Dales/Fells/highlands

[Perdita]

Just wondering if anyone has any advice/information on these natives, and what the'd be like as a family pony? I know there are exceptions and different personalities within all breeds, but a general idea? It would be a dream to get into native showing one day, but with a friendly chap/chapess who my childen could also ride? Moody Perdita is definately not something we can all share! I am quite small myself, at 5'2 and 7 and a half stone, children are 5 and 6 and a baby, but we are talking a couple of years ( one if I'm lucky:D ) away. What personalities do they tend to have? Which do you think would be most suitable, and how easy is it to find something mature and kind? Oh, and what price to these types tend to go for?:rolleyes: Thank you :D

[Esther.D]

They generally have nice friendly personalities but I have never actually owned one myself.

[Mossy]

Hi
Sorry to be a damper but imho the big natives are not really ponies for small children. The ponies are so broad they can have problems getting their legs round them My 14.1 Highland will happily carry my 6ft 2 in son all day and carries my hubby for a pasttime! Since you are smallish have you though of a Section B or C Welsh - maybe a bit narrower and perhaps not quite so strong. I love the big natives but they are more adults or teenagers ponies. Maybe a native cross would suit - give you the temperament without the bulk.
Sorry to be negative.

[Fraggle]

I'm the proud owner of a 14.2hh 5 year old Dales gelding called Ridgelane Sam.

I went for a Dales pony because I'm 5 feet 9 inches tall and wanted something that could "take up my leg" without being too big. Although Dales have wonderful, calm temprements, they can be quite stubborn and aren't recommended as childrens rides as they can get quite strong. Saying that, if your children are competent riders I don't think there would be a major problem.
Dales are very good allrounders and there are some even competing in dressage.

I suggest you go to the Dales pony website and contact Mrs Jo Ashby who is the secretary of the society - there is a link to her email address on there. They produce a sales list each month with all the ponies for sale and it can be emailed to you.

Dales ponies aren't a cheap option though - they are registered as a rare breed and are currently going for around £2000 - £3500.
The other problem is that people simply do not sell the good/family ponies as once you get a good one you keep it.

I went out looking for a schoolmaster, bombproof pony and came back with a very green 5 year old who had never seen a road.
Saying all that, he's turning out to be a lovely pony but don't be surprised if you have to compromise on what you want in order to get one.

Hope this helps.:D

[belle]

How about a welsh B or C. I rode a 12.2hh welsh B all summer, and I am 5ft2 and about 7 stone.

These ponies are alot narrower, which is definetely easier for kids to ride.

They also have fantastic temperements.

Or how about a New Forest?

[HanGbbn]

If you do decide to buy
www.horsequest.co.uk have sme lovely ones!

Scroll down on the left till u get to 'Natives'
The choose the catogory you want!

Hannah

[Hesseybabe]

I own a 15hh dales, and he isnt too bulky as you have all said. Im only 5ft, and dont really notice the bulk. My cousins have ridden him, and they are only tiny and very skinny, ones about 4ft 5, and the other a bit taller. I have seen much smaller children on a fell. I would have to disagree with the welsh section b or c, because if you are use to bigger ponies/small horses, then this size change maybe a problem.
They tend to be very placid, and lovely ponies. They tend to love kids, as long as they arent too loud.
As someone already said, they can be stubborn, but so can all horses, if allowed. Since your children are only young im guessing they will still be on a lead rein, so this stubborness if it should arise can be easily corrected.
Highlands are the most common, and least expensive. The fell is quite rare, and so more expensive. The dales is as fraggle said, a rare breed and so tends to be expensive. I paid £2250 for my 15hh gelding, who was unregistered.
I find the highlands tend to be the bulkiest, and the dales the slimmest.
Hope this helps.
Amanda

[cvb]

we reckon my mum's Fell is a diesel model ;) He takes some time to warm up and can onyl cope with one 'idea' at the time (i.e. don't try to mix dressage with jumping....). In some ways he's a bit of a thickie, but in others he is extremely 'canny' (normally where food is involved).

He's sweet but can be as stubborn as anything. Lives on air and as a result spent last summer off with laminitis/abcesses etc etc. He seems to think his mission in life is to all every blade of grass in the world so will be extremely carefully managed this year.

He's a bit like the little girl with the curl - on a good day he's a star (small jumps, local dressage, pleasure rides etc) but on a bad day he just won't do anything.

Still, he does look gorgeous with his mane aflutter in the wind...

