THE annual pony sale at Chagford Market on October 14 was much better than anticipated, according to auctioneers Rendells.

But due to the poor results of drift sales elsewhere and the general economic malaise, not all 434 ponies entered came forward.

There was a variable trade with the better quality, spotted and coloured ponies selling well.

A large number of buyers were present, from both the Westcountry and the eastern counties.

Mrs V Pearse's ponies started the sale to a strong trade with Dartmoor Hill pony fillies selling to £157.50.

The top price of the day was for Mrs A Fisher-Barnett's skewbald Shetland cross riding pony which sold for £630, other notable prices were for G Goddard's 4-year-old piebald gelding £420, Mrs A Came's spotted perlino 11.2-hh mare £210, Mrs A Bassett's registered pedigree Dartmoor colt £168 and, proving that size does not matter, J Mortimore's miniature Shetland chestnut colt met a high demand among the buyers, finally selling for £183.75.

There was good trade for stock sold by M J Shears, DJ and P Skelley, Mrs A Janes, M Alford and J Jordan.

Rendells expressed thanks and recognised the immense contribution to the success of the sale made by the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association.

Anyone interested in joining the Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony can contact Charlotte Faulkner on 01364 631036.