A SALE of Dartmoor ponies at Chagford recently was described as ?exceptional? with few of the 187 animals remaining unsold.

Auctioneers Rendells reported that the eight guinea (£8.40) minimum price, applied universally throughout the season?s sales, had a beneficial effect throughout the sale and helped to lift prices in every category.

Buyers were in abundance from all parts of the UK, most being keen to acquire top quality ponies for the riding market.

Auctioneer Tim Garrett said many of Dartmoor?s pony keepers were now following market demand and breeding the sorts that buyers were looking for.

He said it was a far cry from last year when ponies were literally given away for pennies.

A spotted yearling filly fetched the top price of the day of £325 and the average price for coloured types was £134.

Patch-coloured ponies sold to a top price of £115 ? the average for filly foals being £53 and colts £21 and plain coloured young fillies fetched a price of £120.

Mares and foals were in strong demand and the usual Miniature Shetland consignment from Mrs J Mortimore, of Chagford, again attracted special interest, selling to £183 for a patch coloured filly foal.