Dales pony

The Dales and The Fell ponies are very similar and are probably both descended from the same ancestors, but have developed slightly differently. Native to the upper dales of Northern Yorkshire, England. The Dales is an old breed, most probably descended from the old Friesian horse of Europe, that was itself descended from the primitive Forest Horse. However, the Dales pony has been subjected to influences from other breeds, nearly all of which have been successful, with the exception of Clydesdale blood, introduced during the early 20th century. The ancestors of the Dales pony include to a large degree the Pennine Pony, with infusions of several other breeds including the Galloway, Norfolk Trotter and Wilson Pony blood.

Dales ponies were bred specifically for the Pennine lead industry as pack ponies, and they soon became famous for their ability to quickly navigate rough country under heavy weights. With the advent of railways and better roads, the ponies found a niche on the small farms of the inhospitable upper dales; the strength and surefootedness of the ponies lends them to farm work where larger horses were at a disadvantage. These stylish and fast ponies were also successful in the trotting races, hunting and they served the Army as pack and mountain artillery ponies.

Approximately 100 years ago, a Welsh stallion called Comet was introduced into a breeding program with some Dale mares and many of his characteristics were passed on, most notably a more free-flowing action in the trot, which has made the Dales more popular as a riding pony. Today the Dales pony is a very versatile breed, being eminently suitable for riding and driving, as well as working the land.

These hardy ponies are up to 14.2 hands, and though the predominant color is black, other colors include brown, gray, bay and occasionally roan. Their hooves are of hard blue horn, well-shaped and the legs have beautiful dense bone. Their action is straight and true, really using their knees and hocks for powerful drive. They have tremendous stamina, an iron constitution and great intelligence, all combined with a calm temperament.

The head should be neat, showing no coarseness about the jaw or throat. An abundant long mane of straight hair cover a muscular neck that is well laid onto sloping shoulders. The body should be compact with strong loins and well sprung ribs. Short, well developed forearms set square into a broad chest; the quarters powerful and muscular, the hocks clean. The cannons should display an average of 8”-9” of flat flinty bone with well defined tendons. Their pasterns should be of good length and covered with ample silky straight ‘feather’.

Dales ponies excel in many equine disciplines giving rise to the term “The Great All-Rounder”. Under saddle they are steady, and full of stamina. They are calm enough for children, but are better suited to adolescents or adults. In harness they will perform any task asked of them; dressage, plowing or marathons. They have a very good temperament and are increasingly used in the tourist industry for trekking holidays.

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