The Dales Pony originated in the dales of northeast England. The Dales Pony was the ultimate farmer’s horse, pulling a plow, a cart, or working under saddle helping to herd sheep. The Dales Pony was valued as a pack pony working in the lead mines carrying the ore to cargo ships. Welsh Cobs and Clydesdales were used to help better the breed, although Clydesdale features were later bred out.
Ridden Dales Pony Stallion by Annapennell [CC BY-SA 3.0], from Wikimedia CommonsKnown for their super-equine strength, the Dales can carry 220 pounds in weight. The Dales is a speedy pony, trotting an average three-minute mile. Today, the Dales is a versatile pony and is both ridden and driven. Its surefootedness makes it a good mount for trail riding.Champion Dales Pony by Annapennell [CC BY-SA 4.0], from Wikimedia Commons
The Dales Pony has hard dark-colored hooves with thickly boned feathered legs. Short-coupled with strong hindquarters and a well-muscled neck, the Dales also sports fine features with wide-set eyes and tiny ears. Average height is 14 to 14.2 hands high. The Dales Pony is usually black, although brown and gray are sometimes seen.
Further Reading:
British Isles Ponies: The Dale
Horse Illustrated is the magazine for people who are passionate about horses. Each issue offers advice on horse health and care, plus user-friendly training tips for both English and western riders and engaging lifestyle features for horse lovers.
Two hours’ drive from Budapest in the picturesque Bükk National Park lies Szilvásvárad, a beautiful…
Whether you’re drawn to their size, strength, or gentle nature, the biggest horses in the…
The Akhal-Teke horse—pronounced like “apple” with a K instead of the P’s, and “techie”—is one…
Like many of the great breeds that have come from the Americas, the Peruvian Horse…
It's often what you can’t see that leads to trouble, and that’s definitely the case with white line disease. Understanding…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Two hours’ drive from Budapest in the picturesque Bükk National Park lies Szilvásvárad, a beautiful little village that is home…
During the height of the pandemic and racial tension around the U.S., two boys struggling with ADHD found healing through…
When you think of the term “companion horse,” one that is versatile with the ability to fill a variety of…
Each year, hurricanes, wildfires, and severe storms force thousands across the country to evacuate their homes. When preparing for a…