If you’re hoping to buy a Dales pony for the show ring or to simply enjoy, then this guide on what to look for is the ideal starting point.

What is a Dales pony?

The Dales pony is one of the Britain’s native breeds. According to the Dales Pony Society (DPS), the Dales is a native of the upper dales of the eastern slopes of the Pennine range, from the High Peak in Derbyshire to the Cheviot Hills near the Scottish Border, where a lead mining industry flourished from Roman times until the mid-nineteenth century.

During the late 17th Century, the Scotch Galloway was the favoured breed for fast pack work.

The DPS says: “Suitable native mares ran with the breeding herds and it is recorded that farmers also liked to run a few Scotch mares with the native herds on the fell.

“The largest, strongest and most active ponies were chosen for pack work and were well fed to ensure fitness and speed. So it was that the black Galloways of the mixed herds eventually superseded the Scotch Galloway, and eventually became the Dales pony through a series of improvements from several sources.

“The Scotch Galloways were famous for their ‘peculiarly deep and clean legs, their qualities were speed, stoutness and sure-footedness over a rugged and mountainous country’. In turn, the Dales ponies became renowned for their great strength, iron constitution, endurance, and the ability to get over rough country fast.”

Dales ponies ideally stand between 14hh to 14.2hh, but there is no upper height limit on the breed.

Dales ponies can be registered as follows (credit DPS):

• Section A: By a registered, licensed stallion, and out of either a section A or a section B mare, and displaying correct markings.
• Section B: By a registered, licensed stallion and:
  a) out of a section A or a section B mare, but displaying incorrect markings.
  b) out of section C mare, and correct in type and colour.
• Section C: By a registered, licensed stallion and out of section D mare, and correct in type & colour.
• Section D: Passed by two inspectors as being true to type, height and colour (closed 31 December 1971).

The Society also maintains a part-bred register.

Dales ponies are predominantly black but some are brown, bay, grey and, more rarely, roan. White markings, such as a star and/or a snip, and white to the hind fetlocks, are allowed. Ponies displaying more white than this are down graded from section A to section B.

Dales Pony Society breed standard

Head: Neat and pony-like. Broad between the eyes, which should be bright and alert. Pony ears slightly incurving. Long foretop of straight hair down the face.

Neck: Strong and of ample length. Stallions should display a bold outlook with a well-arched crest. Throat and jaws clean-cut. Long, flowing mane.

Shoulders: Well-laid, long, sloping shoulders with well-developed muscles. Withers not too fine.

Body: Short-coupled and deep through the chest, with well-sprung ribs.

Hindquarters: Deep, lengthy and powerful. Second thighs well-developed and very muscular. Tail well set on, not high, with plenty of long, straight hair reaching the ground.

Hocks: Broad, Flat and clean. Well let down with plenty of dense flat bone below.

Forearms: Set square. Short and very muscular, with broad, well-developed knees.

Feet, legs and joints: The very best of feet and legs, with flexible joints, showing quality with no coarseness. The cannons should display eight to nine inch (20.3cm — 22.9cm) of flat, flinty bone and well defined tendons. Pasterns should be nicely sloping and of good length. Ample silky feather on the heels. Large, round feet open at the heels, with well developed frogs.

Action: The Dales is defined by its flashy, energetic action. The knee and hock should be lifted and the hind legs should be flexed well under the body for powerful drive.

Dales ponies are popular all-rounders, succeeding in multiple disciplines. The DPS says: “Dales ponies were bred for a specific job in a harsh environment. When the job changed, they were successfully adapted for other uses, and today the ponies can demonstrate all the qualities and abilities which brought their forebears such renown.

“The combination of strength, agility, thrift, hardiness and high courage, with good conformation and a calm, intelligent nature, makes the Dales pony a first-class riding and driving pony with all the abilities of a true all-rounder.”

What should I look for in a Dales pony?

Anna Pennell and her family breed Dales ponies under the Nipna prefix. Ponies from the stud have won at all major fixtures as well as at breed shows. Their stallion Nipna Midnight Rambler was crowned supreme M&M champion at London International in 2023.

“Whatever pony I’m looking at I start with the quality of the feet and the lower limbs,” explains Anna. “They need to have quality bone with a good-sized, strong foot. Hocks and joints are so important to any breed.

“Working our way up the pony, I’d look for a good shoulder, especially if seeking a future ridden pony. If looking for a ridden animal, I’d like slightly longer pasterns, but not too long as they need to stand up to work. The angle of the pastern should also match the length of the shoulder. This gives them the true Dales trot and comfortable ride that they are known for.”

Anna also says that Dales ponies are known to be slow maturers compared to other natives, so going into a viewing with an open mind is essential: “Don’t expect most four-year-olds to be ready to go out and do it all. I would not be worried if a six or seven-year-old was immature, either, as most of them don’t come into their prime until they are at least eight years old, but some take even longer. Of course, there are the odd exceptions to this rule, but they are generally late maturers that require time and patience to develop both mentally and physically.

“The action of a Dales should be akin to a wagon wheel,” Anna continues. “They should move up and travel forwards. We don’t want a pony to ‘potato-mash’ up and down, or daisy cut. The best of the best tend to move from the get go, but if I saw a nice two or three-year-old with quite average movement I would not write it off. They can often develop their action under-saddle and it can take time for them to strengthen and become more powerful.”

When asked if prospective buyers should look for a section A or a section B Dales, Anna advises: “I have no issues with section Bs — there are successful section Bs out and about on the circuit. If you want to show then a pony with four white socks and a blaze is not ideal, but they are extra markings at the end of the day, not a conformational defect. If you don’t want to show, a section A or a section B could be suitable for you as Dales ponies generally make super all-rounders that can do anything and everything.”

Where to buy a Dales pony

Online horse for sale sites have Dales ponies advertised when they are available, but Anna warns that as the Dales is a rare and in demand breed, they are rarely advertised on the open market.

“A good starting point is to get in touch with the DPS,” says Anna. “Then, it’s always a good idea to go to breed shows and speak with breeders who might have stock currently available or coming up for sale in the near future. I would not expect many ponies to be advertised on sales sites throughout the year, though; once people get hold of a Dales they rarely want to let them go!”

How much does a Dales pony cost?

The price of a Dales pony will depend on several factors, including breeding, age and competition record.

“We have sold colt foals for around £2,000 and filly foals for around £3,000,” Anna says. “If you have a rising four or five-year-old ready for breaking you could expect them to sell for between £4,000 and £5,000, perhaps more. An established show pony could easily fetch between £10,000 and £15,000. This is an estimate for ponies good enough to show, though you can certainly find ponies for less, and for more.”

What happens when I’ve agreed to buy a pony?

