Breed	Dales
Alternative Name(s)	N/A
Place of Origin	Eastern Pennines, England
Type	Pony
Approximate Height	14.2 hh.
Color Variations	Black, Bay or Brown
Blood Temperature	Warm
Uses	Under-Saddle & Harness
Characteristics	Calm & Versatile

Dales Pony History & Origin
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.

Dales Pony Evolution
The Dales Pony developed from the native Pennine Pony, and was greatly influenced by the now-extinct Scottish Galloway, which improved their speed and sure-footedness. They were also infused with Friesian blood. The ponies were originally bred as pack animals, to carry heavy loads of lead through the countryside from Northumberland and Durham to smelt mills.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Clydesdale, Norfolk, and Yorkshire Roadster blood was added to improve the trotting ability of the Dales. Welsh Cob blood was also added during the 1850s, by the stallion Comet, to improve their gait. The Dales Pony Improvement Society was formed in 1916, trying to protect the ponies’ future. However, because so many ponies were used in the war, the breed was nearly wiped out. It wasn’t until 1963, when the Dales Pony Society was formed, that numbers began to increase.

Dales Pony Uses
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 favorites 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.

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.

Dales Pony Breed Standard - Courtesy of The Dales Pony Society, England

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.
Colors:	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.

*References:
- Dales Pony Society, Derbyshire England
- The Encyclopedia of Horses & Ponies. Tamsin Pickeral.

Dales Pony Breeders
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