Flintfoot Dales Ponies is a small herd of native ponies, kept in the Nidderdale area of the Yorkshire Dales, only 4 miles from the World Heritage Site of Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal.
Having been introduced to the wonderful temperament and versatility of the Dales pony through riding at the Yorkshire Dales Trekking Centre in Malham, it wasn't long before our first Dales pony, Galphay Megan, arrived here. One pony soon became a small herd, and we now have 5 purebred Dales ponies as well as a TB/Dales horse who keeps the ponies all in order.
The ponies are kept on a smallholding at home, as naturally as conditions allow. They run as a herd, with the brood mares being moved to an adjoining field only for a short time around foaling, to give them more privacy and time to bond with their newborn foals. When they come in from the field, the ponies are yarded with free access to a stable, either individually or in pairs, on adjacent yards separated by electric fencing.
Dales ponies are renowned for their good feet, and the ridden ponies here work barefoot, coping well with roadwork and stoney tracks and bridleways. Particular importance is placed on regular trimming, especially of the youngsters, to encourage correct hoof development.
Our aim is to breed one foal each year, and to ensure that the foal receives appropriate handling as well as socialisation with other ponies. Weaning is carried out sympathetically and gradually - Time is spent building the foal's confidence being separated from his dam for small, but increasing, amounts of time. Weaning takes place with the mare and foal in adjacent fields or yards, but still in visual contact, and with the foal in the company of other friends.
We pride ourselves on having well mannered and confident ponies who are a pleasure to be with.
The Dales pony is a strong, active pony, full of quality and spirit.
Comfortable as a ridden pony, the Dales pony is also strong enough for draught work, and able to thrive on uninmproved grassland.
For more details on the breed description and history of the Dales pony, visit the official Dales Pony Society website.
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