Not to be confused with the recognised breed of Dartmoor ponies.

The Dartmoor Hill ponies are semi-wild ponies born on Dartmoor and although closely related to the Registered Dartmoor ponies, they have their own distinct genetic make up which helps them survive harsh winters on the moor. The ponies range in size from approximately 11hh to 13hh and, as these ponies have been cross-bred at some point in the past, can be found in a wide variety of colours including skewbald, piebald and spotted.

The Dartmoor Hill Pony Association was formed in 1998 and was formally constituted in 2005 and recognised by Defra as a Breeders’ Association for the Semi-wild Dartmoor Hill Pony Population in 2023.

In 2017 the genetics of the pony herds on the commons of Dartmoor were analysed by the Institute of Biological Environmental and Rural Sciences, Aberystwyth University, a world-class, teaching and research institute. Links to the reports can be found on the Dartmoor Hill Pony website.

https://www.dartmoorhillpony.com/

https://www.wildtowonderful.org/

https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/wildlife-and-heritage/heritage/ponies