The Dales Pony
Origins of the Dales Pony
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.
Conformation and Type - Dales Pony
These very hardy ponies are ideally 14 hh to 14.2 hh. 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, mane 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.
Riding the Dales Pony
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.
Driving the Dales Pony
The Dales Pony has a bold temperament, great presence and an eye-catching fast trot, together with stamina, agility and a calm, sensible nature. They are usually good in traffic, do not panic in awkward situations, and are very sure-footed. All there qualities make the Dales a first choice as a driving pony, either for pleasure, or for driving trials.
Breed Standard - Dales Pony
General: A strong, active pony, full of quality and spirit.
Height: The preferred height range is 14 hands. (142.2 cms) to 14.2 hands (146.2 cms).
Head: Neat and pony like. Broad between the eyes, which should be bright and alert. Pony ears slightly incurving. Long foretop of straight hair down the face.
Neck: Strong and of ample length. Stallions should display a bold outlook with a well-arched crest. Throat and jaws clean-cut. Long, flowing mane.
Shoulders: Well-laid, long, sloping shoulders with well-developed muscles. Withers not too fine.
Body: Short-coupled and deep through the chest, with well-sprung ribs.
Hindquarters: Deep, lengthy and powerful. Second thighs well-developed and very muscular. Tail well set on, not high, with plenty of long, straight hair reaching the ground.
Hocks: Broad, flat and clean. Well let down with plenty of dense flat bone below.
Forearms: Set square. Short and very muscular, with broad, well-developed knees.
Feet, Legs and Joints: The very best of feet and legs, with flexible joints, showing quality with no coarseness. The cannons should display 8"-9" (20.3cms - 22.9cms) of flat flinty bone and well defined tendons. Pasterns should be nicely sloping and of good length. Ample silky feather on the heels. Large, round feet open at the heels, with well developed frogs.
Colours: Black, Brown, Grey, Bay and Roan
Markings: A white star and /or snip on the head. White fetlocks to the hind legs only. Mismarked ponies will be down-graded to the grading-up register.
Action: Clean, high, straight and true. Going forward on “all fours” with tremendous energy. The knee and hock are lifted, the hind legs flexed well under the body for powerful drive.
Character: True pony character. Alert, high-couraged, intelligent and kind.
All information and photos kindly supplied by the Dales Pony Society.
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