[Perdita]

Thanks for all the replies so far :) I was wondering if the breeds I mentioned would be a big too big and strong for the children, but I suppose I had in mind keeping something for life, and therefore the bigger types would suit us all as sons and daughter get big themselves! But then again, they might not be interested when they reach that stage anyway:rolleyes: It would mainly be for me, especially at first. But I am always open to suggestions, and the welsh B and C or New Forest are lovely too - I'd have one of each if I could:D

[eml]

Sorry I agree Dales,fells and highlands are too big for kids. I had great fun with my daughter showing Welsh Sec B ponies, starting with her on the lead rein and going on until she was about twelve and her legs started to get close to the ground! although I was too big to ride them you would be ok. The only snag is that they can be quite sharp but with an adult riding them regularly this shouldn't be a problem. Good Luck

[Mossy]

Hi just as a PS to my earlier post. The big natives have a reputation for being slugs. When they are fat they are, and use their native intelligence to not do an ounce more than they have too! However a fit large native is different ball game. I would not let my novice adult son ride Moss yesterday, due to a large fit pony having something to get out of his system, and no respect for the brakes whilst he was doing so! He was not dangerous in any way, just fit, full of it and needed to go. He did not break out of walk unless told he could but trot and canter were not an option!
I did not know he could go so fast!!!

[ali cat]

if you do go to the horsequest link above you're not allowed to buy rowan--the highland adult for sale on there---cos i want him:)
i'm hoping to buy in just a few weeks and am really keeping everything crossed that he's still available when i get the go ahead(just doing some refinancing to make the dosh available)

i've been in touch with the seller and he sounds like just what i need---and i have a home(grass livery) lined up-- a stable should be available too in about a week and i'm gonna give yard owner a retainer to hang on to it for me if poss

so i'll keep you posted

oh and perdita--since i hijacked your post here's my twopenn'orth---natives are wonderful but i think more for adults and experienced older children--not for novices--but hey--you must do what feels right for you and yours--you know yourself and your family best:)

[galadriel]

Oooh, ali cat, he's a cutie! Feathers feather feathers! I love the rich red, too.

[Mehitabel]

new forest! go on, you know you want to... the breed society site is www.newforestpony.com and they have a sale and wanted list. they're generally narrower than the real big boys, and mostly very good at taking care of little ones, as well as being a fun ride for an adult.

[Perdita]

Lol, Ali Cat, I promise I wouldn't dare go after Rowan! He does look cute though:) Lovely colour. I can't wait to hear how it goes.
And Es - I put the breed site on my favourites list on AOL. I'm easily persuaded and I only have to look at those beautiful pics of Petal all tarted up at a show to appreciate the New Forest breed:) We'll see....

[ali cat]

oh i love nefwies too---but i'm too fat for them:)

my neice(sp) toria used to have a beauty:) called true blue
and he had BAGS of personality and was so gorgeous

she was small adult and share with young cousin--blue adjusted his behaviour depending who was on board--i rode him a few times--he could jump too




as for me --dinna fash---as soon as i buy you all will be the first to know--you'll be SICK of me on here then #g#

[Gill]

Ali are you really going for him? He looks so gorgeous, I hope hes right for you! That is great news! Good luck.

[ali cat]

yep really really gill---BUT it'll be a couple of weeks before i get the money so it's just someone might beat me to it:)

the seller says she has an inerested buyer but she's not happy about the accommodation for rowan at this buyers home--only a turnout paddock and stabled most of the time--not good for a horse --'specially if used to the great outdoors

she likes the sound of the coastal livery yard i have described to her---but if she gets another buyer before i can do it then i have to understand he'll go

it's kismet i s'pose---whatevers meant is what will be:)

[galadriel]

Would you be able to put down a deposit for her to hold him for you? That way she can be sure you're serious and will come back with the rest of the money :)

[Cochise]

Just as a quick side question....does anyone know if we have any of these breeds in New Zealand?
All I mainly know of is shetlands and welshies.

[Mehitabel]

not sure offhand, but on the nf site there'sa panel down the right hand side about foresters associations abroad - if there's a sizeable nf community there will be a link to a website there - assuming it has a web presence of course!
there's definitely a few in australia, as we were asked to export one of our stallions to a stud over there, but we decided the journey would be too much for him.

[Lgd]

I would second the recommendation for a New Forest and add the suggestion of an Exmoor as you are not that tall. My vet breeds and rides Exmoors and she is about 5'7" and a good 9 stone in weight.

