PONIES and members of the public trekked up a West Devon Tor as part of the Dartmoor National Park's 60th anniversary celebrations recently, to show how versatile the Dartmoor ponies can be.

The two ponies, Skylark and Stonechat, demonstrated their abilities as 'pack ponies' on the walk from Postbridge Car Park up Bellever Tor.

The walk celebrated the important contribution of ponies to Dartmoor's heritage and demonstrated the capabilities and temperament of the Dartmoor pony, a native breed recognised as being 'at risk'.

In partnership with Dartmoor National Park archaeologists, the Forestry Commission and the YHA, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) led the pony walks for the public, as 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.

Dru Butterfield, of the DPHT, said: 'Despite wild weather, both ponies took it all in their stride, showing just how versatile and easy-going they are, adaptable to all sorts of roles, whether carrying packs or people, or as driving ponies or conservation grazing animals.'