SEVERAL ponies have been spotted on a Dorset beach enjoying a much needed cool down while the UK heatwave engulfed the county.

The ponies were brought down to Weymouth beach by Sophie Matthews of Turquoise Shetland Pony Stud at Cheselbourne for a cooling-off swim in the sea on Monday evening.

Dorset Echo: Riders take a dip with the ponies. Sophie Matthews took some of her Shetland Ponies for a cooling dip in the sea in Weymouth. Picture By: Geoff Moore/Dorset Media ServicesRiders take a dip with the ponies. Sophie Matthews took some of her Shetland Ponies for a cooling dip in the sea in Weymouth. Picture By: Geoff Moore/Dorset Media Services

Young riders helped guide the ponies into the surf to cool down as the salt water is good for their coats. At times the feet of the Shetlands were off the sea bed allowing them to swim, which is good for their overall health.

Dorset Echo: Riders take a dip with the ponies. Sophie Matthews took some of her Shetland Ponies for a cooling dip in the sea in Weymouth. Picture By: Geoff Moore/Dorset Media ServicesRiders take a dip with the ponies. Sophie Matthews took some of her Shetland Ponies for a cooling dip in the sea in Weymouth. Picture By: Geoff Moore/Dorset Media Services

Kacey Hallett was also spotted taking a canter along the tide line on a full-sized pony and the day drew to a close.

Dorset Echo: Kacey Hallett having a canter along the tide line. Sophie Matthews took some of her Shetland Ponies for a cooling dip in the sea in Weymouth. Picture By: Geoff Moore/Dorset Media ServicesKacey Hallett having a canter along the tide line. Sophie Matthews took some of her Shetland Ponies for a cooling dip in the sea in Weymouth. Picture By: Geoff Moore/Dorset Media Services