The bigger natives are not a child's ride, remember that they were bred to carry large pack loads and heavy farmers all week over hilly terrain and then drive the family to church on a Sunday, all on moorland scrub grass. There will be the odd quiet one who could be suitable, but in general they are much too strong. I'm familiar with the Fell breed and they are generally quite hot and not suitable for kids. My friend owns a Fell gelding bred at the stud where I rode for many years. He is very well schooled having competed at affiliated dressage at Medium level (in a snaffle) but he has to be hacked out in a Myler combination bit otherwise he is unstoppable and even in this he is difficult for an adult at times. She is not small either and weighs about 10½ stone. He is not unusual for his breed other than the high level he has reached in dressage.

I would probably add the Welsh Sec Ds into the avoid list as well, as they are much more suited to adult riders.

[HanGbbn]

Is the Rowan you mentioned called ROWAN OF GARRAMORE ?
Cos if he is i went on horsequest today and hes been sold!

Have u bought him?

Hannah

[ali cat]

aaaarrrghhh--not me unfortunately---i wondered why the lady didna write back to my email on sunday------oh bugger!!!

i'll go have a quick squizz at the advert--he wasna sold earlier today:(


still--i believe in fate --and if it's not meant ot be it won't be---''my'' horse mus be waiting just around the corner for me:)


i've got a few phone numbers to ring--and some are much more local to me than arisaig where rowan was---thats hundreds of miles away--thats why i never sent a deposit---cos one trip up to view would have been all i could arrangemebbe not even one --and i hadn't even seen the video the selle rwas willing to send me---she was upfront about having prior interested parties to deal with--she must have decided one of those would suit

awwww welll
back to the drawing board

[HanGbbn]

do u specifically want to buy a highland ?

Whats your price range?
I think i know a good pony! ( Maybe!)

[HanGbbn]

The above was to ali cat by the way

[HanGbbn]

If you saw the advert on the 'Family Friends' page there isn't a SOLD sign but on the 'highland s page there is!

Hannah

[ali cat]

hi hannah

it was on the highlands page i saw him--i jusr wrote to joyce asking her if he's been sold--and to keep me in mind if she finds any other that might be suitable----no reply as yet

i'd like a native --highland/dale/fell or any crosses with above
i need him to be a family horse--particularly to be good in traffic
i have a lovely home set up for him
my price range is £1500.00

the only prob is i won't have the money for another couple of weeks --last week in feb--so i canna commit till then
BUT thats the way it is --and i'm sure summat will work out---sooo if anyone happens across this type of pony'horse in the next few week bear me in mind please---thanks :)

[Perdita]

Nevermind Ali Cat - if he is sold I mean. It wasn't meant to be - but Mr or Miss perfect is just around the corner, and in a couple of weeks, when finances are sorted, you can snap him or her straight up:)

Lgd - Exmoors? really? I hadn't considered those. My very old breed books just briefly say....make very nice children's ponies!! I suppose I always think I'm too big:D Would Dartmoors also be suitable? Now I am really going to show how ignorant I am about native showing - do you show all native breeds in just one class, or do they do seperate breeds, like a class for new forests etc? And, main question, in the classes for the smaller natives, or wherever they are being shown, is it the children/teens on these, and adults on the bigger types? Or do adults show the smaller ones as well? Sorry for all the questions:D

[Mehitabel]

native showing depends upon how big the show is, and where you are in the country. normally, they're split into small breeds (shetland, exmoor, dartmoor, welsh a and b) and large breeds (nf, fell, dales, connemara, highland, welsh c and d) or sometimes into three groups. in my ares (hants/dorset) there are often separate classes for foresters, as they are very popular here, being in the new forest!
most of the rest of the country will often have separate welsh classes, as they are far and away the most commonly seen native. big county shows will often have separate classes for each breed, with an overall championship afterwards for all the winners.

dartmoors are often a fair bit finer than exmoors, but i don;t know enough about the breed to know if this is a good thing or not!

inhand, it's usually adults with all of them - you rarely see a child showing a native at the shows i go to. ridden can be a bit different, although i have a friend who is 5'8 who rides her welsh b in competition and does very well! nearly all of the serious forester showing scene is adults.

[Lgd]

Dartmoors ar a bit smaller and finer than Exmoors. If you are interested in looking at Exmoors or knowing a bit more about them PM me and I will ask my vet friend as she breeds them and is a breed approval inspector for the Exmoor society so she will know where to find a good one.

