::Native Breeds in Brief::

The DALES PONY – Equus Survival Trust status: Critical

Originating on the eastern side of the Pennine Mountains in the upper dales (valleys) clear to the Scottish border, the Dales Pony was first bred as a pack pony in northern England for the lead mines. It roots are in the Celtic pony types and an array of foreign stallions left behind from 4 centuries of Roman occupation. Infusions of three now extinct breeds – the Galloway Pony and the Yorkshire and Norfolk Trotters have helped to shape the breed in the last three centuries. In the 1850’s it known as the Dales-Galloway or the Yorkshire Fell as it was considered a type of Fell pony in the early days. Dales were used on small farms for light draft and shepherding, hunting, and were in demand for both world wars, WWII nearly causing their demise. 

Dales are brown, black, bay, or gray, with occasional roans. They have feathered fetlocks, and a heavy mane and tail, and average 14 to 14.2 hands. While it bears noting that the Dales and Fell pony breeds are closely related, there are some notable differences. Dales are usually taller and overall should have a more powerful and musculature look. Admired for their outstanding trotting abilities and sensible dispositions, they possess extreme strength, stamina and agility – attributes that easily give it credibility as a jumper, riding or carriage pony. It is equally as useful as a light draft animal for farm or logging, giving rise to the phrase, “the Great All-Rounder.” As of 2006, of the estimate 500 Dales mares world wide, less than 200 mares were actively breeding. Dales presently number around 100 in North America.

Dales Pony Society

The FELL PONY – Equus Survival Trust status: Vulnerable

The now extinct Galloway Pony of Southwest Scotland had such a heavy influence that some older hillbreeders in Cumbria, England today still refer to the Fell as the Fell-Galloway. Another British native with the same Celtic pony and Roman influences as the Dales, these hardy ponies were used as pack animals, for herding sheep, and as a carriage and comfortable saddle pony. Sadly, less than a dozen British breeders still maintain their ponies in the traditional way - in loose, semi-feral herds on the fells (hills).

The Fell shares the same feather, heavy mane and tail and colors as its larger “cousin” the Dales except roans are no longer permissible. The Fell pony, standing 13-14 hands, is kind enough for experienced youths and strong enough to carry a man. Able jumpers, sensible trek mounts, useful as light draft or for logging, and excellent driving ponies, there are about 250 in North America, and an estimated 500 breeding mares in their native Cumbria, Northern England’s famous Lake District.

The Fell Pony Society

The HIGHLAND PONY – Equus Survival Trust status: Vulnerable

The Highland pony hails from the windswept Scottish highlands. Classically portrayed in art as the deerstalking pony, the Highland’s ability to be useful in any number of tasks made it historically essential to the daily life of the highland crofters. There is little doubt that the Highland ascends from the primitive wild horses of Scotland. One needs only to look at the stocky breed type, or the eel and zebra stripe markings to see their connection to the Przevalsky Wild Horse, the Koniks of Poland (closest remnant of the now extinct Tarpans) and the Fjord ponies. Like their cousins the Fells and Dales, the Highlands were used as pack animals, for transport of people and game, shepherding and cattle droving, snigging (logging) and for working the land for the crofters and landowners. They were also used as mounts for raiders and warring clans, and even for smuggling famed Scottish whiskey. Historically known as the deerstalking favorite, Highland ponies have remained the main means of transporting deer and other game off the hills, utilizing a special sturdy but stout packsaddle.

It is the largest of the 9 native ponies standing 13hh to 14.2hh. Heavily built, they are more like horses with short legs. Their weight carrying ability made them a good draft pony, transport and pack pony. They come in brown, bay, grey, and black with an occasional chestnut and numerous various shades of dun. Nearly all carry the primitive patterns of zebra leg stripes or shoulder eel-stripes which suggest an ancient origin and a connection to the Norwegian Fjord. Strong and docile, they have an inbred savvy on hill slopes, which can well exceed the nerve of their rider. Generally, they prefer living outside to stabling no matter what the weather seeking only shelter from the wind. Many still work as deer-stalking ponies on sporting estates, packing loads, dragging timber, and most commonly for trekking (British trail riding). There are an estimated 5,000 to 6,000 Highland ponies, mainly in Scotland.

Highland Pony Society

The DARTMOOR PONY - Equus Survival Status: Vulnerable

The Dartmoor descends from native ponies shaped by natural selection on the rough terrain and poor forage of the moors in southwestern England. Down through the ages, the Dartmoor has been important as a pack pony – for hauling peat, tin, wool, foodstuffs and cloth. Local farmers depended upon the ponies to pull the truck-a-muck sleds that were laden with firewood, stone for walls, and crops from the field or to sell at market. Their small size also made them ideal to work in the tin mines and as pit ponies hauling coal. The Dartmoor pony worked hard, but thrived.

During the first half of the 1900s, mechanization and crossbreeding for polo ponies and sport horses nearly eliminated the breed.

Dartmoors average 12 hands and come in all the solid colors. White markings are uncommon. Their calm, friendly, and willing dispositions make them popular as children’s mounts. The breed has an estimated global population of 2–3,000. About 200 are found in the United States. Demand exceeds supply in America, but the increasing numbers of ponies will gradually make it possible for more people to become involved with this versatile and charming breed.

Dartmoor Pony Society

The ERISKAY – Equus Survival Status: Critical 

The Eriskay pony was thought extinct until a relic herd was rediscovered in the late 1960’s on the islands of Eriskay and Uist, part of the Western Isles off Scotland. These little ponies were used as pack ponies carrying peat from the moors for fuel and seaweed from the shore for fertilizer, and were useful for light plowing. 

Less exposed to crossbreeding than many other natives breeds, grey is the most common color. They are good tempered and adapt readily to riding and harness for pleasure activities. Currently there are no Erikays in the United States and Equus Survival Trust would like encourage awareness in the U.S. to support conservation in their native homeland.

Eriskay Pony Society

The EXMOOR PONY – Equus Survival Status: Critical

The Exmoor pony is an ancient breed which, after having avoided the fashion for "improvement" in the 1800’s that could well have changed them beyond recognition, were nearly exterminated during the WWII. One has only to look at an Exmoor pony to notice its unique qualities – the hooded eye, the mealy-colored muzzles, and the absence of white markings - to know they are looking at a primitive pony type. For centuries the ponies of Exmoor were useful as pack ponies, as hunting and shepherds mounts, and for a variety of farm tasks from plowing to harrowing. Then in the early 1800’s, the land of Exmoor was sold and the remaining 400 ponies were removed and auctioned. Only some dedicated locals kept a few.

Few would argue that the Exmoor has survived to modern times as the least “improved” and purest of all of Britain’s Native ponies. Exmoors are various shades of bay or brown with the mealy coloration around their muzzles and the hooded eyebrows known as the “toad eye.” They average 12.2hh and are long lived often into their 30’s. Good Exmoors should be enduring and hardy, with a strong sense of self-preservation, determination, and cunning – all crucial inner traits for survival on the moor. Exmoors can easily pack the average adult all day. This same strength generally makes the Exmoor unsuitable as a child’s first pony, but a good match and delight for experienced children and small adults. Exmoors are good driving ponies, natural jumpers, and great trekking/trail partners. Today’s population of living on the Exmoor remains under 200 and because of the breed’s antiquity, they are given high priority in conservation programs. Global populations are estimated at around 1200 with less than 50 in North America.

The Exmoor Pony Society


Text provided by the Equus Survival Trust, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the promotion and conservation of endangered breeds of equines.