Dales Pony basic information

Today's hardy Dales Pony stands up to 14.2 hands the colors being predominately black, brown, grey and bay. In the past they have been roan. White markings are only permitted, no higher than the fetlocks, on the hind legs. A white star or snip is also allowed. Any foals showing white markings anywhere other than these areas is downgraded to section B status. They are renown for the quality of their hard well-shaped feet and legs with beautiful dense flat bone. They are great movers with an action which is straight and true. Their powerful drive coming from the strength of their knees and hocks. These ponies have incredible endurance and an iron clad constitution, are very courageous and yet exhibit a calm, gentle and willing temperament, even the stallions.

The pony's head should be neat and pony-like and broad between bright alert eyes. The muzzle is relatively small with no coarseness around the jaw or throat and the ears must curve slightly in. The forelock and mane should be long and abundant, flowing over a muscular neck which should be set upon strong sloping shoulders. Withers should not be too fine. Stallions exhibit a proud boldness through a well-arched crest. The body should be short crouped, deep through the chest, with well-sprung ribs. Short well-developed forearms are set square into a broad chest, the quarters are lengthy and powerful with very muscular second thighs above clean, broad, flat hocks. The tail is well set, not too high with plenty of long straight hair touching the ground. The cannons should have on average 8" to 9" of flat bone with well-defined tendons. The pasterns should be of good length with very flexible joints. The hooves are large round and open at the heels with well-developed frogs, and hard enough to allow them to be ridden at walk and trot unshod on gravel roads, and with ample silky straight 'feather