Why visitors are being urged not to feed Dartmoor Ponies this winter

Members of the public are being urged not to feed Dartmoor’s ponies during cold weather, following renewed concerns about people offering food to animals on the moor.

The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust recently issued a warning on social media reminding visitors that Dartmoor ponies are hardy animals, well adapted to winter conditions, and that feeding them can be dangerous.

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In its statement, the Trust said:

“Cold weather makes us all worry about Dartmoor’s ponies, but please do not feed them. They are hardy and built to survive all weathers, but feeding them can be dangerous.”

The Trust explained that foods commonly offered by well-meaning visitors, such as apples and carrots, can cause serious harm.

“Apples, carrots, and other foods can choke them or upset their digestion,” the statement said. “Ponies need a diet they are used to; the natural vegetation of the moors.”

Every Dartmoor pony is owned by a farmer, and many are already managed as part of working farms on the moor. 

According to the Trust, supplementary feeding is sometimes provided by farmers during particularly harsh conditions, but ponies generally do not need extra food from the public.

ABOVE: An image shared to DPHT Facebook reminding visitors not to feed the ponies (Image: DPHT)

The Moorlander contacted the Trust for further information, and Cath Anderson, Operations Manager and feral pony handler for the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust, told us feeding can have severe and sometimes fatal consequences.

“Every pony on Dartmoor belongs to a farmer,” she said. “Feeding the ponies can not only cause colic, which is a severe stomach pain, but can kill very quickly. They can also choke.”

Ms Anderson added that feeding ponies creates further risks by encouraging them to approach people and vehicles.

“Feeding also desensitises them to vehicles, which means they go closer to roads,” she said. “That makes them much more vulnerable to collisions.”

The Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society (DLPS), which responds to reports of injured or distressed animals on the moor, recorded 10 pony deaths and seven other vehicle collisions during 2025, according to figures shared by the Trust.

Ms Anderson said there are generally two reasons people feed ponies, both of which can be harmful.

“There are two types of people who feed ponies,” she said. “Those who think they are starving, and those who want to touch a wild pony. Both are detrimental to the pony.”

She warned that ponies which become used to being fed by people can become dangerous.

“What people don’t realise is how dangerous a desensitised pony is,” she said. “They will bite and kick to get into pockets or bags. All you have to do is drive up to Haytor and you will see people feeding the ponies.”

The Trust stressed that ponies are naturally adapted to life on Dartmoor and are expected to lose weight during winter months.

“Ponies on the moor are evolved to put weight on in summer and lose it again in winter,” Ms Anderson explained. “This helps their metabolism and reduces the risk of laminitis caused by obesity.”

She also described how ponies cope physically with harsh weather.

“They have adapted coats that lie like roof tiles, keeping the lower coat dry for insulation,” she said. “They are also experts at pawing the ground to reach fresh shoots and grass.”

While ponies may appear uncomfortable during storms or snow, the Trust says this does not mean they are suffering.

“These ponies will look miserable in terrible weather, as we all do,” Ms Anderson said. “However, they are truly adapted to the wilds of Dartmoor.”

The Trust emphasised the strong connection between farmers and their animals.

“These ponies are a huge part of farms on the moor,” Ms Anderson said. “Farmers love their ponies and their traditions, and they are truly devastated when ponies are injured or die.”

Members of the public who are genuinely concerned about a pony’s welfare are advised not to intervene themselves, but to report it.

“If you see a problem with any livestock, you should call the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society,” Ms Anderson said.

The DLPS ranger, Karla McChechnie, responds to reports day and night and can assess whether an animal needs help.

Concerns can be reported to the Dartmoor Livestock Protection Society on 07873 587561.