If you decide to purchase a pony a pre-purchase vetting is strongly recommended. It’s important to let the vet know prior to the vetting what you intend to use the pony for so they can assess it accordingly.

“I would have an older pony put through a two-stage vetting, at least,” Anna says. “But a lot of buying a pony is about common sense. If you don’t feel you are experienced enough to make a decision on a pony’s health and soundless, always seek professional advice.”

For more information, you can read H&H’s ultimate guide to buying a horse.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout the year, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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An amateur owner’s beloved dressage pony took a break from his career between the white boards to lift the 2024 HOYS Dales pony of the year championship on his sixth appearance at the Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Lynda Johnson’s 14-year-old Tarbarl Hogmonay was piloted by Vikki Smith on this occasion. Lynda, who produces “Charlie” from home, rode him at HOYS last year to finish sixth.

“I get too nervous, so Vicky has ridden him for me; she’s just a pro,” Lynda said. “I like the dressage as I can just go in the ring on my own.”

The Carrock Billy Boy son, who was bred by the Stonehouse Family, qualified at the Royal Highland back in June.

Lynda bought him in lockdown from Katy Marks, as she explained: “He arrived on a transporter and we got to know him. He’s done three seasons in the ring with us, but I mainly compete him in medium-level dressage. He’s a good boy, and while he can be a bit sharp he’s very much a pony I can pick up and put down.”

Lynda and Charlie are trained by Stuart Mason, and Lynda juggles Charlie around her work as the CEO of a multi-academy trust.

“He even does half pass, he does the lot,” said Lynda, who has ridden Charlie to numerous dressage championships this year.

This win has provided Lynda with a much-needed boost after what has been a difficult year for her: “I’ve had cancer this year. That’s why I asked Vikki to ride him for me as I wasn’t sure if I’d be well enough, or that I’d even be here. I’m in remission currently and I’m under-going check-ups so all I want to do is enjoy Charlie.”

Sarah Parker and Leah May’s reigning Hickstead M&M supreme winner Nipna Mighty Oak finished second in the 2024 HOYS Dales pony of the year line-up, while Charlotte Smiley and her own Copleylane Ringo finished third.

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The circuit’s most consistent Dales stallions battled it out for the top spot in the 2023 BSPS M&M ridden supreme championship sponsored by New Horizon Plastics at the 2023 London International Horse Show.

Both Julie Pennell’s home-bred golden boy Nipna Midnight Rambler and Sarah Parker, and Joe Watson and his own and Rob McIvor’s Griseburn Major were on equal marks of 87/100 after performing for ride judges Ian Dickinson and Phillipa MacInnes. The young stallions are familiar contestants, having stood in opposite positions at the 2022 Horse of the Year Show where Major won and was later crowned overall M&M champion.

But on this occasion it was seasoned London performer Rambler, an eight-year-old by Nipna Invictus out of Nipna Damask Rose, who had the edge for second phase judges Debbie Spears and Mathew Lawrence to finish with a total type and conformation score of 87/100, and with a 14 mark (174/200) edge on his fellow breed representative Major (160/200).

“He was so pleasing to watch; workman-like in his outlook, but fluent, relaxed and supple with added sparkle,” said Phillipa, who awarded him her top mark of 46/50 for the performance phase. “While we were generally pleased with our final line-up and the best ponies were at the top, it was disappointing that there was only one Highland, Exmoor and Welsh section B breed representative, even though they were nice ponies. It might just be the fashion of the time but I would have liked to have seen more representation.”

Sarah was overjoyed to win the overall crown on Rambler, who was making his third appearance at the final, having finished third and fifth overall in 2021 and 2022, respectively.

“He’s just unbelievable and so amazing,” said Sarah, who last won the overall supreme in London with Dartmoor Pumphill Buckthorn in 2010. “He’s always been the bridesmaid at big things, having finished second at HOYS for the last three years, so he was ready for this one.”

Conformation judge Debbie Spears said: “He was a proper native pony, as was the reserve and the rest of the top five. Our champion and reserve both moved within their breed type, too.”

Sarah has ridden Rambler for the duration of his career, and the pair’s tally includes a Royal Windsor championship, a Great Yorkshire supreme and a Royal International Horse Show victory.

Parker’s record run in 2023 BSPS M&M ridden supreme final

Super-woman Sarah had eight ponies forward for the M&M supreme and 14 animals presented in various finals across the week. Ponies on her team also finished third and fourth, with Sarah Weston’s Welsh section D stallion Llynhelyg Mr Jones ridden by Tayla Lewis taking the yellow ribbon, and Chloe Heathcote and Connemara Eastlands Dunknowe just behind them in fourth.

“I’m so tired,” said leading native producer Sarah, who also won three native ridden classes and finished reserve at HOYS in October. “I was so knackered on the way down to London that planning my show was the only thing keeping me awake.”

Reserve supreme, Griseburn Major, scored a final conformation mark of 73/100. He was awarded one of Ian Dickinson’s top ride marks (43/50).

“He was very forward going which is what I was looking for, and I loved his movement,” said Ian. “The Connemara, New Forest, Fell, Dales and Highland section was the strongest of the three. Our top two ponies were very nice animals, and it was very close.”

Major is still just a six-year-old despite his exceptional CV.

“I’m over the moon with him,” said Joe, who had two rides through to the final. “I’m so chuffed for Sarah and what a result for the breed. And as for this pony [Major], he has given me the best two years I could have ever wished for. I do feel the pressure with him; he was only five when he won HOYS. I don’t know what the future holds for us yet, but he’s too young to just put away.”

In fifth was Hannah Atkinson and her home-bred Welsh section C gelding and reigning RIHS supreme champion Danwood Llewellyn, while sixth was Ellena Thomas and her Welsh section D stallion Kaybrook Midnight Comet.

Seventh place went to London debutante and sole Welsh section B representative Cadlanvalley Masterclass with Libby Grota, while April Gilmartin took eighth with her 2023 Royal Highland show supreme M&M winner Gems Malt Whiskey.

Ninth spot was awarded to Dartmoor pony Coppinshill Commemoration and Harlow White, while the Sarah Parker-produced Fell Greenrivers Luke stood 10th on his debut in London with Gemma Pallet riding on this occasion.

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A stunning showcase of native breeds was witnessed in the Andrews Bowen international arena as winning and second placed ponies vied for the National Pony Society/Baileys Horse Feeds HOYS M&M ridden pony of the year title at the 2022 Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

But only one combination could take the top honour and this year judges Jo Jack (conformation) and Tweetie Nimmo (ride) selected five-year-old Dales stallion Griseburn Major and Joe Watson as their champions.

“What a tremendous line up of ponies,” said Tweetie. “Jo and I were on the same page throughout the classes, and we liked the same ponies. Our champion was beautifully balanced and he looked like a complete partnership with his rider. He was a very good example of the breed and in the championship he went like a true superstar.”

