| The Dartmoor livestock markets at Tavistock and Chagford hold sales of the young ponies born on the high moor each autumn. The success of these sales is vital to the future of the the Dartmoor pony as a breed and to the grazing regime and thus the appearance of the Dartmoor that we all enjoy.
Like all such markets in this very rural part of England, they are social events where the farmers responsible for the ponies get to meet and chat. Here are a few photos of the market at Chagford in October 2008 |
The mist is lifting as the ponies begin to arrive Buy Print |
Drover and owner exchange an early morning joke Buy Print |
Checking out the competition Buy Print |
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Chagford Pony Sale: Mist and breath mingle in the chill air of the autumn early morning Buy Print |
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Chagford Pony Sale 2009: Calling to friends! Buy Print |
The ponies arrive Buy Print |
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Minature ponies too are included Buy Print |
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Market staff make sure that the right ponies are in the right pens Buy Print |
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Off to the ring Buy Print |
In the ring Buy Print |
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Putting the world to rights Buy Print |
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Spot the bidder Buy Print |
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The Auctioneer in full cry Buy Print |
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"in Yer Go" Buy Print |
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the market these two foals are quietly snacking Buy Print |
The start of the journey to a new home Buy Print |
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Chance Meeting Buy Print |
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Off to the ring Buy Print |
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Chagford Pony Sale: New friends get acquainted Buy Print |
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Curious as ever, these ponies load themselves Buy Print |
Balancing the books after the selling has ended Buy Print |
Balancing the books after the selling has ended Buy Print |
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Off to pastures new Buy Print |
The sale over, the last pony has left, the drovers relax Buy Print |
