- Dales - |
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 The Dales pony, very similar
to the Fell pony, is probably descended from the same ancestors
as the Fell, but the two have developed differently. They are native
to England, and hail from the northern countries, the Dales from
the east Pennines, and the Fell from the north and west Pennines.
The Dales is is an old breed, probably descended from the old Friesian
horse of Europe that was a descendent of the primitive Forest Horse.
The Dales pony, however, has been subjected to influences from other
breeds, nearly al of which have improved the breed, with the exception
of the Clydesdale blood, which was introduced during the early 20th
century. The Dales is most famous
for its great strength and endurance and its ability to carry heavy
weights. It was often used for transporting loads of lead ore from
the mines of Northumberland and Durham to the smelt mills. The bred
was also popular with Dales farmers, who used the ponies for tasks
around the farm such as plowing. On small hill farms, the Dales
pony is ideally suited to the terrain and climate. The Dales is a very versatile
breed, being incredibly suitable for riding and driving as well
as working on land, and even with the advent of mechanization, the
Dales pony can still perform better in some areas than a tractor
can. They are noted for their excellence in harness and are able
to transport heavy loads very quickly. Approximately a hundred years
ago, a Welsh stallion named Comet was introduced into a breeding
program with some Dales mares, and many of Comet's characteristics
were passed on, the most notable being a more free-flowing action
in the trot, which in turn made the Dales more popular as a riding
pony. They have very good temperaments and are increasingly used
in the tourist industry for trekking holidays. In appearance, the Dales often have neat heads with fine jaws and throats, which are set onto a shortish, thick-set neck. They have a strong, muscular body with plenty of bone, well-sprung ribs, and strong hooves. They have luxurious manes and tails and copious feathering around the legs. They are usually black or dark brown and stand approximately 14.2 hh.
Somerset Endurance Saddle
Stubben Child's Saddle 16"
Professional's Choice Girth 48" Brown
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