Joe and his partner Rob Mcivor bought the stallion as an unbroken three-year-old from Helen Horn’s Griseburn Stud. He is by Wolsey Viking out of Tarbarl Kate Boss, and 2022 is his first full season under saddle.

Reserve in the HOYS M&M ridden pony of the year championship went to Rebecca Penny riding Lynn Scott’s consistent Welsh section C stallion Lynuck The Showman, supreme BSPS Heritage champion at London International last December.

“Our reserve had a tremendous walk,” said Jo. “During the class, he really caught our eye, as did the second placed Welsh section C [April Gilmartin’s Gems Malt Whiskey] who really shone in the championship, too.”

“Both the Dales and the Welsh C classes were two of the strongest,” said Tweetie. “It was obvious that Jo and I had a type, too, as there were ponies from the same studs featuring in the top placings consistently.”

“They had to be true ponies in type,” confirmed Jo.

Lancashire-based Joe was emotional after his first ever HOYS championship win: “This just doesn’t happen to someone like me,” he said. “Major felt amazing in there and I honestly can’t believe this has happened.”

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A stunning performance at his first ever Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) saw five-year-old stallion Griseburn Major take the HOYS Dales championship under owner Joseph Watson in a hugely competitive class.

Joseph bought the beautifully put-together stallion as a three-year-old from the Griseburn stud. He is by Wolsey Viking out of Tarbarl Kate Boss, and was bred by Helen Horn.

“When he arrived, he was really wild – I was scared to death of him,” admitted an emotional Joseph. “Rob Mcivor, my partner, has done all the work with him from the beginning. We broke him in and have taken it really slow with him.”

After a couple of novice classes in his first season last year, the stallion has done four qualifiers this year, winning his ticket at North of England show.

“Things like this don’t happen to me,” Joseph commented. “I was not expecting it at all, especially after last night’s working in – he kept calling to the other horses and I was worried he’d do the same in the ring, but he behaved really well.

“Stood in the line-up with the final three, I kept looking at the other two trying to work out which one would be first and second – I didn’t even imagine it would be me in first place. My heart was pounding.”

Joseph explained that Major, who hasn’t yet covered, likes his food and that he gets turned out next to his Highland pony best friend.

“I was wondering whether to do the BSPS Heritage championships at the end of the month, but I think he can have a well-deserved winter off now and come out again next year,” Joseph added.

Second place went to Nipna Midnight Rambler ridden by Sarah Parker, and third place went to the winner’s half-brother Griseburn Lester ridden by Aimee Devane.

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DESPITE only having only ever been indoors once before, five-year-old gelding Tarbarl Major Tom put on a professional show in the atmospheric TopSpec arena to land the Dales title at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS).

Tom was ridden beautifully by Katy Marriott-Payne, who was given the ride in January by his owners Mandy and Tom Jackson.

“Mandy backed him last summer and then we got him going through the winter,” said Katy. “From day one he has had a great brain for the job which makes him much easier and much more enjoyable to work with.”

The pair qualified for HOYS at the NCPA Staffordshire Country Festival.

“The plan was to give him a nice novice season, but there were a couple of HOYS qualifiers which I thought would suit him the way the classes were set up, and he won the first one he did,” Katy said. “We realised then that he’s definitely got the right brain for it.”

With just six previous outings under his belt, Tom who is by Tarbarl Guiser out of Black Beauty XVI and bred by Michael Stonehouse, has proved himself an ultimate professional already.

“It’s such an amazing way to start the week, especially as he’s such a young pony – we had literally no expectations whatsoever with him,” said Katy. “I didn’t want to ask too much of him, but he just kept going and giving. We’re over the moon with how well he’s coped with it all and how much he enjoyed it.”

Katy feels that it’s the pony’s character that gives him the winning edge.

“He’s got the most amazing temperament and really wants to please you,” she said. “He’s got so much character and likes to have a joke – if you leave the stable door open, he’ll be out. He’s ever so kind and really genuine.”

The pair will enjoy a quiet winter and do some hacking – “there’s not much pressure to do anymore this year now. He’s definitely earnt a rest.”

Sarah Parker rode Julie Pennell’s Nipna Midnight Rambler into second place with Kate Waite’s Nipna James Britannia in third under Vikki Smith.

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

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Ridden M&M ponies competed for a coveted ticket to the BSPS M&M Heritage ridden final to be held at Liverpool in the New Year. Read the full list of results...

Native ponies from across the country flocked to the Copper Horse Arena on day three of the Royal Windsor Horse Show to compete for a ticket to the British Show Pony Society (BSPS) supreme Heritage championship to be held at the Liverpool International Horse Show for the first time this season.

It was the winners of the day’s first class who returned to shine in the overall championship. This was Julie and Anna Pennell’s home-bred Dales stallion Nipna Midnight Rambler, a six-year-old by Nipna Invictus out of Nipna Damask Rose.

Despite being one of the youngest ponies in the championship, the big-moving stallion and his producer Sarah Parker gave a fluent, yet true-to-type display which clinched them the coveted qualification.

“He’s just so uphill and he really moves,” enthused Sarah. “He’s still a novice, but he coped with the atmosphere so well today; he just wasn’t bothered by anything in the slightest.”

Rambler is Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) bound after winning at Stoneleigh Horse Show.

Anna was there to watch her home-bred favourite triumph on royal turf:

“He’s super special to us as he’s out of our first home-bred mare, Damask Rose, who took me to HOYS and was second in 2013. He’s got such a partnership with Sarah, too; I love watching them together.”

Reserve was Karen Johnson’s ultra-consistent Welsh section D stallion Menai Eurostar, a former H&H cover star and Windsor winner in 2019. The 10-year-old was ridden by his producer Adam Forster. This pair are also heading for the Royal International and HOYS this season after qualifying early on in the season.

