THE lives and future of Dartmoor Hill Ponies are taking great steps forward, thanks to efforts by two enthusiastic volunteers. Dartmoor Pony Rescue Centre was created by Natalie Torr, 26, and Kathryn Hulland, 28, in September 2005. Since then, the pair have experienced national publicity, emotional livestock markets, and mischievous ponies. The voluntary organisation is run by Natalie and Kathryn in a 15 acre field in Bovey Tracey. It was set up to take on ponies left unsold at annual markets. Natalie and Kathryn work with the animals, getting them used to being around people. DPRC is the brainchild of Natalie who, after moving closer to Dartmoor, discovered that ponies which remained unsold at market faced a death sentence. Determined to do something for the unfortunate animals, and after meeting Kathryn, together they set up the centre from scratch. Natalie said the biggest scheme they run is 'Sponsor a Pony'. They send out packs, newsletters, Christmas and birthday cards — usually resulting in Natalie sending out more than 70 newsletters about the updates of the individual ponies all at once. In April this year, eight ponies were taken on, four of which will form a base herd and stay with the DPRC throughout their lives, looking after the younger ponies unsold at markets. The base herd were not rescued from the market — the centre was given the ponies by a local farmer. Kathryn said: 'The base herd is now over a year old and they get on really well, having loads of fun. They are now all settled and relaxed.' Natalie said: 'In the past year we have been really surprised to learn how fantastic the ponies are and how with a little work they can turn into good children's, therapy and driving ponies. They are extremely versatile and very cheeky, with a lot of character.' In total the centre looks after ten ponies — all of whom recently escaped through a fence to greet ponies in another field. Kathryn said: 'The ponies are naughty and mischievous. They have a 15 acre field which they have just moved into and all the grass they want — and they go into the three acre field to say hello to the other ponies.' Supporters of the organisation, Mick and Su Frost, helped raise money for the centre by setting up a letter boxing event where people can buy a clue sheet at £2.50 each. So far it has raised £500. The money will go towards feed, supplement feed for the young ponies who are not with their mothers, and help with supplying more hay for the winter time. The centre is also supported by a committee of volunteers. In October, two of the centre's ponies, Star and Socks, had their five minutes of fame when they were filmed for ITV's 'This Morning' programme. A West Devon woman had contacted DPRC after she read two articles in the Times earlier this year in which the centre appealed for new homes for the ponies. Her offer of help attracted the attention of the programme and a film crew and presenter recorded the ponies being introduced to their new home at Bratton Clovelly. It was a special moment for Natalie and Kathryn, as Star and Socks were the first ponies of to be re-homed following the establishment of the rescue centre last year. Every year the DPRC take on unsold foals, but its eventual aim is to promote the ponies, so there will no longer be any unsold at market. Natalie said every year during the 'drift', the ponies are rounded up and the farmers sort out which ones belong to them. They are then inspected for health. Unfortunately, for some time the market value of the ponies has been low and foals have been known to sell for as little as 10p. This year at Tavistock Pony Market, Natalie and Kathryn were surprised at the increased prices of the ponies. On average the ponies were going for between £25 and £35, with some selling for as much as £200 and £300. Natalie, DPRC's chairperson, said: 'It was true that there were ponies that went for around £300, but these were actually crossed with 16hh horses so they were not really Dartmoor Hill Ponies. 'The majority of the bay colt foals went for around eight to 12 guineas whilst the coloured colts went for between 15 to 30 guineas.' There were no ponies left unsold this year but DPRC was donated two ponies by a woman who supports the centre's work. Natalie continued: 'We hope that we continue to learn and grow as an organisation, and promote Dartmoor Ponies in anyway possible.' Kathryn said: 'We still want to expand but we need time, especially to take on volunteers, and find Dartmoor ponies a good long-term home for the future. 'So many people want to get involved and take on ponies, especially from up-country, they are really keen to get involved. 'From this year our main success has been re-homing Star and Socks. We are happy the situation for Dartmoor Hill Ponies is getting better but we are keen to promote them even more.' On December 17, Natalie and Kathryn will be going to Trago Mills in Newton Abbot as part of a visitor attraction event. DPRC will be at Tavistock Market for the pony sale on tomorrow (Friday) from 10.30am. To contact either Natalie or Kathryn visit the website on http://www.dprc.org.uk">www.dprc.org.uk or call them on 01364 654609.