THE Dartmoor Society is inviting interested people to join its public debate on 'What Future for Ponies on Dartmoor?' in Chagford on October 5.

Ponies have roamed Dartmoor for thousands of years and are one of its iconic creatures, being the emblem of Dartmoor National Park.

But their future hangs in the balance — numbers are declining, prices paid at market often barely over the cost of bringing them there, and added costs are required by vets or for 'passports'.

There are few incentives to be a pony keeper other than tradition. Issues arise over topics such as stallions and branding. Yet the pony is the creature best adapted to Dartmoor's harsh environment and vegetation, and is essential for the ecological well-being of the moor.

The event, open to all, is the first to be focused specifically on ponies, and brings together a wide range of pony keepers, welfare bodies and others, all interested in the long-term future of these animals.

Chairman of the society Dr Tom Greeves said: 'Our annual debates are a great opportunity for people to find out more about current Dartmoor topics in a well-informed and friendly environment.

'Our aim is that everyone should feel they have learned a lot, thus enabling them to engage in the ongoing debate from a position of well-informed interest. The pony could hardly be a subject more closely connected with the image and story of Dartmoor.'

The debate will take place at the Jubilee Hall in Chagford from 10am to 4.30pm.

Prior booking before September 28 is essential. Places can be reserved for £14 (members) or £16 (non-members), to include coffee, buffet lunch and tea.

Please send names and addresses, email and telephone contacts, as well as cheques made payable to The Dartmoor Society, to PO Box 38, Tavistock, PL19 0XJ. For more information visit http://www.dartmoorsociety.com">www.dartmoorsociety.com