Dales Pony
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Dales Pony is a small horse breed native to the eastern Pennines of northern Britain. They have great stamina and were used as a pack animal.
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[edit] Breed characteristics
The Dales is a very hardy breed, an easy-keeper, and possesses great stamina and soundness. They usually have sturdy legs with dense bone and some feathering. The hoof is usually of blue horn and is very strong. The ponies are close-coupled and stocky, with strong hindquarters and loins, and high knee and hock action. Their neck is short with a luxurious mane, the breed standard stating it should be a yard long. They are even-tempered and sensible ponies, suitable for both adults and children.
Dales Ponies are predominantly black or dark brown, although some are grey or bay with the occaisional blue or bay roan. The breed standard states the preferred height is between 14hh and 14.2hh but they range from 13.2hh to 15hh.
[edit] History of the Dales Pony
The Dales Pony developed form 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.
With their agility, power, and speed, the Dales had great success in the trotting races of the 18th century and the organized hunts. Because they could survive so well in a harsh climate, the British Army used them as pack and artillery ponies.
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.
[edit] The Dales Pony today
Today, the Dales Pony is used mainly for riding, due to its great endurance and steady temperament. They are used for daylong treks and long-distance rides, as well as dressage, driving, endurance riding, jumping events, and eventing. In the UK they have competed at National level two in Le TREC. Small herds still roam free in the Eastern Pennines.
