Tell Me About Dales Ponies Please.

Maesfen

Maesfen

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Can anyone tell me more about Dales Ponies please; I've got my eye on one so any ideas and thoughts gratefully received. Are there any decent books on the breed, what type of saddle seems to suit them best etc. Thanks.
 
I had one, he came in half wild just cut having run with a herd of mares for two years, he was only 31/2, my first thought was why on earth have I agreed to take this to break it, anyway he went very quickly from the wild eyed, slightly nervous very arrogant but confused because he had such a huge change in life young man, to being the easiest, friendliest, most sensible boy ever.
He was backed in a week, hacking out immediately, confident with almost everything, he had issues with his ears, possibly been roughly handled when caught off the moorland he was running on, he went home to his owners as a happy hacker, he schooled well and boldly popped a jump all within 4 weeks.
The following year they decided to sell him as circumstances had changed, I bought him over the phone, he came home and we had fun for a few years doing bits of everything, someone visiting saw him looking over the fence fell in love, went home sold their horse and came back for him, he now hunts, does low level events, WHP etc.

Would I buy another, yes if they are half as good as he was I would be more than happy, don't miss the opportunity to go and see the one you are looking at.

Saddles need to be wide, very wide! I was lucky and found a second hand one in a local tack shop brought it home and it fitted like a glove.
 
Thanks so much for that, you've whet my appetite even more!

I've seen one who has had a bit of a bad start too and although halter broken that's about it! He very much wants to be your friend even though he's very wary about being touched too much so I'm anticipating enjoying teaching him to trust for a start!
 
Once you gain that trust he will be like a pet dog, mine followed me around almost like a collie, he was very quick to learn and never forgot anything but was not the type to look for ways out or to avoid working with you, he was always trying to get things right and usually succeeded, an amazing temperament and attitude, I wish they were all as genuine, being almost unhandled is often an advantage as there are no bad habits to break.
 
Hi Op, After having one myself and knowing a few other owners I do believe the breed has a reputation of being difficult to break. Of course this doesnt apply to every Dales but if you look at thé breed forum it will give you an idea of typical temperament. I can vouch for that also as my boy gave me a hard time due to nothing more than bad behaviour, you name it he went through it, (he would actively seek to remove the rider) however after years of careful training he became the most fantastically bombproof school-master who would turn his hoof to anything.
So just a word of caution really. Also thoroughly exam his temperament and when you view push him a bit with what you ask of him and see the reaction you get. I would ask to view him loose in the school if possible. Ask him to back up etc, watch for the reaction you get. Might be slightly tricky to get an idea of if he is nervous but you could always look at how he is with his field mates also. If he appears to be quite dominant then you could be in for an interesting time!
All the best
 
I am a tad biased. I have a fabulous mare. Perfect first for me. I was almost 50 when I bought her. I thank my luck every day. I was a complete novice, she was an ex broodmare who hadn't done much. Not even cantered under saddle.
I can take her pretty much anywhere, over, under, round, behind anything. Very safe on roads.
Can be rather stroppy and will try and make decisions.....rarely with me anymore.
Can be very strong at times, like cantering in company.
She really enjoys schooling, very willing and responsive.
Can put grandchildren on her in the school and she will look after them.
 
Agree with a lot said here. Like any other breed, they have pros and cons. My experiences are (cons first to get it over with)
Cons:
Stroppy
Strong
Opinionated
Can be nappy

Pros:
Affectionate - friend for life
Reliable
Safe-ish!
Fairly versatile - have known one or two good jumpers
Good doers
Good weight carriers
Enjoy life generally and not to fazed by new challenges.

Can you tell I like them?
 
Thanks so much for the replies; it seems they do get under your skin as I feel this boy has already and I've only met him once!

Yes, quite agree with you about their 'determination' however he hasn't met my determination yet either so we'll both be on a learning curve! This boy isn't broken in yet, too young so he is a relatively clean canvas; his only problem is he hasn't been handled even from a foal so it's all new to him and is bound to take a bit of time - hope he doesn't take too long, I'm in my mid sixties already!
 
Just thought I'd update you and tell you that he arrived last Thursday!

Very impressed with his temperament and attitude so far; luckily he is food orientated so it's been easy to make friends (I never give my youngsters titbits so that part was hard but thought I'd rather he knew and trusted me before I turned him out!) Led him down the common and around the yard which he took in his stride, I was surprised that he led so well TBH, then turned him out on the old railway line so he could meet Manny and Merlin over the fence. They were like OMG, another boy! He just said hello to them and put his head down grazing, that's my boy!
After loads of suggestions, I've come up with Rowan or Roe as his stable name as I'm not calling him 'Enry Cooper (his registered name, ugh!) for anyone!
Anyway, couple of pics and some vids for you.

Please meet Rowan!

IMG_0851.jpg

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Click on this link for the video -
 
Great stuff! Looks like a nice boy. I find being food orientated can be a big bonus - it's amazing the situations that suddenly become less scary when a fibre nugget appears from a pocket!

I hope you have loads of fun educating him.
 
I'm exercising a dale X (cob type pony) well I have nothing but good words for him! He is amazing. Such a loving temperament, he adores people and wants to be in on everything. Takes himself in out of the field for his owner etc. To ride he is sane and sensible. So laid back and brave. He can be lazy but I don't mind that! I honestly can't fault him. I know he's not full dales but thought this may help still :)
 
moleskinsmum said:
Great stuff! Looks like a nice boy. I find being food orientated can be a big bonus - it's amazing the situations that suddenly become less scary when a fibre nugget appears from a pocket!

I hope you have loads of fun educating him.
Click to expand...

Oh yes the boy I'm riding is very food orientated!! He's clever though so doesn't always fall for bribery.
 
Thanks for your comments and experiences with them. Roe's only been here since Thursday and although I haven't done much with him, he's now turned out with the other two, he's such a sweetheart, he's really got under my skin; will have to be very patient until I can ride him!
Thanks for the link, will go and look now.
 
I have the most handsome, sincere and unique Dales Pony...Royal Mail... he was 28 last birthday. He is cheeky, kind , funny, strong and bold. My farrier is in love with him as he has always stood for shoeing without being tied up. He will shake hooves when you ask him. I would always recommend Dales ponies... he rides "big" and is brave. Yes, they can be headstrong and are very intelligent... sometimes you have to "out think" them. I love my Royal Mail. He has been with me since he was 5 and we all adore him. ps you will need a very wide saddle.
 
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