Other class results included:

Fell/Dales/Highland:

2nd Wellbrow Diplomat (Brian Williams)

3rd Ellister Islay Spruce (Rebecca Penny)

4th Lochlands Lord Byron (Oliver Bradshaw)

5th Murthwaite Ted’s Lass (Stephanie Richards)

6th Trowan Millisle (Harriot Siden)

Welsh section D

2nd Llanarth Fair Lady (Charlotte Alford)

3rd Drogeda Valentino (Rachel Cooper)

4th London Golden Eye (Aimee Devane)

5th Larnleighs Express (Rebecca Penny)

6th Renvarg Royal Flush (Heather Comley)

Welsh section C

1st Synod Rilley (Alice Barr)

2nd Lantau Supernova (Jodie Haywood)

3rd Stormyoak Just Divine (Cheryl Hillman)

4th Dyffryntywi Llewelyn (Amber Oaker)

5th Beno Bubbalouie (Lalia Reeves)

6th Moeldod Monty (Darcie Campbell)

Welsh section A/B

1st Hoekhurst Example (Libby Grota)

2nd Idyllic Spartacus (Livie Smith)

3rd Laitehill Flute (Kate Hewson)

4th Llynhelyg Play Boy (Janette Thompson)

5th Lledrith Nemesis (Sam Roberts)

6th Gigman Michaelangelo (Esmé Summers)

Dartmoor, Exmoor and Shetland

1st Treworgan Commodore (Sam Roberts)

2nd Sharptor Tricolore (Jessica Talbot)

3rd Blackthorn Panther (Emilia Andrews)

4th Stephanie Richards (Dunkery Hornbill)

Connemara/Newforest

1st Gloves Blakehill William (Lucy Body)

2nd Culmore Bobby (Mandy Baldwin)

3rd Kilpatrick Kestrel (Lulu Farmbrough)

4th Beechmount Emperor (Abigail Huxham)

5th King Bunowen Castle Ali (Sonya Fitch-Peyton)

6th Liscappul Ed (Rachel Turner)

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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Rare breeds of the “highest concern” will be recognised at a show with new championship classes aimed at promoting the breeds’ high standards.

For the first time the Norfolk Equestrian Show (28 July) will host Rare Breed Survival Trust watchlist classes, with the highest-placed horses and ponies going on to compete in the RBST championship for priority and at-risk breeds. The classes follow the release of the 2021/2022 RBST watchlist published last month with updated categories; priority, at risk, UK native breeds and Irish breeds in the UK. Previously the categories were critical, endangered, vulnerable, at risk and minority.

Cleveland Bays, Dales, Dartmoors, Eriskays, Exmoors, Hackneys and Suffolk horses appear in the priority category. Clydesdale horses, Fell and Highland ponies, New Forests, and Shires have been classed as at risk.

RBST chief executive Christopher Price told H&H the watchlist classes will give dedicated owners and breeders of rare native horses and ponies the chance to demonstrate their “amazingly high standards”, and show the great potential of the breeds.

“We hope this will also encourage more people to get involved in the work to ensure rare native equine breeds such as Eriskays and Suffolks can thrive long into the future,” he said.

RBST chairman Gale Sprake added that with competitions so severely limited over the last 18 months, the trust is delighted to provide this “fantastic opportunity” to celebrate rare breeds, as well as the people, organisations and communities that support their survival.

“Each of our native pony and horse breeds has its own characteristics, unique features and history and each has played an extraordinary role in our nation’s history,” she said.

“The new RBST priority and at-risk classes at the Norfolk Equestrian Show will really show why they are special.”

Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association chief executive Mark Nicholas said the organisation is “thrilled” to be welcoming competitors.

Continued below…

Seven equine breeds classed as ‘highest concern’ in Rare Breeds Survival Trust watchlist

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“We are particularly pleased to be working in partnership with RBST and helping them to promote the importance of breed diversity and survival,” he said.

The show’s organisers hope that holding the “streamlined” show behind closed doors in 2021 will support the planned return of a full Royal Norfolk Show in June 2022. The schedule includes in-hand and ridden classes and retains Horse of the Year Show qualifiers from the cancelled Royal Norfolk Show. Entries close on 30 June.

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A native pony breeder is appealing to the public to help find his pure-bred Dales mare who is believed to have been stolen from her field in Cumbria.

Bert Morland of the Lunesdale and Moorlandsdale Studs was informed his home-bred mare, seven-year-old Moorlandsdale Perfection, was missing from her field on Saturday evening (20 February).

The field is next to Jubilee Park in Kirkby Stephen, Cumbria.

Perfection — who was in the field with the land owner’s traditional coloured gelding — was fed at around 11am before being discovered to be missing at 4pm the same day.

“The horses were fed in the morning and later in the day the other pony was seen to be going mental in the field,” explained Bert. “The man who owned the field went to have a look to see what was upsetting the pony, and he found that Perfection wasn’t there.”

The mare has been in the field with her companion for more than 12 months.

Fellow breeder John Potter took to social media in an attempt to trace the Dales and his post has been shared thousands of times.

Continued below…

The Dales pony: the hardy, hairy ponies who can turn a hoof at any job

Tributes paid to legendary Dales stallion put down after field accident

Bruce and his sire Village Defender are the only two Dales ponies to have ever qualifed for the Cuddy in-hand

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“These things always come as a shock,” added Bert. “Perfection is a very sensible, quiet mare. She is a very good pony and is one of my favourites. I hope she can be found soon.”

Perfection is all black with no white or visible markings. Her microchip number is 958000010208370.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Cumbria police on 101 and provide the incident number 82 from 21 February.

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The coronavirus pandemic might have brought the 2020 show season to a premature end, but showing producers and riders across the country are wasting no time preparing their new show horses for the 2021 season.

Here are 11 fresh faces gearing up to take the show ring by storm next year…

1. Hett Candyman

Vicki Casey, a Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) winner last term riding her own Connemara Frederiksminde Volcano, is set to introduce Susan Stowell’s five-year-old newly backed Dales gelding to ridden ranks next year. Vicki aims to start off the in-hand winner in the dressage arena before setting her sights on the show ring.

2. Thornberry Anwen

Lindsey Hillyard’s lockdown purchase, by Thornberry Lord Admiral out of Thornberry Arbenig, looks a picture as she is prepared for her debut season as a mini mount. Bred by Fiona Leadbitter, Anwen was successfully shown in-hand as a youngster.

3. Lucifer

Working hunter specialist William Pittendrigh’s striking three-year-old gelding was bought just under six months ago as a prospect worker and middleweight hunter.

4. Laybalands Party Politics

Cheshire-based horse producer Vicky Smith is tuning up Jill Ollerenshaw’s five-year-old large hack for his first open term under saddle.

5. Willoway Mikado

Lauren Brill has a selection of novice ponies for 2021, including the three-year-old New Forest gelding. By Willoway Minstrel, Mikado was bought unbroken earlier this year and will be a fresh face in New Forest breed classes.

6. Lostock Up to The Mark

Sue-Helen Shuttleworth is putting in the time with her own three-year-old plaited horse prospect. He is out of successful coloured hack Up To D by Lostock Huntsman and was bought as a foal from breeder Caroline Hamilton.

7. Cuddington Vanity Fair

The three-year-old mare owned by Laura Jane Jones is produced by the Cuddington Stud and will be aimed at intermediate show hunter classes next season with Laura’s daughter, Freya. Freya’s younger sister, Georgia, will also campaign the exciting 138cm show pony Carrhouse Gypsy Moon who will also hit the novice circuit during 2021.

