Dales Pony
 FindaPetOnlineAverage Size: 14.2 hh (58 in)
Breed: Dales Pony

Crucial Specs:
  • British
  • Harness pony
  • Farm/Draft pony








Large and powerful, the Dales Pony seems to strike down almost all the pony stereotypes. The shoulders are heavy and very deep. They lead to a body with a pronounced, wide girth. The back is short for a pony and powerful. Your attention is drawn to its powerful legs by an abundance of long and silky feathering. The hooves are noted for their superiority and resistance to erosion.

The head of a Dales Pony is neat and crowned by small and pointy ears. The eyes are set far apart and are both communicative and intelligent.

The Dales is powerful - able to take incredibly large loads, especially in comparison to its pony size. Because of this, the breed was used extensively in mining where its small size allowed it into tight spaces and its power enabled it to take heavier carts.

As a powerful harness pony, the Dales is still used today on many farms. With the ever increasing cost of fuel and the soil degradation caused by mechanized tractors, a pony can be the better choice for many small-scale farmers. And because the Dales combines strength with the gentle and tractable temperament of pony, it makes an excellent farm companion.

The Dales Pony originated in the north of England; North Yorkshire, Northumberland, and Durham. Though closely related, it is much larger and heavier than its cousin – the Fell Pony.