A SPECIAL event which may do its part to guarantee the future security of the Dartmoor Pony is being held later this month. The two-day training workshop for students at Bicton College has been organised by the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) in conjunction with Positive Horsemanship, in which participants will learn how to train and handle wild pony foals. Dru Butterfield, DPHT charity manager, said: ?The process of taming a wild pony herd can have a profound effect on the individual taking part, and the bond of trust that is gradually created can have long lasting impact for both pony and handler. ?We are pleased to be able to offer this type of training to people who are entering the equine and animal care industries.? The trust is also running a wild foal training demonstration at Bicton College on Friday November 16 at 7pm. Principal trainer Vanessa Bee of Positive Horsemanship and Dru Butterfield will give an entertaining and educational commentary, giving an opportunity to watch wild Dartmoor ponies ground started in five foundation skills: catching, leading, loading, tying up and feet handling. Tickets are £10 adults/£5 children in advance from DPHT or £12 adults/£6 children on the door. Call DPHT on 01626 355314 to reserve a place. Increased awareness that the Dartmoor Pony could be wiped out led to the formation of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT) in 2005, a registered charity whose principal aim is to save the breed from extinction and maintain its presence on Dartmoor. Not that long ago the value of the Dartmoor Pony plummeted to £1 and many moorland farmers found that continuing to breed herds was no longer financially viable. The DPHT identified that by offering farmers the opportunity to train the wild foals and ponies, that would have previously gone straight to market after the annual ?drift?, they could add value and find a wider market to sell into.