8. Red River

Danielle Heath and Mo Haslam’s unshown four-year-old lightweight show cob, of unknown breeding, are preparing from his show ring debut. The upstanding gelding was bought over summer from Val Sheenan.

9. Steppers Relight My Fire

Ashleigh and Lisa O’Rourke’s five-year-old Welsh section D stallion is currently with producer Aimee Devane and her team at Follywood stud. He was purchased lightly backed a few months ago from his breeder Dex Davies and Aimee is aiming for a December debut.

Continued below…

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10. Mr Popplewick

The five-year-old skewbald, who is produced by Paul Langrick and his team, will be aimed at heavyweight show cob classes with William Hibbert. The gelding, owned by Garry Ross, was purchased 18 months ago from Cathy Bertram who sourced him as an untouched two-year-old.

11. Cobweb

The four-year-old lightweight cob, owned by Neil Fidders, is based with Simon Reynolds and his team. He originally came from Reid Finlay in Ireland.

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A prolific Dales pony who won at Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) has been put down aged 15 after fracturing his neck in the field.

Bill Ireland’s stallion Kilmannan Robert The Bruce — who was by Village Defender and out of Olympia champion Kilmannan Black Pearl — was produced and ridden by Richard Telford throughout his illustrious career.

One of his ridden highlights was in 2014 when he won the Fell and Dales pony of the year title at the HOYS before standing reserve in the overall mountain and moorland (M&M) championship. He was also a finalist at Olympia in 2012.

In 2016, he was crowned overall M&M in-hand supreme at the Royal Highland before lifting the coveted Cuddy in-hand ticket. Bruce and his sire Village Defender are the only two Dales ponies to have ever qualifed for the prestigious in-hand final.

He officially retired from the show ring in 2018.

“He had been with us since he was six months old,” Richard told H&H. “He was an amazing showman, but at the same time he was the sweetest stallion in the stable and to ride. Anyone could jump on him and take him for a hack and he was loved dearly because of this.

“He was also an amazing hunter as he had an incredible jump; I always felt I was too tall to hunt him but I’d watch him with others and he would jump five-bar gates.”

Richard and Bruce formed an unstoppable partnership.

“My most memorable ride on him was when he won at the Great Yorkshire. He was unreal; I felt as if I was sat on a 16.2hh warmblood,” he said.

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Bruce has several progeny waiting to follow in his footsteps.

“Bruce has some exciting stock on the ground, including a three-year-old filly living down South and we have a yearling, a two-year-old and a foal at home,” explained Richard.

“It was nice he had a happy retirement from showing. He is now buried in the field with his mares.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

A breed society has announced the cancellation of its summer show owing to equine flu – having previously said it would not insist entrants be vaccinated.

The Dales Pony Society summer show due take place on 3 August, which included a Horse of the Year Show qualifier, has been cancelled.

In a statement yesterday (23 July), chair of council for the society Anne Alderson said: “The show scheduled to take place at Streatlam Farm, Barnard Castle has been cancelled due to the increasing number of equine flu cases in northern areas and subsequent strong feeling among members and others that unvaccinated ponies should not attend.

“It is now too late to introduce an effective mandatory vaccination policy and the society has been left with no option but to regretfully cancel the event.”

The HOYS National Pony Society mountain and moorland ridden Dales pony of the year qualifier has been moved to the society’s performance show on 25 August at West Park Arena, Wolsingham – and ponies must be vaccinated for this event.

“The judges remain as Brian Williams for ride and Ernest Coulthard for conformation. All entrants will be contacted to check if they still wish to compete. All ponies at this event must be vaccinated on a 12-month basis,” said the statement.

The statement added that all competitors entered for the summer show will receive a full refund for entry fees in due course.

This cancellation follows an earlier council statement on 17 July, in which the society announced it would not be insisting ponies be vaccinated against flu for the summer show.

Article continued below…

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“Following the outbreak of equine influenza earlier this year, the council took the stance that mandatory flu vaccinations would not be required at the Dales Pony Society spring and summer shows, but strongly recommended that ponies were vaccinated against equine flu,” said the statement.

“At the council meeting of 8 July this policy was reviewed in light of information received from the British Equine Veterinary Association that the flu outbreak was in fact worsening, particularly in the northern areas following Appleby Fair. Following discussion it was agreed, as a majority decision, to leave the policy unchanged for the summer show as the schedule had already gone out. The policy is to be reviewed again at the council meeting scheduled for 16 September.

As of yesterday there had been 44 confirmed flu outbreaks this month.

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More Fell and Dales ponies will be able to qualify for this year’s Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) in October following the news that the breeds will contest their own individual mountain and moorland (M&M) finals at the show.

Fell and Dales ponies have competed together at HOYS since the Highlands were awarded their own breed final in 2011.

HOYS organiser Grandstand Media said this “exciting development” has come about as a result of “ongoing collaboration between Grandstand Media Ltd and the showing societies”.

“This will allow each of these breeds to see a higher minimum number represented at the final,” said a spokesman for Grandstand, which will also be making alterations to the format to some of the qualifiers due to take place this season.

“All eyes will be on the M&M large breed qualifiers as we see an increase in the amount of individual qualifying opportunities for the Fell, Dales, New Forest and Highland ponies, by opening out one of the combined classes to now be individual breed qualifiers.”

Enthusiasts of these large breeds have been pushing for separate finals and qualifying fixtures for several years, which is in line with other breeds such as the Welsh and the Connemaras, who have their own respective classes throughout the term and at the NEC.

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Event director Emma Williams said: “As host of the most prestigious national showing championships, we have listened to feedback and are delighted to have responded to such popular demand by amending the qualifying opportunities for these native breeds and seeing both the Fell and Dales breed individually have their moment at HOYS.

“This move is part of Grandstand Media’s long-term commitment to see each individual native breed represented with their own championship at HOYS. We always value feedback from competitors and societies and each year we evaluate the number of animals coming forward so that we can allow the show to continue to move forward and expand. Our continued work with the showing societies is fundamental to improve showing for all, and we are proud to be supporting the initiatives which they are implementing for the upcoming season.”

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The Dales pony is one of the UK’s Mountain and Moorland breeds, which, according to the Dales Pony Society (DPS) is a native of the upper dales of the eastern slopes of the Pennine range, from the High Peak in Derbyshire to the Cheviot Hills near the Scottish Border.

While there is no height limit on the Dales pony, the preferred height range stated in the breed standard is between 14hh (142.2cm) to 14.2hh (146.2cm).

Dales pony breed standard

Head: Neat and pony-like. Broad between the eyes, which should be bright and alert. Pony ears slightly incurving. Long foretop of straight hair down the face.

Neck: Strong and of ample length. Stallions should display a bold outlook with a well-arched crest. Throat and jaws clean-cut. Long, flowing mane.

