Breed Characteristics :

 

The Breed Standard describes the Dales Pony as 'a strong, active pony, full of quality and spirit'.  

 

Action is of particular importance and should be clean, high, straight and true, going forward on 'all fours' with tremendous energy. The knee and hock are lifted, and the hind legs are flexed well under the body for powerful drive.

 

There are no formal upper or lower height limits but the preferred height range is 14-14.2 hh.

 

Permitted colours are black, brown, bay, grey or roan. 

 

Minimal white markings are permitted to the face and lower hind legs only. Mis-marked ponies are down-graded in the Stud Book.

 

Manes, tails and forelocks are left long and flowing. This serves to protect the pony against the  inclement weather found in it's native environment and is an extremely attractive attribute of the breed.

 

There should be a moderate amount of straight, silky hair (known as feather) at the heels. 

  

Dales Ponies display good conformation with a neat head, strong neck, short-coupled body, deep chest, well-sprung ribs and powerful hindquarters. They have short cannons with 8-9 inches of flat flinty bone, broad flat hocks and the very best of joints and feet. 

 

Please click on the logo for the Dales Pony Society (UK) to view the full Breed Standard :

 

 

The modern Dales Pony 

 

Under construction. Please check back later.  

 

 

 

 

 

O'Connor (a Dales mare owned by Isabelle Thibault in France) who is an excellent ambassador for her breed as a driven pony.