ONE of the highlights of the series of events being held by Dartmoor National Park as part of celebrations of its 60th anniversary, will be on Sunday September 11 when National Park archaeologists, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT), the Forestry Commission and the YHA lead pony walks for the public, up on to Bellever Tor, from Postbridge Car Park.

The walks will celebrate the important contribution of ponies to Dartmoor's heritage, looking at the conservation work of the DPHT and including displays of ponies working in harness. The walks are being run by the DPHT to demonstrate the superb capabilities and temperament of the Dartmoor pony, a native breed recognised as being 'at risk'.

They are part of a series of events celebrating Dartmoor's heritage, the 60th anniversary of Dartmoor's designation as a National Park and recognition of the importance of the nation's forests, as the Forestry Commission celebrates the International Year of Forests.

John Weir, head of external affairs for Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: 'The Dartmoor pony embraces the very spirit of Dartmoor and has featured on the National Park logo since the early 1950s.

'In this, the 60th anniversary year of Dartmoor becoming a National Park, the opening of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust's new centre at Parke is a significant initiative to raise the profile of the Dartmoor pony even further. It is only fit and proper that Dartmoor ponies should lead the way with our Dartmoor experience on Bellever Day.'

Further linking the important role of Dartmoor ponies to local history and heritage, will be a special performance of Cauda Equina — The Horse's Tale — celebrating the pony in song and myth.

Seven international emerging young artists in theatre, story, dance, sound and song will give an outdoor performance at the foot of Bellever Tor at the Round House on the Lych Waie, between 2pm and 3pm. The group will present a celebration of stories, work, relationships, myth, song and natural history through the ages to present day, with the Dartmoor pony.