Shoulders: Well-laid, long, sloping shoulders with well-developed muscles. Withers not too fine.

Body: Short-coupled and deep through the chest, with well-sprung ribs.

Hindquarters: Deep, lengthy and powerful. Second thighs well-developed and very muscular. Tail well set on, not high, with plenty of long, straight hair reaching the ground.

Hocks: Broad, Flat and clean. Well let down with plenty of dense flat bone below.

Forearms: Set square. Short and very muscular, with broad, well-developed knees.

Feet, legs and joints: The very best of feet and legs, with flexible joints, showing quality with no coarseness. The cannons should display eight to nine inch (20.3cm — 22.9cm) of flat, flinty bone and well defined tendons. Pasterns should be nicely sloping and of good length. Ample silky feather on the heels. Large, round feet open at the heels, with well developed frogs.

The Dales is defined by its flashy, energetic action. The DPS states that: “the knee and hock should be lifted and the hind legs should be flexed well under the body for powerful drive.”

The Dales can be black, brown, grey, bay or roan in colour and the DPS has clear rules on markings which can alter a pony’s status in the grading system. A white star and/or snip on the head and/or white fetlocks to the hind legs are permitted only. Mismarked ponies will be down-graded to section B. Section Bs are not allowed to be used as breeding stallions and colts which are not of section A status must be castrated.

In the Pennine range between Roman times and the mid-19th century, a lead mining industry was developed.

The DPS says that: “During the late 17th century, the Scotch Galloway was considered to be the best pony for fast pack work and replacements were bred near the lead mines. Suitable native mares ran with the breeding herds and it is recorded that farmers also liked to run a few Scotch mares with the native herds on the fell. The largest, strongest and most active ponies were chosen for pack work and were well fed to ensure fitness and speed. So it was that the black Galloways of the mixed herds eventually superseded the Scotch Galloway, and became the Dales pony.”

The influence of the Scotch Galloway has ensured the Dales pony is known for its endurance, strength and ability to work over rough country.

The DPS continues: “In the late 18th century there was a great improvement in roads, which brought a demand for faster animals to horse the Mail and Stagecoaches. At this time, the fastest and stoutest roadsters were the Norfolk Cobs, the most notable family being the Shales. The foundation sire was Shales the Original, foaled in 1755, sired by Blaze, son of the thoroughbred Flying Childers, by the Darley Arabian. This stallion was also the foundation sire of most of the worlds finest trotting breeds, and at least one line back to him can be found in the pedigrees of most registered Dales ponies alive today.”

In the early 20th century, Clydesdale stallions were put to Dales mare to breed vanner horses for town work. While a popular and useful cross-bred at the time, the vanner was a threat to the purebred Dales pony and consequently the Dales Pony Improvement Society was formed in 1916 and the Dales Pony Stud book opened, which ensured the preservation of the ponies.

The Second World War nearly saw the end of the breed. Ponies were taken by the army and mares were used for breeding vanners. In 1964, the Dales Pony Society was re-organised, and “improvement” was dropped from the title. Ponies were sought and registered, and a grading-up register was introduced for inspected ponies.

Dales ponies are still popular choices for riding and driving ponies today. In 2018, five breed representatives were forward in the native ridden final at London International. Best of breed for the second consecutive year was Anna Pennell’s Nipna Flora (below). At the Horse of the Year Show, Dales ponies still compete against Fell ponies for the coveted pony of the year title, but enthusiasts are looking for the breed finals to be split in coming years.

A Dales pony is also a solid choice for a working hunter or an all-round mount due to their intelligent, kind natures and versatility. Their impressive and stylish trot also makes them a much sought-after harness pony.

The Dales pony is a rare breed and listed as “critical” by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust. Dedicated breeders are working hard to combat this by expanding the breeding pool.

The DPS holds regular breed shows for the ponies and HRH Prince of Wales is patron of the society.

The Dales pony is one of three breeds known to be a carrier of the fatal genetic disease foal immunodeficiency syndrome (FIS). It was first identified in Fell ponies, and later in the Dales.

The DPS defines FIS as an inherited disease: “If a syndrome foal is born, both its parents must be carriers, as the faulty gene is recessive. The foals affected have a defective immune system and cannot resist disease properly – they die, usually within the first month or two of life. The condition is invariably fatal if usual treatments are employed. Not every foal of two carrier parents are born with the syndrome – the chance of a syndrome foal from each mating of two carrier ponies is one in four. However, other unaffected foals may well be carriers.”

All colts now must be tested clear to be eligible for licensing and have been since 2012. Mares may be carriers and the only way to know is by testing which can be done through the society.

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Horse & Hound Festival of Dressage competitor Vanessa Haunch is aiming to be the first person to compete a Dales pony in a tailcoat.

Vanessa and her eye-catching native Ridgelane Pete were competing in the Wow Saddles elementary championship at the festival, held at Sheepgate from 20 to 22 July.

The accountant, who hails from close to Somerford in Cheshire, bought “Pete” as a just-backed four-year-old in 2012.

“He hasn’t been the easiest,” she smiled, adding Pete has a “Jekyll and Hyde” personality.

“He has all the talent, but can be very stubborn — I call him the Thelwell pony because of his stubbornness.

“One day he is as sharp as a tac and the next day my 10-year-old son could cope with him.”

Pete has his own Facebook page — The Dancing Dales — charting Pete’s journey between the white boards.

Vanessa explained she set it up to show that you don’t need a “conventional” dressage horse to enjoy and succeed in the sport.

“I set it up so people could see the good and the bad,” she added.

“If you’re on a cob it might not always be easy, but if you work hard it doesn’t matter what you are sat on — as long as you get out there and try your best, it doesn’t matter.”

The pair enjoyed some big wins in the show ring on the county circuit before Victoria decided to focus on dressage — and Pete is excelling in his new career.

“I want him to be the first Dales pony to compete [with his rider] in a tailcoat,” she said, adding Pete is training at medium level at home.

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The combination finished just out of the prizes and Vanessa added they were here for fun with “no pressure”.

“This is only his sixth elementary as I decided last year that I didn’t want to ride any more,” she said, adding when it came to crunch-time she realised that she still loved riding after all.

“Someone was really interested in Peter and it just hit me that I didn’t want someone else to ride him.”

As well as a full-time job, Vanessa fits the horses around being a mum to her son, Cameron.

“I wouldn’t be able to do it without the help from my mum,” she added.

“[I also train with Harriet Woodford] who is amazing — she’s completely changed the way I ride and the way I ride him — she’s made me be very positive which makes him enjoy his work more.”

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More than 60 Dales ponies were ridden through the streets of Barnard Castle in County Durham on Saturday (30 July) on a historic day for the rare breed.

