THIS year’s Ten Tors was more inclusive than ever before, with the Jubilee Challenge enabling youngsters with special physical or educational needs to pit themselves against Dartmoor’s tough terrain.

As part of the challenge, a group of students from Ivybridge Community College joined others for a pilot of a new event, Fresh Tracks, organised by the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust.

Fresh Tracks involved a demanding ten-mile trek over the moors accompanied by three Dartmoor ponies – Skylark, Stonechat and George.

Students and staff from ICC, along with Teign School and Ratcliffe and Oakland Park Special Needs Schools at Dawlish, DPHT volunteers and guides, trained over eight weeks for the challenge.

Sam Ball, assistant principal at Ivybridge Community College said: ’Fresh Tracks has given them an enormous boost to their self confidence; they have grown over the weeks and clearly enjoyed themselves.

’It has developed team building and cooperation and we hope that this will have an effect on their school lives and education. Building self esteem in these youngsters is a priority - they will go far if only they believe in themselves. 

’Jo Mandeville, the teacher who worked with them throughout the preparation and walked with them today, is an inspiration.

’Two months ago, if I had suggested to these lads that we walk 10 miles across Dartmoor, they would have laughed at me, but in school we started to see a bit more enthusiasm, a bit more positivity and self control.

’Today they didn’t just walk up and down the Tors of Dartmoor, they climbed mountains – in their minds - and came back asking to do it again.’

Lieutenant Colonel Peter Bates of HQ SW Region, lead organiser of the Ten Tors, added: ’The army firmly believes in providing opportunities for young people, which is one reason we organise the Ten Tors event. We are delighted to be working with DPHT, and being even more inclusive through Fresh Tracks.

’These youngsters worked hard to get here and deserve the chance to shine, as well as gaining new skills and a real sense of self pride.’