PREPARATIONS are well underway for the drift sale at Chagford next Thursday (October 10) as wild ponies were brought off Dartmoor in the annual autumn drifts.

Dartmoor Commoners got together to bring their pony herds off the moor at Merrivale near Tavistock on Monday (September 30) and Poundsgate on Tuesday (October 1).

On foot and on quad bikes, they brought this year’s foals down off the high moor.

The ponies are then taken back by farmers to their holdings before the annual drift sale at Rendells’ Chagford Market next Thursday from 11am.

The event is something of a social occasion for those who keep herd ponies on the moor. Dartmoor ponies have started to fetch better prices in recent years, with last year’s sale hailed the best in years.

‘The sale is a truly unique experience as Rendells are the last firm within the Dartmoor National Park to carry on this time honoured tradition selling this ancient native breed,’ said Rendells partner Peter Farnsworth. ‘The grass market (a rare sight in these modern times) will be a hive of activity on the day, with digitalisation working side-by-side with the rustic wooden pens of yesteryear.

‘Already entries have been received in good numbers, as interest has seen a steady rise over the last five years despite the ever increasing national equestrian legislation and its unforeseen impact on the movement of the iconic and hardy breed of semi-feral ponies.

‘The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association will be on site offering knowledge and assistance throughout the sale as a result of year round planning in anticipation. We look forward to another successful year continuing this historic event.’

Last year a photobooth had to be installed at the market to meet with new requirements from Government department Defra for ‘pony passport’ applications to be completed before the ponies left the sale with their new owners. This was organised by the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, as part of its efforts to promote the value of the moorland ponies.

An association spokesperson said: ‘The sale last year was particularly challenging as new legislation was introduced ahead of the sale which hopefully we have now been able address and turn into a workable plan. Some 177 ponies passed through the Dartmoor sale at Chagford which proved a logistical challenge as each had to be chipped, photographed and a passport application issued.’