[Perdita]

Thanks for the information everyone. Breed books can be so misleading can't they? For all the large natives, all my books say that they make good rides for children. But nearly all of you, who actually have experience of these breeds, say that not many of them would - I'm glad I have you all to ask!!:)
Lgd - I have been looking at the exmoor pony society site, and they look lovely. I'd really like to learn more about them, but this isn't likely to happen for a year at the least. I don't know if your friend has any more info that I could look at to be getting on with. I'm going to look into all the possibilites - new forest, exmoor, welsh C so far..has anyone any advice about connemaras?!! I'm spoilt for choice:D

[Anne G]

Hi, I own a Dales mare. Bess stands 15'2 and is a perfect family horse. Myself and my son both ride her. She is 6 years old and apart from the occasional half rear (chickens are scarey and eat horses you know!) when we are leaving the yard and a tendancy to stand on my feet a lot shes a gem.

My husband has a 14'2 Highland Gelding ( 12 years old ) and hes 6'ft. He doesnt look small on him as the Highlands have that lovely hippopotomus build :) He does, however had a tendancy to be strong willed and is very fast. Prefers cantering to walk/trot and will fly into a gallop at the least provocation. He is safe to work around but very skittish. I dont know if this is common of this breed, but he is definately not, in my eyes, a childs or novice ride.

On the plus side Highlands being a hardy native breed can live out all year round, or so I thought. The minute it start to rain he's at the gate screaming to be let into his stable.

[Cheko]

I am an older lady, been riding over 40 years. The first horse I rode was a 15.2hh mare. In the early 70s Ibought I Tb x Hanovarian blck mare. She was beautiful and I did show jumping with her. However, circumstances eventually forced me to sell her to a friend and I went horseless for a few years......then I discovered Exmoor ponies. I bought one, (a rig) and became addicted. I am now on my 4th Exmoor, an 8 yo brown gelding, whom I've had from a foal. I ride at 8stone and he's 12.3hh so he's in no way too small. I'd recommend them to anyone. They tend to be strong willed, very independent but will try their heart out for ya!

[Janette]

My mum owned a part bred welsh (13.2), who she rode, being 5'2".Heather showed her in the show pony classes, at ages 9, 10. Heather also tried lead rein (with my mum on the other end), 8 and under showjumping, veterans and had a go at a Xcountry course, but Honey wasn't keen on getting her feet dirty. Mum bought honey at age 20, from a dispersal sale, to 'play' with, and As Heather got better at riding, Honey got fitter, and enjoyed playing with us. If you were to look at this size, you would be able to ride it, as well as your children. I hope you find something as brillilant as we did. When I researched her pedigree with the WPCS, We found out that she was really Ocean Honeydew, and her full brother had been 'Pony of the Year' umpteen years ago. She was of Downland breeding.
Best of luck.

[Kanuma]

have you considerd a conamara. my one is an angel and most conamaras are very gentle and trusting. my 6 year old cousin rides one as well. they can be bulky but they are general lighter than the other breeds except thee newforests. conamaras are ideal kids ponies and they are also up to carrying alot of weight

[kyanya]

I second Kanuma, Connies are lovely

But focussing on the Fell...

Has anyone actually mentioned the fell before now? Sorry, I haven't read the post in great depth

My experience with the breed is encouraging. I rode one regularly at a riding school. She was lovely, 13.2, so small children and light adults rode her frequently. She had her own personality (!) but she really was kind and willing. I won't ramble, but fells get my vote!

[Happychik]

Hi i have highlands and i think if you get the right one they make a great pony for kids.

Our local riding for the disabled group use a few highlands and fells in their line up and they are very safe.

I have a naughty one and one that is bombproof so you might have to shop around to get the right one and make sure it is a little older so that it has a bit of experience behind it they are very loving and kind ponies and will even last when the kids grow older as highlands don't look silly with an adult on them

Good Luck

[cvb]

I was at Blair Atholl 3DE last weekend and they had displays of shetlands, highlands and eriskays.

Eriskays are on the highest list of endangerment - only a dozen or so stallions and 100 odd mares. But they are small, all round beasties that have been bred to be sociable. (Take small adults with no problem, plus do RDA, ride and drive etc etc)

So you would be doing some good to take one on ! There is a breed society which has sales lists.

[Happychik]

I was up at Blair too but i only went to see the Highlands. I used to groom for a woman that bred Eriskays in Dumfries but she moved down south to be near her daughter and as far i know she stopped breeding. She had one of the largest collections in the country and i agree they are adorable little ponies with lovley temperaments.

