THE ponies, which have run wild on the hills and commons of Dartmoor for centuries, are under threat but the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association has a modern solution: Contraception.

The association is coordinating a project to allow mares to continue to run on the moors with stallions, living naturally in herds but without reproducing, by administering an equine version of the contraceptive pill.

Ponies have grazed Dartmoor longer than history records. They've been vital role in controlling the spread of bracken and gorse, creating an environment in which other species of wildlife thrive, and providing a valuable source of transport, horse power and recreation. A prancing pony is the emblem of the Dartmoor National Park.

For the full report, and a round up of the area news and sport, see this week's edition of the Post.