The Park Authority will subsidise up to 10 mares per farmer

There were fears the symbol of Dartmoor would disappear due to the introduction of new European regulations.

Farmers feared the cost of providing each pony with its own individual paperwork identification under the new rules would make them too expensive to keep.

But the National Park Authority has now stepped in and agreed to subsidise pony farming.

The Authority plans to subsidise farmers to keep up to 10 mares each.

The Park's move should spark a revival in the market for ponies

It will mean fewer ponies on Dartmoor, but they will be of a better quality.

That, in turn, should prompt a revival of markets for them - either for children to ride or for export for meat.

Park Authority spokesman Robert Steemson said: "The pony is our emblem so it is very important.

"The Dartmoor pony is recognised throughout the world and it is what a lot of visitors come to see."

Great attraction

Dartmoor farmer George Shillibeer has long lost money on the ponies and wondered how long he could afford to continue keeping them.

He said he was pleased their future was now being protected.

"It is important to keep up the tradition of the ponies. They are a great attraction to visitors."