Councillor Avril Kerswell is well known within the Bovey Tracey and Teignbridge community, particularly for her roles in the local Council. She is Chairman of Teignbridge District Council for 2018/19, has been a Town Councillor since 2000 and Town Mayor three times. Avril has supported the work of the DPHT for many years and regularly adopts one of our Dartmoor ponies, George!

Says Avril: “My love affair with the Dartmoor Pony goes back to my childhood when as a pony-mad girl of twelve years old, my father bought me a six-month-old colt from Ugborough market.  He was a very dark bay and I named him Ebony.

“My daughter’s second pony was also a Dartmoor.  A bright bay – very like DPHT pony George – I bought him when she was six and he was five.  The most genuine pony I’ve ever known.  He gave her so many life qualities including caring, being responsible and most of all having fun. He remained in our ownership until he died at the age of thirty.

“Therefore I was delighted to be asked to be a Patron of The Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust and continue my association with this most wonderful of the native pony breeds of our country.

“The Dartmoor Pony is the perfect animal to give to nervous children, or those coping with any life challenges, as they will find the love and confidence to find enjoyment in the wonderful world of ponies.  I am proud to be able to help the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust in any way that I can.”