The History of the Dales Pony
The Dales Pony was a comfortable riding
animal and was able to thrive on the bleak uplands of the dales. They
could pull a ton in a cart or coup; were sturdy shepherds ponies,
capable of covering great distances on the fells and were able to carry
burdens of hay up to 12 stones, often plus a rider and when necessary,
in deep snow. A pair could step out in the plough or reaper binder,
could take the farmer to market in style and also give a days hunting.
The Second World War nearly saw the end of the breed. Ponies were taken by the Army and mares were used for breeding vanners, and even young mares were sold for work in towns and cities. Few ever came back, and after the war the fate of the Dales breed lay in the hands of a few dedicated breeders who refused to believe the day of the heavy pony was over. In 1964, the Dales Pony Society was re-organised, and "improvement" was dropped from the title. Ponies were sought and registered, and a grading-up register was introduced for inspected ponies. This far-sighted action has been successful. When the grading-up register was closed in 1971, the number of registered ponies had risen steadily, and the quality of ponies was excellent, as it remains today.
Dales Ponies were bred for a specific job in a harsh environment. When the job changed, they were successfully adapted for other uses, and today the ponies can demonstrate all the qualities and abilities which brought their forebears such renown. The combination of strength, agility, thrift, hardiness and high courage, with good conformation and a calm, intelligent nature, makes the Dales Pony a first-class riding and driving pony with all the abilities of a true all-rounder.
The Breed Standard
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 ponylike. 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.
Dales Pony Society
http://www.dalespony.org/default.htm