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HORSES OF THE WORLD
DALES PONY
Origin:
Europe - England
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Photo taken by CLIX photography & owned by the Dunkley's Canadale Pony
Stud, Ontario Canada © |
History:
Dales are native ponies in northern England in the upper Dales river
valleys at the eastern side of the Pennine Hills and originally bred as a pack animals for
the lead industry, working under and over ground. They were also used for all kinds of
farm work and by the army. It is believed that Dales Ponies are descendants from horses of
the Roman period when Friesian horses were introduced into England, possibly giving the
breed its predominantly black colour. During the 19th century Norfolk Roadster, Welsh Cob
and Clydesdale blood was introduced producing a true pony with excellent temperament,
great strength and tremendously active paces. In 1916 the Dales Pony Improvement Society
was founded and a stud book was included in the National Pony Society's Stud Book.
Dales Ponies were extremely popular during World War I and World War II, but many ponies
were killed and the rest were left behind and eaten by the starving population. With the
full swing of the mechanisation working ponies were no longer needed and sent to the
slaughter houses in the thousands. In 1955 only four filly foals were registered. Thanks
to the dedication of some breeders and the help of the Dales Pony Improvement Society the
breed has survived and today their numbers are in the six hundreds.
Characteristics:
Head: small, neat head; wide forehead; bright, alert eyes; small, erect
ears; fairly small muzzle
Neck: muscular
Shoulders: strong, well sloped
Body: strong, deep body; short back; deep chest; well sprung
ribs; strong loins; well developed hindquarters
Legs: strong limbs; short, straight cannons; good, clean
joints
Feet: excellent, broad, well shaped, open at the heels, very
hard; fine, silky feather at heel
Color: predominantly black, also bay, brown and grey
Height: up to 14.2hh
Mane and Forelock: long, abundant
Tail: well set
Temperament: sensible, calm, gentle, intelligent, willing
Qualities: sure footed, stamina, courage, great strength,
energetic; straight, active paces
Today:
The Dales Pony is an excellent all-round riding horse, strong enough to
carry an adult rider. Their gentle, willing temperament makes the breed popular as a
horse for the disabled.
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