A UNIQUE development in West Devon for young people with learning disabilities will soon be welcoming two new four-legged residents. Archie and Ronnie, two Dartmoor Ponies, were rescued by Dartmoor Pony Training Centre in Ashburton last year and trained by Natalie Torr and Kathryn Hulland, the centre's founders. Archie and Ronnie benefit the lives of residents at Easterbrook Farm in Okehampton, a residential development which offers an active learning environment for young people with learning disabilities. The ponies will be used as therapy for the residents. They will become part of everyday life at the farm and though they will not be ridden, the hope is that through caring for them and interacting, the students will grow in confidence as well as learning new skills. Easterbrook wanted two ponies, but those at the DPTC were too young to be housed on their own and like any youngsters they needed some guidance from a pony who is older and more experienced in life. For this situation the Mare and Foal Sanctuary provided an older Dartmoor Hill Pony to give the younger ones stability and a pony from which to learn. The sanctuary has provided a sweet natured bay gelding called Tavy who is almost three years old. The two ponies provided by the DPTC came from Tavistock Market — Archie is a bay colt and Ronnie is a dark brown colt. Dartmoor Pony Training Centre was founded in 2005 to take on ponies from market which were unsold or going for very low prices to dealers. Its aim is to train them with non-confrontational methods and re-home them. Natalie said: 'We are all absolutely delighted that Archie and Ronnie are going to become Easterbrook Farm's newest residents. 'When Archie and Ronnie first arrived at the training centre last year they were both very young and completely unhandled. 'It goes to show what a fantastic breed Dartmoor hill ponies are as in under four months they had gone from being very shy and nervous to confident, cheeky ponies. 'We made the decision to send these particular ponies because of their calm natures. 'At the same time they both have bags of personality and will provide lots of entertainment and companionship for the pupils at Easterbrook Farm.' The DPTC and the Mare and Foal Sanctuary are always on the look out for homes for their other ponies. If anyone is interested or would like further information contact the DPTC on 01364 654609.