Dales

Native to the upper dales of North East England, the Dales Pony was bred specifically for the Pennine lead industry as a pack pony. They were famous for their ability to get over rough country under heavy weight at a good speed, and for distances of up to 200 miles a week. Owing to their strength and sure-footedness, Dales Ponies were also used for work on small hill farms in the area. They carried the shepherd and burdens of hay for great distances on the fells. Stylish and fast in harness, they were also successful in the trotting races of the day, and were capable of giving their owner a good day’s hunting. They also served with the Army as pack and Mountain Artillery ponies.

These very hardy ponies are ideally 14.h.h. to 14.2.h.h.

Colours are predominantly black, with some brown, bay grey and, rarely, roan. White markings are allowed as a star and/or a snip, and white to the hind fetlocks, and ponies displaying more white than this are down graded to Section B Dales Ponies are renowned for the quality of their hard, well-shaped feet and legs, which should display beautiful dense, flat bone. Their action is straight, high and true. They are good movers, really using their knees and hocks for powerful drive. They have tremendous stamina, an iron constitution, high courage and great intelligence, combined with a calm temperament. The head should be neat, showing no dish, and broad between the eyes. The muzzle is relatively small, no coarseness about the jaw and throat, and incurving pony ears. A long foretop, main and tail of straight, silky hair, and a muscular neck of ample length for a bold outlook should be set into well-laid, sloping shoulders. Withers not too fine.  Stallions carry a well-arched crest. The body should be short-coupled, with strong loins and well-sprung ribs. Short, well- developed forearms are set into a broad chest. Quarters are lengthy and powerful, with very muscular second thighs above clean, broad, flat hocks, well let down. The cannons should display an average of 8” to 9” of flat, flinty bone with well-developed tendons. The pasterns should be of good length, with very flexible joints; the hooves large, round and open at the heels with well-developed frogs, and with ample straight, silky feather.

The combination of good conformation with energy and ability make the dales pony excellent for riding. They are unbeatable at walk, and have the stamina and determination to keep going over long distances, making them favourites for trekking and long distance rides. Being willing and clever jumpers, they compete very successfully in cross - country, performance classes and dressage competitions. They easily carry heavy adults and are kind enough to carry children, but are best suited to competent adult and teenage riders.

I have owned my dales for nearly two years now and i can honestly say i have never ridden a better horse. unfortunely before my lovely boy i had another horse which took all my confidence and i was close to stopping riding altogether. however i found tyson and everything changed.

they are extremely safe and always up for fun, they excel in flat work but suprisingly they can jump a good hight, mine loves nothing more then jumping the XC. this summer was our first time at showing, with tyson only being 7 i thought i might have to ease him in slowly, however he loved every moment of it. the breed is both calm for standing around waiting and warming up but also flashy and stands out in the ring.

the judges found the breed refreshing as they are rare, and i have to say the long maines and feathers are the next big thing.

so for anybody looking to buy a dales i have to say, go for it!! you wont get a better partnership form any other breed, they are perfect for teenagers and adults, showing, dressarge and jumping. not to forget their beutiful good look and charm. :)

I have to agree about the Dales pony. The Dales I bought a long time ago was the best thing I have ever done. I was a nervous wreck and she has given me all my confidence back and some. I have found my Dales to be kind, willing, calm and stunning looking. She has looked after me and been great fun. They need to be keapt going as a breed as there are few about, judges always love to see the breed. I have seldom seen more than one at a show at any time.