CHAGFORD annual Dartmoor Pony sale was held earlier this month and, as expected, a difficult trade was experienced, auctioneers Rendells have reported.

The company said an expected influx of additional entries following the cancellation of the sale at Tavistock did not materialise, with only 138 ponies penned compared with 158 last year.

Despite this, Rendells said there was 'certainly an improvement in trade on last year' with a 55% clearance compared with last year's 32% and a higher average price at just over £26.

A spokesman for Rendells said: 'Demand was higher for older fillies with colts once again difficult to place.'