The President’s Ride was the start of this week’s centenary celebrations of the Dales Pony Society.

“It was an incredibly special day,” said Anna Pennell, who organised the ride together with Anne Alderson and Freda Longstaff.

The 15-mile ride started at 10am from Hill Gill farm in Baldersdale.

Riders were led by route master Charlie Parker and Jo Ashby, the society’s secretary, across the moors of south Durham. The pair were followed by Meg Robbins, who had come from the US to take part in the ride.

Another 15 riders doing a shorter five-mile route joined at Cotherstone Moor.

Together they gathered just outside the town at the River Tees, before riding over Castle Bridge up to the main street through Barnard Castle.

The roads, which were lined by huge crowds, were closed for the ride.

“Everyone had tears in their eyes coming up to town. The ponies all trotted out well, it was a truly memorable and historic day,” said Mrs Ashby, who has been the breed society’s secretary for 27 years.

Area members organised smaller rides in the run-up to Saturday’s finale.

“The whole country has been taking part in area rides throughout the summer. The event is designed to involve as many members as possible,” said Mrs Ashby.

Members in France and the US also organised their own rides.

Mrs Ashby’s pony’s breastplate was mounted with President Ride plaques brought back by area members from around the country.

The centenary week celebrations culminate on Saturday, 6 August with the Dales Pony Society summer show.

This year there are dressage and working hunter classes for the first time alongside the normal ridden and in-hand sections.

Related articles:

• Dales pony ‘critical’ on rare breeds watchlist *H&H VIP*
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The society will also hold its Horse of the Year Show qualifier.

During the centenary week there are stud visits, a chance to see ponies working in panniers at the Killhope Lead Mining Museum, and a country and western evening at Streatlam showground (3 August).

For more details visit: www.dalespony.org

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Knowing what your native pony was bred for will enable you to show them off correctly in the show ring. From a fast but smooth walk perfect for ploughing fields or carrying large loads over great distances, to ground-covering trots ideal for shepherding sheep and hunting wolves, this is what native breeds were used for in bygone years:

Shetlands

Small but hardy, Shetland ponies were commonly used to transport peat from the bogs and seaweed to fertilise fields. Some also became pit ponies, or were used as pack animals.

Highlands

Highlands were bred to work on farms in their native Scotland. From carrying deer and game off the hills, to transporting timber and ploughing fields — these sturdy ponies are capable of hard, heavy work.

Fell

Native to the North of England, Fell ponies were used by the Vikings to plough and pull sledges, as well as for riding and pack work. Their fast but comfortable walk made them ideal for carrying anything from material and food to local metal ores. Fells were also used for shepherding and hunting wolves to protect the flock.

Modern Fell ponies are renowned for their ground-covering trot, and have been used for trotting races in the past.

Dartmoor

Native to Devon and recorded as living on Dartmoor since the Middle Ages, this breed’s metabolism enables them to survive in tough conditions, ideal for working in the mines, carrying large loads as a pack animal and shepherding sheep. Their temperament made the ponies a popular ride, as they are today.

Exmoor

This breed dates back to when the Celts settled in Britain. The ponies were tamed and broken to pull chariots, as well as being ridden, used as pack animals and ploughing the land.

Welsh ponies

Section A: The smallest of the Welsh mountain ponies were useful for shepherding sheep, mining and riding, as well as being pack animals.

Section B: These ponies were also intended for pulling carts and carriages.

Sections C and D: All of the above, plus useful for farm work. Welsh mountain ponies could also be seen driving cattle.

Dales

Known for strength, hardiness, courage and stamina, the Dales pony has strong mining links. Evolved from the Scotch Galloway pack animal, the breed was used to transport lead, coal and ore from the mines of North Yorkshire, Teesside and Tyneside to the ports on the coast.

Dales ponies are capable of carrying heavy loads over long distances, and were also driven, ridden and used for farm work.

Continued below…

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Connemara

This compact, surefooted and intelligent breed stands on short legs but covers a lot of ground. Still popular for riding with adults and children alike, the attributes of a Connemara has made them ideal for farm work and driving for years.

New Forest

Having roamed the New Forest, Hampshire, since the end of the last Ice Age, these fast and sure-footed ponies have been a popular riding choice for centuries. History shows them being used to carry large weights over long distances, plus hunting and farm work.

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A native breed at risk of extinction has been given a welcome boost with the arrival of twin foals in the North Pennines.

Dales pony colts Lowhouses Casper and Lowhouses Jasper were born earlier this year (27 May) at Lowhouses Dales Pony Stud in Mickleton-in-Teesdale.

The birth of two ponies was a surprise, as veterinary scans did not show the foal’s 18-year-old mother, Lowhouses Rebecca, was carrying twins.

“One embryo must have been hiding behind the other,” Freda Longstaff, who owns the stud with her husband Richie, told H&H.

“The smaller foal came out first and my husband said, ‘look at the size of this, there’s got to be another one’ and sure enough there was.

“Within an hour they were both up on their feet.”

The foals are by Tarbarl Gypsy Lad who is also owned by Lowhouses Stud.

“They’re coming on grand, they are such characters,” said Mrs Longstaff, who has been on the Dales Pony Society council for 35 years.

“My husband was born into Dales ponies. They bred them and used them on their farm.

“They kept breeding them during the Second World War when they nearly became extinct.”

The couple plan to sell the bigger colt as a riding pony and will keep the smaller one, who they hope will become a driving pony.

Critical condition

Earlier this year (24 January) H&H reported that Dales ponies had been recategorised as “critical” on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) watchlist.

Breed enthusiasts said the fall in numbers was not due to dwindling popularity, but because of responsible breeding.

The RBST agreed that due to the financial climate there is little or no market for youngstock, which has had a knock-on effect, reducing the number of pedigree registered foals.

“I think the situation is looking more positive,” added Mrs Longstaff.

“As long as people don’t breed too many and we are selective there’s a future for them.

“They’re excellent all-rounders. They are weight carriers and have very good temperaments.”

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As the financial climate fails to pick up and the threat of overbreeding is ever present, some of our native breeds are in danger of becoming extinct. This month, Dales and Dartmoor ponies have been recategorised as “critical” and “endangered” respectively on the Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST) watchlist.

As numbers of breeding females fall the Dales pony has moved from “endangered” to “critical” — meaning there are now fewer than 300 breeding mares. The Dartmoor moves from “vulnerable” to “endangered” with between 300-500 breeding mares.

“Described as a ‘species in crisis’ in the 2014 watchlist report, native equines continue to struggle in 2015,” said Tom Beeston of the RBST.

The risk is calculated by a significant fall in registration numbers and the estimated population trend.

“Last year’s watchlist was described as a wake-up call — this year’s delivers the message that we have more work to do, not less,” added Mr Beeston.

