported by experienced pony handlers, moorland guides, first aiders and their own schools’ support staff, as well as members of the DPHT volunteer team.

Fresh Tracks is part of the DPHT’s ‘Ponies Inspiring People’ equine assisted learning programme.

Dru Butterfield, in charge of Fresh Tracks for DPHT, said: ‘Delivering Fresh Tracks requires a lot of time and commitment from all those involved – the students above all. Most start off unwilling and uninterested but the evidence we have is that they leave our course with far more confidence and the motivation to overcome their personal issues. We could not do it without the families/carers and school staff who have shown incredible determination and enthusiasm, and our volunteer guides and support team members. George and Smartie are the stars. Dartmoor ponies are tough and resilient – attributes passed on to the students and undoubtedly fundamental to their success.’

Teachers and parents of the children taking part report that working with the ponies has helped them grow in confidence and self-esteem.

One parent said: ‘My son is so much calmer and has more self-control. This has built up his self-confidence and he is just a much happier boy – who is starting to mature. After so many years of worrying that he could ever cope with life, we are incredibly proud of him and believe he has skills now that will help him to go forward.’

The charity’s Fresh Tracks programme is supported by a number of businesses in the area, as well as the Army.

Lieutenant Colonel Crispin d’Apice of the Army’s HQ SW Region and the lead organiser for Ten Tors, said: ‘The Army are delighted to once again run Ten Tors for the young people of the South West. The Fresh Tracks element of the Jubilee Challenge is a particularly rewarding part of the event which we are proud to deliver in partnership with the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust. We congratulate all the participants for getting this far and hope they have an enjoyable and memorable challenge.’

Find out more at www.dpht.co.uk.

Pictures by Malcolm Snelgrove