Fell Pony and Dales Pony
Both the Fell and Dales Pony breeds originated in the North of England on either side of the Pennine hills. The heartland of the Fell Pony encompasses the northern and western edges of the Pennines, along with the moorlands of Westmorland and Cumberland. The neighboring, and related, Dales Pony belongs to the eastern side of the country, and is found in North Yorkshire, Northumberland, and Durham. Both breeds have similar beginnings, though they developed slightly differently according to the uses made of them, with the Fell evolving as a smaller and lighter animal than the Dales.
FOUNDATION BREEDS
There can be little doubt that the black, cold-blooded Friesian a descendant of Europe's primitive Forest Horse, was an early ancestor of these breeds. The greatest influence, however, is that of the strong, swift Galloways, and it remains particularly evident in the modern Fell Pony
The Galloway was the mount of the border raiders, and then of the Scottish drovers who brought their cattle into England. It was bred between Nithsdale and the Mull of Galloway, and though extinct since the 19th century, the sterling qualities it bequeathed to British stock are still evident. The Galloway stood at 1.32-1.42 m (13-14 hh), was hardy and sure-footed, had great stamina, and was very fast. It was probably
among the native stock which, when used with the eastern sires of the 17th and 18th centuries, gave rise to the English Thoroughbred.
The most famous of the early Fell foundation stallions was the 18th-century Lingcropper, who was probably a Galloway. He was found during the Jacobite rising of 1745 "cropping the ling" (eating the heather) at Stainmore, Westmorland, still carrying his saddle.
THE FELL PONY
In its homeland, the Fell Pony is often referred to as the Brough Hill Pony because of its association with the Brough Hill Fair. It was traditionally used as a pack pony, like its neighbor the Dales. Moreover, the Fell was, and still is, a tremendous trotter that was used as much under saddle as in harness. Today, it is much sought after in its own right for both riding and driving, and in addition it is an excellent cross to produce horses of competition potential.
Through the Wilson ponies it was also a foundation breed for the modern Hackney Pony. The Fell does not exceed 1.42 m (14 hh) in height. The breed colors are black, brown, and bay, preferably with no white markings apart from an occasional star Grey is allowed, but is not often found.
THE DALES PONY
The Dales Pony, from the upper Dales in northern England, is larger and heavier than the Fell. It provided power in the lead mine of Allendale and Alston Moor, working underground and carrying lead ore to the Tyne seaports. The ponies were also used in coal mines, on farms, and in pack trains. They were, and are, able to bear loads out of proportion to their size; the average weight that they had to carry was 100 kg (2 cwt). The old Dales was a great trotter in harness or under saddle, and could cover 1.6 km (1 mile) in three minutes while carrying considerable weight. To heighten trotting ability Welsh Cob blood in particular that of the trotting stallion Comet, was introduced in the 19th
century. The Dales was also crossed with Clydesdales although this was not a success.
Indeed, by 1917 the breed was regarded as being two-thirds Clydesdale. The modern Dales Pony, in which the Clydesdale influence is no longer apparent, has excellent bone and limbs, and hard, blue feet. It is a brilliant harness pony, and is also used for riding, particularly for trekking. The breed combines courage and stamina with a calm temperament.
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