Dales ponies have an even temperament. The heavy pony breed is strong nerves, sociable and friendly. Due to their strong physique, the ponies can also be used well in agriculture. As family and children’s ponies, the Dales ponies show their good-natured character. Occasionally, however, they tend to be stubborn. That’s why you should train the Dales pony well and assert yourself early on. The miniature horses are considered intelligent, daring and persistent. Recreational riders will love the ponies. Although they are not among the fastest of their kind, they are persistent and energetic. This is especially beneficial for trail riders.
The Dales pony is very sure-footed and reliable off-road. Above all, the trotting action of the ponies is worth mentioning: the trotting is lively, energetic and expansive. Although the ponies are very robust and sluggishly built, they have no objection to jumping. You will be amazed by the jumping talent of the little horses.
Dales ponies are considered to be robust and undemanding and are also good to keep in an open stable or on permanent pasture.
History of the Dales Ponies
In the far north of England, almost on the Scottish border, are the Pennines. The 400 km long low mountain range is home to the Dales ponies. Here the native Pennine ponies were crossed with the Scottish Galloways. The Pennine ponies probably evolved from Celtic ponies and Dutch horses that were brought to England as early as Roman times. The domestic lead industry was the main reason for the development and breeding of the Dales ponies. Strong, robust and sure-footed horses were needed here, which could be used as pack horses. They had to transport the lead ore, fuel and many other goods to the ports or the mines.
In the 17th century several stud farms were established where the Galloways were crossed with Pennine mares. Only the largest and strongest animals were used for further breeding. The offspring turned out to be light-feeding horses with a lot of fitness. The temperament of the horses was pleasant, the horses were courageous, sure-footed and persistent. The Dales pony proved to be an ideal pack horse. Since only the strongest horses that could carry heavy loads were used for further breeding, an extraordinary horse has developed. Dales ponies can carry around 450 pounds for around 100 miles a week. They don’t mind rugged and rough mountain terrain. With the Dales ponies, a breed of horse was now available that was adapted to rough mountain life. Later, the ponies were also used in coal mines and iron mines. On the farms, the Dales pony was also popular as a riding and working horse due to its sociable nature. In the 18th and 19th centuries it was used in the British Army as a pack horse and artillery horse. However, the Dales ponies were not only used as workhorses. Since the horses have an excellent trot and at the same time develop a fast pace, they were made for harness racing. Training in the trot was set as a new breeding goal. To develop the trot further, Dales ponies were crossed with Norfolk horses and Yorkshire Roadster horses. At that time, these breeds produced the best trotters. When the need for gun and wagon horses increased initially, Clydesdales were crossed.
The Dales pony was also less and less common with increasing industrialization. That is why the Dales Pony Society was founded in 1916. The task was to ensure the continued existence of the breed. The first stud book was opened. During both world wars, the Dales pony was used as an army horse. The stock was so decimated in time that the task of the Dales Pony Society almost failed. A few ambitious breeders reorganized in 1964 and opened a new stud book. In 1971 the stud book was closed because the stock had recovered well. To this day, however, compliance with the breed standard is monitored by the Dales Pony Society. In Germany, the Pony and Horse Breeders’ Association Hessen e.V. looks after the breed.
Interesting and worth knowing
Dales ponies are versatile and interesting. The English pony breed is described in a number of books.
The Dales pony has yet to be seen in film or television. However, we don’t want to swear to that, because after all there are many films in which ponies play supporting roles. Among them could well have been one or the other Dales pony.
There are some very interesting videos about the breed on Youtube. You can meet the Dales ponies in the movies.