However, breed enthusiasts say the fall in numbers is not due to dwindling popularity, but because of responsible breeding.

The RBST agrees that due to the financial climate there is little or no market for youngstock, which has had a knock-on effect, reducing the number of pedigree registered foals.

“This has been necessary to prevent overbreeding unwanted foals, but it puts some breeds at particular risk,” said Mr Beeston.

Critical condition for Dales

Jo Asby of the Dales Pony Society told H&H the recent recategorising of the breed was “not unexpected”.

“2014 saw only 87 foals registered in the UK, but it is a reflection of the unique attributes of the Dales pony that traditional breeders do not breed foals for which there is no market,” she said. “The mass over-production of cheap black and white cobs has flooded the market for the up-to-weight family all-rounder, and the depressed financial climate means good working homes are hard to come by.”

Dales breeder Charlie Parker told H&H he had “felt a responsibility to cut back” until the market picked up.

“The summer of 2014 saw a slight rise in trade and so I have had some mares covered for this year,” he said. “I don’t feel that their popularity has fallen, but as with many of our British natives they are undervalued; we all need to sing their praises.”

Delia Weedon of Akehurst Dales Stud bought her first ponies in 1973. Since then she has bred 59 fillies and 55 colts. She doesn’t believe their popularity is decreasing either, just that the market is “very slow”.

“I have several youngsters still unsold, so for the first time since 1976 I shall not be having any foals in 2015, and my 15-year-old broodmare is about to start a new adventure, being ridden for the first time,” she said.

“It will be hard for the good breeders to keep going when people expect to buy a good, fully registered pony for less than it has cost to produce.”

Dartmoors now ‘endangered’

Although not as severe a situation as the Dales, the Dartmoor — a stalwart of the British showing circuit — is also on the decline.

But Viv Brown from the Dartmoor Pony Society (DPS) told H&H the society is “satisfied that the breed will continue to flourish” despite the fall in category.

“There is still a strong demand for ponies, who excel at the top level in all disciplines, and whose success is far greater in comparison with other breeds with much higher numbers of foals being born every year,” she said.

“The RBST’s figures do not include colts, supplementary registered foals or foals born abroad,” added Mrs Brown.

“Recently more colts have been born or registered than fillies, which does ensure a supply of ridden and driven ponies. Sadly, we cannot predict whether a breeder is going to have fillies only.”

Breeder Rod Newbolt-Young told H&H that DPS members have recognised the depressed economic situation by carrying out a responsible breeding programme. This is reflected in the numbers.

“When the situation changes the mares will be put back in foal to meet the demand,” he said.“Within the past few weeks we have seen signs this is beginning to happen, which is encouraging.”

Mr Newbolt-Young added that negative publicity surrounding the Dartmoor hill pony — an entirely separate breed — last year, when one organisation suggested preserving its future by eating them, was not helpful to the purebred breed.

“The Dartmoor pony is not for eating. In the valued, true-type Dartmoor pony almost all the breeding is controlled and pre-planned,” he said.

Remaining steady

In better news, Clydesdales, Cleveland Bays and Shires have seen increased registrations compared to the previous year.

The Clydesdale remains in the “vulnerable” category, but enthusiasts are positive about the breed’s future.

“The numbers remain stable and we’ve had two reasonable years [2013 and 2014],” Marguerite Osborne from the Clydesdale Horse Society told H&H.

“It’s not a huge increase but it’s steady and they’re doing quite well, so it’s positive.”

Tim Ancrum from Adventure Clydesdale said he has noticed a “steady increase in interest” in the breed in the 13 years that he has been involved with heavy horses.

He believes the key is in the “amazing adaptability” of the breed.

The centre runs rides on the “rugged terrain of Dartmoor” and recently lent horses to take to the turf at Exeter racecourse (pictured above).

“I have seen the value of young heavies rise substantially over the years, and if the value increases the incentive to breed them rises, thereby helping the breeds to claw back from the brink,” he said.

Preserving for the future

The RBST told H&H it “remains very concerned” by the population trends and that much work is still required to help conserve these breeds.

Mr Beeston added that the RBST gene bank is an “essential insurance policy” for the future.

“The economic climate does not suggest that the lack of market is likely to be reversed any time soon. Conservation measures, like semen collections and gene banking, must be employed, so that if stallions are not able to be bred from now, their genes are at least banked for future use,” he said. “That, in turn, means that we have to look at ways to substantially ramp up our fundraising efforts to raise the essential revenue that will enable us to continue our work.”

➤ The RBST National Gene Bank is part of a scheme that was launched in 2002. Owners of rare-breed stallions are asked to help boost Britain’s threatened natives by putting their animals forward for semen collection. It can cost up to £5,000 to carry out a collection from a stallion, so the RBST is also appealing for donations. For information visit: www.rbst.org.uk

Ref: Horse & Hound; 22 January 2015

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Nearly 1,000 fells and dales breeders have submitted samples from their horses to be tested for Fell Pony Syndrome in the past year.

Fell Pony Syndrome, which is now known as Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome (FIS) as it also affects other breeds of ponies, is an untreatable, fatal condition.

Foals affected by FIS have severe progressive anaemia and a deficient immune system, which leads them to succumb to infection. Foals with FIS usually die by the age of three months.

A three-year research project to create a genetic test for the syndrome was led by Dr June Swinburne at the Animal Health Trust in collaboration with Professor Stuart Carter of

Liverpool University and was funded by equine charity The Horse Trust.

It identified the mutation that causes the disease and developed a genetic test to identify ponies carrying the mutation.

As the disease only occurs in foals when two carriers are bred together, breeders can use the test to prevent the disease by ensuring that known carriers are not bred together.

Since the genetic test was launched in February 2010, Swinburne’s team has tested 970 samples from fell and dales ponies, of which three quarters were from fell ponies.

There are around 8,000 fell ponies worldwide and around 1,100 dales ponies in the UK, so this means that nearly 10 percent of fells and more than 20 percent of dales ponies have been tested for FIS.

“This test has been a massive success among the fell and dales pony breeding communities,” said Dr Swinburne.

“We hope the test will prevent unnecessary suffering among fell and dales pony foals as breeders can now easily prevent the conception of foals with FIS.

“As so many breeders tested their breeding stock last year, we hope there will be very few foals affected by this horrendous disease in the future.”

Dr Swinburne found that 47 percent of fell ponies and 10 percent of dales ponies carry the mutation for FIS.

“We are really excited that the research we’ve funded has had such a big impact on the welfare of fell and dales ponies.

“We hope that breeders will continue to make use of this test to ensure that no more ponies have to suffer needlessly from this distressing disease,” said Jeanette Allen, chief executive officer of The Horse Trust.

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (10 March, 2011)

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