Dales Pony Facing Extinction - Only 1500 Left
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Less than one hundred years ago, ponies and horses were still being used as modes of transportation and beasts of burden. One British breed was well known for its ability to withstand rigorous labor in harsh conditions. The Dales pony was known as a powerful animal, able to shoulder immense amounts of work and travel great distances at brisk speeds. Even though it was pony-sized, it could easily carry a full-grown man at a snappy trot.
The Dales pony stands about 14 to 14.2 hands high. They are mainly black, although there are some bays, greys and roans. They can have a bit of white on their face, and on their hind fetlocks, but too much white is not desirable. Ideally, they have very hard feet, that are open and round like a draft horse’s and sturdy legs. Canon bones of 8-9 inches, typical of a larger horse, is the standard. They are well muscled, with a strong neck and shoulder and over-all give an impression of great strength. They have long, silky, straight manes and tails and feathered fetlocks. Their gaits are brisk and high-stepping.
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The Dales pony is one of Britain’s native breeds and was developed on the Pennine Dales and most often used in the mining of lead. They are believed to be a mix of ancient native pony breeds, draft horses and the Darley Arabian, an ancestor of the modern Thoroughbred. They were used for agricultural work and were essential to life in Northern England. They were also useful for packing artillery.
The actual studbook for the breed was not opened until 1916. As the internal combustion engine took over from real horsepower, the numbers of Dales ponies dwindled. They almost faced extinction during the Second World War and were on the endangered list a decade ago. Then, Dales mares were bred to Fell stallions to increase the gene pool.
Now, almost one hundred years after the stud book was opened, the Dales ponies for the third time, face extinction. They were recently listed as ‘critical’ by Britain’s Rare Breeds Survival Trust. This means that currently, there are less than 300 mares in existence. World wide, there is an estimated 1500 individuals. A few feral herds still live in the Pennines. Pony breeders acknowledge that the current decline in number reflects the depressed market for ponies overall. It’s hoped that as the economy improves, and there is more demand, so too will the numbers of ponies improve.
But, now that these ponies are no longer used for agriculture, mining or military work, who will want them? With their extreme hardiness and high action, they are sought after as pleasure driving ponies. They are also said to be spry and willing jumpers. They are sturdy enough to carry an adult, but biddable enough for a child. Pleasure riders find them sure-footed and enduring over long trail rides. They are also valued for logging.
What’s the future for the Dales ponies? A core of enthusiasts is overseeing a careful breeding plan that monitors the number of foals each year. And, the Dales Pony Society is gearing up to celebrate 100 years with open-houses at stables, shows, school exhibits and social events to insure that the Dales ponies enter their second century as strongly as they did their first. |
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