The only thing i would say against them is they dont really make it over 13hh but if it is something small your after then they are nice natured and very pretty

[lucydtf1]

Whatever you do, do NOT get a Dales pony. My 14.1hh charlie was incredibly strong and definetely not a "1st pony" or "confidence giver" as he was described to me, this is the same as i've heard from other dales owners. I would suggest getting a 14hh-ish HW cob they are so gentle and placid and are definetely suitable for kids and adults. If you want something a bit more fancy then i would get a connemara which can turn their hooves to anything.
Good Luck

[Janette]

Er, lucydtf1, cobs are not always placid. We have a 14.2 cob, and she can be a real handful! Definately not a'first pony' or a 'novice ride'

Its the individual animal that should be assessed, and stereotypes can be harmful. Trekking centres use a lot of dales ponies because of their calm natures, but like any horse, they also have the individuals which have 'fire' in their belly.
You get calm acceping individuals in any breed, but you also get the more excitable ones as well.

[Kanuma]

connamara are brilliant childrens and adults ponies, they can be realy fun caracters and as mentioned above can turn a hoof to any thing. i have a conny but he is perfect with kids, my 8 year old cousin went to a show and her connamara came out of the box lame, she was so upset that i let her do the young handler with stan. it was so funny (have you ever seen a child that barely comes up to your waist, leading a big, heavy, coby, pony like stan and then telling him off when he stopped trotting) but he didnt put a foot wrong. my cousins connamara was an angel also she did advanced dressage before she was given to my cousin but my cousin learnt to ride on her (she loked like o mole hill on a mountain and her legs didnt come past the saddle flaps). good sensible connies are dreams for children to learn on and progress on as a connamara is naturally cautious and wont put its rider in danger. saying this dont go for the flashy showing ones as they tend to get strong when ridden in the showring (stan).

[kyanya]

Since no-one has said it, Perdita.M (starter of this thread) has bought Shamrock (from Arabmare), who is a Connemara X Arab. So the connys win! :D

[Kanuma]

yay!!!!!

[~Perdita.M~]

Lol! Didnt know this thread was still going!:eek: Yep, conn x arab is my new baby!:D

[Kanuma]

connies rule!!!!

[Mossy]

Connie's do rule most definitely - Miy "Connie" is a Welsh x TB and definitely rules the roost - or thinks she does. :D
Sorry Kanuma Connemaras are lovely ponies and I know exactly what you meant . Perdita's sounds a nice pony.

[HAYLEY GITTOES]

I have a 14.2 Fell x, pony who for me at my age of 18 is brilliant, i've competed at neally everythink on her, if anythink ever happened to her i would try my best to get another fell.

But there again I probably would agree that they are not a suitbable breed for children, as i know my Molly is very strong.

Hayley & molly

[LokiSofi]

I have owned many natives (got two welshies at the moment) Welsh ponies can be quite sharp though and need competent children (or adults) But I think your best bet would be a new forest they are very quiet and easy and they are not too wide for children but are strong enough to carry adults and they are reasonably cheap to buy as long as you don't pick a county winning olympia type haha. But they are really good ponies (who have their own shows such as the new forest show) and they are steady and easy to keep.

[shandy84]

Hiya, I definatly suggest that you look at the New Forest ponies. I am 5"6 and weigh eight and a half stone and they have never had a problem carrying me. I have recently bought a yearling filly and a month away from the forest and she is a sweetie. There are quite a few of them about and with the right experiences when they are younger grow into lovely family ponies. There are also quite a lot of NF crosses which if crossed with a gentle character are usually lovely. I would suggest as you have young children that you looked for a schoolmaster or calm pony which although costing more than your regular pny would be great for your children to learn properly on. Also my experience of NF is that generally they respond to the rider they seem to know when they have an inexperienced rider on tp and the nice ones look after them yet as you get more experienced as they are so robust they are able to do more and they make brill jumping ponies-personal experience!!! If not a nice welsh would be good for your family although they are slightly finer and less robust in general to the NF so may be outgrown quicker.

[nat17]

I really think that sweeping statements like " dont get a ...." are very un called for and small minded.
Alot of people have different experiances with different breeds and you have to remember that horses are individuals and behave differently with different people.

[tubby]

Yes it does sound a sweeping statement , but do remember that most of the larger natives are not intended as childrens ponies .These ponies were originally bred to carry heavy loads over long distances , often they are strong minded as well as physically strong & therefore are just too much for a child.

[nat17]

I agree Tubby but there are dales/fells/welshes etc out there that are child friendly. People can only say "my horses is a ....... and he/she would not be suitable for a child. Not dont get a ...... because mine is strong.

[tubby]

I must admit that you are correct there Nat17 ( being right is wrong you bad girl:D:D:D). The point is I suppose that people think that the larger natives are going to be ideal for a child because they are so popular in trekking centres & the like , while apart from temperment they are often so wide & strong that children often struggle to keep control . Whereas they all differ temperament wise & most horses are quiet when ridden for 4hrs per day.