Ponies Sheltering in Black-a-Tor Copse

Tucked away amongst the twisted ancient oaks of Black-a-Tor Copse, two ponies stand quietly together, sheltered beneath the dense woodland canopy.

This remarkable little woodland, hidden on the slopes above the West Okement River, is one of my favourite places on Dartmoor. Its gnarled oak trees, sprawling branches and enormous moss-covered granite boulders give it an almost prehistoric atmosphere, quite unlike the open moorland surrounding it.

Photographed in October 2010, I came across these two ponies standing amongst the rocks and fallen autumn bracken. Their thick, shaggy coats and long, pale manes seemed perfectly suited to the sheltered surroundings, while the rich chestnut tones of their coats provided a beautiful contrast to the vivid green moss covering the boulders and trees.

What particularly appealed to me was the way the ponies appeared completely at ease in their surroundings. Rather than standing out against the open moorland, they seemed almost part of the woodland itself, quietly occupying a little clearing beneath the ancient oaks.

For me, encounters like this are part of what makes exploring Dartmoor so rewarding. You can wander through familiar places countless times, yet still come across a scene that makes you stop, reach for the camera and appreciate the quieter moments of life on the moor.