Any Dales lovers out there?

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Chunkie

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Can anyone tell me about Dales ponies? I've spent the last 4 months trying to find a nice, sensibly priced Section D after losing my horse in the summer. Have now given up.

I've never ridden a Dales, and don't even remember ever having met one, but have seen a couple for sale that I quite like. I'm looking for a nice ride & drive type, sane, and sensible but with enough "go" to look good in the show ring & do a bit of working hunter. I am a bit of a fatty and they look like they could carry me!

I've looked at the breed standard and it says height should be 14 - 14.2. Is there an upper height limit for showing? Are they frowned upon if they go over 14.2? They look quite short-coupled, so if you have one, do you have problems with saddle fitting? Are there any particular bloodlines to go for (or avoid)?

What should I expect to pay for a 4-5 yr old gelding that's hacking out happily alone with basic schooling in place?

If anyone has a Dales, please can you tell me about their character, what you do with them and how you keep them?

Thanks :)
 
Katie, Dales are amazing, I'll PM you my name, see if you can add me on facebook and you can see all the wonderful things I do with mine, I have 6 years worth of pics on there!!
 
My friend has a dales, he's a rare roan colour from Roandale Stud. In fact she was there today having a look at their foals......fab breed!
 
I have a part bred, he is 15 hh and wonderful, lives out 24/7 and is a joy to own. go on you know you want to, if you go into CR there is somewhere in there a Dales doing dressage @ Oldencraig, some really nice pictures
 
Thanks for the replies. I would like to know more about the bloodlines if anyone can help - I know what I like in a Welsh cob - haven't got a clue about any other breed!
 
My friend has a pure dale ,looks like a bay but classed as brown !
Previous owner done well at showing in hand when he was youngster
Now a good allrounder pony ,has a mind of his own very stubborn ,needs a firm hand but v loyal and safe
Will live off thin air ,lives out 24/7 even having a chase clip ( come in at night due to livery rules )
You gotta b strict with diet thro the summer as will balloon otherwise
Hard feet so could go barefoot (y friend only has fronts n ridden 3-5 times per week
Oh they hav a good little pop in them ( nice jump ) also could b broken to drive
 
My friend paid about £1500 a year ago ,he's 14.1h
Fit a wide saddle
Un rugged with chase clip ,coat like a mammoth !!
Weight carrier alth owner is 9-10 stone ,,so not a heaven rider lol
Lovely ponies
 
I've had them for over 20 years and we currently have 4. Re the height 14 to 14.2 is the preferred height, and you may or may not get penalised in the ring with an over height pony. Depends what the judge likes, and if its a good stamp of a pony. There are bloodlines I prefer, but you need to see them and decide which you like. If you can go to the spring and summer shows in Barnard Castle most lines will be represented. Also ring the society secretary, Jo Ashby and she will discuss the lines with you, her numbers on the DPS website. Also join the Dalesfans forum, there's lots of pics on there and people willing to discuss them. Oh and one more thing, particularly if you show, there are different sections of ponies in the stud books. The main ones being section A - correctly marked pony, section B - mismarked (but usually as good or better ponies IMO). It's a bit more complicated than that, but the website explains all.
 
Learnt to ride on a dales. He was quick, amazing hack/jumper and was great fun! he was amazing. Would happily get a dales when the time comes.
 
Chunkie, please PM me. I have got two and depending on where you live you would be very welcome indeed to come and see my two boys, have a ride and see what you think. If you PM me, send me a phone number and I will happily give you and call and have a chat and answer any questions that I can for you.

The Dales that is on the Competition Riders section of the forum is one of my boys, Jack. Have a look, the thread was started by Clearlight, who is the lady who rides and competes him for me. The Dales Pony motto is 'The Great Allrounder' and it is so true. They are short coupled in the body, incredibly strong so well suited for the larger rider. I had a saddle made for each of mine by a local company to get exactly what I wanted but they are not too difficult to sort out. They are incredible ponies and I would recommend them totally to anyone as they are great fun, full of character, handsome, clever, smart - I could go on !!

Please do feel free to PM me with a number and I will help you as much as I can.

Good luck and welcome to the Dales world :o
 
I know of 2 dales, one is actually 15h, nobody told him to stop growing! They are both lovely horses though and if I were ever looking for another I would love one.
 
Hi there, add me on facebook if you like and i will put you in touch with a very good friend who has a wonderful dales stallion and a few yourngsters and i am sure she will be a big help.
i am on facebook Teresa Davies (easy to spot got a horse picture)
 
I was lucky enough to own a Dales Sec A, she was a wonderful mare, fun and very safe. I have her ISH x son, he is a horse in a million with a true Dales character.
 
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