Proud parents, friends and other supporters cheered on young riders as they competed in the Spooner’s and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton.

Ten races at Widslade Farm saw youngsters of all ages, including those who were so small they needed parental assistance, race 600m to 1,000m, either flat or over jumps on Saturday, September 5.

The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association display team competed and an association spokesman said: “It was a wonderful day. We took five ponies and ten riders for two races, aged ten to 16 years. For many it was their first racing. They did brilliantly, sporting the biggest smiles, even though parents had their hearts in their mouths. One of our riders, Keira Jury, took third in the 800m jump race on pony Leightor Charlie.”

Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cotterell.
Parents and other supporters at Spooner’s and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cottrell. (Chris Cottrell)
Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cotterell.
Crouching low in the saddle at Spooner’s and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cottrell. (Chris Cottrell)
Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt at the pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cotterell.
Spooner’s and West Dartmoor Hunt with hounds at the pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cottrell. (Chris Cottrell)
Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cotterell.
Trying to catch the race leaders at Spooner’s and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cottrell. (Chris Cottrell)
Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cotterell.
The crowds enjoying Spooner’s and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cottrell. (Chris Cottrell)
Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cotterell.
Pounding the lower slopes of Dartmoor. Picture by Chris Cottrell. (Chris Cottrell)
Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cotterell.
Over the low jumps. Picture by Chris Cottrell. (Chris Cottrell)
Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cotterell.
Starting young at Spooner’s and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cottrell. (Chris Cottrell)
Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cotterell.
Spooner’s and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cottrell. (Chris Cottrell)
Spooners and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cotterell.
Cheering on the young riders at Spooner’s and West Dartmoor Hunt pony racing at Lamerton. Picture by Chris Cottrell. (Chris Cottrell.)