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Dales Pony |
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Dales Pony |
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The Dales Pony originates in the eastern Pennines region of Britain and averages 13.2-14.2 hands high (54-58" or 137-147 cm). It is of national importance and is suitable for pack, riding, and farm work. Most are black or brown in color, but they occur in grey and bay. The only white markings allowed are wither a star or snip on the head. Used formerly for transportation, the strong, energetic and intelligent Dales is popular today in harness and saddle. The Dales is used for pony trekking, endurance racing, and as an all-around utility pony.
The Pennines region in northern Britain is noted for two pony breeds recognized by the Mountain and Moorland Pony Society - the Fell and the Dales - which are closely related. The Fell Pony is bred on the western side of the Pennines. On the eastern side of the same hills, the Dales ponies were bred as pack ponies. The moors on the eastern side of these hills became known for lead resources, which required transportation across rough terrain to the coast. This heavy metal was carried on the backs of Dales ponies, which were herded in groups by a single mounted man. Dales ponies were used in this manner until the 19th century.
The Scotch Galloway, the Wilson Pony (known today as the Hackney Pony) and the Norfolk and Yorkshire Roadsters (both trotting breeds), played a part in the development of the today's Dales pony. These small but sturdy ponies were bred as pack animals until the middle of the 19th century. Despite their size, they can carry up to 126 kg (about 20 stone, or 280 pounds) or pull up to a ton in harness. They were used by artillery regiments during both World Wars. Following the second World War, the breed faced near extinction, but interest of breeders and the Dales Pony Society has kept the breed alive.
The breed takes its from the dales - low valleys between the hills on the eastern side of the Pennines - where the breed originated. This breed, along with the Fell, descends from the Celtic pony. The Dales probably has a heavier build than the Celtic pony, probably resulting from the influence of Welsh Cob blood. Used in the mines, for transport and for farm work, the Dales is now used for pony-trekking and, as a harness pony in competitive driving, since the advent of mechanization.
The foundation stock for the Dales was the Galloway pony of Scotland, which carried a degree of Friesian blood. It soon became known as the Dale Galloway. The now extinct Galloway was also used to establish the Thoroughbred, Norfolk Trotter, and the Clydesdale. Galloways brought south from Scotland were bred to native Fells, which roamed untamed on the moors. The toughest of these offspring survived, from which the pack ponies were selected. As a result, only the biggest and most powerful were using for breeding and transportation of the heavy cargo.
From this rough selective breeding, the Dale Galloway soon became known for its intelligence, strength agility. Because the ponies could pull more than a ton, farmers began using them. They also have the ability to trot fast when ridden, which led to further crossbreeding. Minor infusions of other breeds were made during the 18th and 19th centuries, possibly including Clydesdale, and Norfolk and Yorkshire Roadsters. Earning a reputation as fast trotter, the Roadsters were used as a speedy means of transport by pulling light vehicles under harness. To increase trotting speed, Roadster sires were breed to Dale mares. Merry Driver, Shales Merrylegs, SIr George and Sir Harry are some of the notable stallions used.
During the mid-19th century, a trotting cob named Comet was imported to Westmoreland. He was believed to be an early Welsh Cob, and he became the sire of many good trotting Dale ponies. The Dales Pony Improvement Society was formed in 1916 and opened a stud book. World War II, however, interrupted the organization's attempts to preserve and promote the Dales, and by 1955 only four ponies were registered. Following the formation of the Dales Pony Society in 1963, distinct improvements were made in quality and quantity. As a result interest has increased in the tough, adaptable Dales pony.
This mesomorphic pony should have a neat, pony-like head. Its small head has a straight profile, a broad forehead with a full forelock, and flared nostrils. It small eyes are bright and set well apart, and its small ears curve slightly inwards. The long neck is strong and muscular with a full mane. It has a sloping shoulder and fine prominent withers. The chest is deep and the body compact and deep. While the back is not very long, it is sometimes hollow. It has broad, muscular loins, and a wide sloping croup with deep, lengthy and powerful hindquarters. The long, full tail is set on rather low. The well-muscled legs should have good bone (measuring about 9"), and should be set square. There is some silky feather at the heels. Known for their strength, the tough feet are open, large and round in shape, and made of blue horn. Many of the Dales ponies never need shoeing. The maximum permitted height is 14.1 hands (1.44 m) at the withers and the coat is usually black, bay, brown, or gray. White markings are rare.
The Dales has a distinguished action with great flexion at the joints, producing high knee and hock movement. These courageous ponies are intelligent and kind and have incredible energy. With an aptitude for pack, riding, and farm work, the Dales has a quiet and sensitive temperament and strong, hardy quality. The Dales is adept at jumping and is often used for general riding today, as well as pony trekking and endurance racing. While it has a history as a pack horse, the Dales has also been used for shepherding. This fast, spectacular pony may been seen today racing under harness.
The Dales Pony is listed on the endangered species list as a 'rare breed,' only recently being upgraded from 'in danger of extinction', with just over 600 worldwide, and less than 100 on all of Canada and the U.S. Dales ponies are native to the eastern slopes of the English Pennines, known as the Yorkshire Dales. Dales ponies have a history of close association with mankind. There were breed as a pack pony for the lead industry. This required a pony of great strength and endurance. Dales ponies combine the best qualities of several breeds including the now extinct Galloway as well as the Norfolk and Yorkshire Trotters from whence the Dales pony acquired its flashy trot. Dales ponies stand up to 14.2 hh and are predominantly black, but also brown, bay and gray. White markings are permitted no higher than the fetlocks on the hindlegs only. A white star and/or snip is also permitted. Dales ponies are registered in four sections, D through A. These sections represent a grading up system from inspected foundation stock. Foals exhibiting incorrect markings or overheight are downgraded accordingly.
Dales ponies are known for their strength and substance. Their feet and legs are of the best quality, and the body compact and powerful. Their flashy high trot gets its powerful driving from the knees and hocks. The fetlocks are covered in abundant feather and the mane and tail and long and full. Their calm, willing temperament makes them suitable for many disciplines including riding for the disabled. Their versatility gives rise to the term "The Great All rounder".
The Dales Pony Association publishes at least two newsletters per year, as well as keeping a Breeders List and Sales List that is constantly updated and available to all members. The future plans of the DPA are to create a Dales Pony Education Centre, to institute an Annual Breed Show and an Annual Ride and Drive.
Thank you, Jo Ann, for the information on the Dales Pony Association
For more information about joining the Dales Pony Association, write to:
For more information on the Dales Pony, visit:
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© 1997-2007
NW Breyer Horse Club & Refiner of Gold Creations Equinealities in place since 1997, Section in place 2001, Updated 3/13/2007 |
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