spot the differance!

[nat17]

What are the main differances conformation wise between the Dales and the Fell. Anyone know how to tell the differance! (Without papers to prove.)

[Esther.D]

I think this is the difference but other people may be able to be more specific -

a Dales has longer and cleaner legs (less feather) and is slightly taller (?not sure about taller?)

[nat17]

esther.d, have you seen the pictures of minnie?
Some one , quite knowledgable said she was a fells not dales!?
When i bought her she was a unregistered dales, and really i think she is. But i just wondered what the differances really are between them.
She does not have loads of feather though.!;)

[Esther.D]

I've seen Minnie's photos - I'll just go and have a look again - but from what I remember I would have said she was a Dales.

[Esther.D]

Oooh I've just looked at the breed standards for the Fell pony and am confused. According to that I was right that Dales are bigger but it says that Dales have more feather - I thought it was the other way around :confused: This is the breed description of a fell pony:

The Fell breed is distinctive and consistent in appearance, breeding uniformly true to type. Fells are large ponies, standing 13-14 hands (52-56") at the withers although the average is 13.2 hands. They are well muscled but not drafty, suitable for riding and driving. An important conformation feature is well laid back and sloping shoulders to give the comfortable riding action. The shoulders should not be too fine at the withers. The legs must be strong, with plenty of flat bone and the feet round with the characteristic blue horn, and there is feathering around the feet. Most Fells are solid black, though browns, bays and grays are occassionally seen. A small white star and small amounts of white on the hind legs below the fetlock is permissible. Heads are small with a straight profile. Manes and tails are profuse.

The photo is of a fell pony

[Esther.D]

This is the Dales pony:

Today's hardy Dales Pony stands up to 14.2 hands the colors being predominately black, brown, grey and bay. In the past they have been roan. White markings are only permitted, no higher than the fetlocks, on the hind legs. A white star or snip is also allowed. Any foals showing white markings anywhere other than these areas is downgraded to section B status. They are renown for the quality of their hard well-shaped feet and legs with beautiful dense flat bone. They are great movers with an action which is straight and true. Their powerful drive coming from the strength of their knees and hocks. These ponies have incredible endurance and an iron clad constitution, are very courageous and yet exhibit a calm, gentle and willing temperament, even the stallions.

The pony's head should be neat and pony-like and broad between bright alert eyes. The muzzle is relatively small with no coarseness around the jaw or throat and the ears must curve slightly in. The forelock and mane should be long and abundant, flowing over a muscular neck which should be set upon strong sloping shoulders. Withers should not be too fine. Stallions exhibit a proud boldness through a well-arched crest. The body should be short crouped, deep through the chest, with well-sprung ribs. Short well-developed forearms are set square into a broad chest, the quarters are lengthy and powerful with very muscular second thighs above clean, broad, flat hocks. The tail is well set, not too high with plenty of long straight hair touching the ground. The cannons should have on average 8" to 9" of flat bone with well-defined tendons. The pasterns should be of good length with very flexible joints. The hooves are large round and open at the heels with well-developed frogs, and hard enough to allow them to be ridden at walk and trot unshod on gravel roads, and with ample silky straight 'feather.'

and here is another photo:

[Esther.D]

and if you are not sick of this by now - here is a better photo of a Fell pony to compare. You call tell I am off work today:D

[Esther.D]

This really is 'spot the difference' now - those two ponies look almost identical:D I have taken the photos from the breed society web sites so the first one (showing not jumping) is definitely a Dales and the second definitely a Fell....

[nat17]

i can see why people get confused between them. All that info is so interesting esther, thanks. I think she is Dales. I saw the fell has this "blue horn" I dont think minnie has this! I wonder what it looks like! mmmm...i think i can proberly say she is what i think she is and what i bought her as, a dales pony. But that last picture of the fell has confused me again....

[Fraggle]

Here is a picture of my Dales Pony Ridgelane Sam. to give you an idea of the Dales breed. Dales & Fells were originally one breed on pony and the differences can be quite subtle.

He's a 6 year old Section A Dales Gelding.

If you want information on Dales ponies the best sites are:

The dales pony society and there is also a really great forum for Dales pony owners and fans of the breed at

www.dalesfans.org.uk

Your pony doesn't have to be registered and everyone is very friendly and helpful.(I've learnt loads! LOL)

I hope this helps. If you want any more information you're welcome to send me a PM.
:D

[Fraggle]

Hopefully here is a picture of Sam & I

[nat17]

I remember seeing the pictures of sam before as i thought he looked exactly like minnie even doen to the one white sock.
In case you havent seen her fraggle i shall copy the post of the piccies (any excuse lol) i shall check out that web site thanks.
http://www.newrider.com/forum/showthread.php?threadid=18045

[Fraggle]

Hi Nat17

I've just had a look at the thread with all the photos and she defintely looks like a Dales pony to me - she is absolutely gorgeous (and does look quite like Sam.)

If you want an expert opinion, I suggest that you post a picture to the dalesfans forum I told you about. There are some very well established Dalesy people on there and they'll tell you what she is. (My name is CarolineC on the Dalesfans site so don't forget to say hello!). I think a couple of people who chat on there are actually from the Dales pony society.

Whatever she is, she looks lovely!

Where are you based Nat17?

[nat17]

Thanks for the nice words about her.;)
I will go on the website you told me about, so see you there .I will try and sneak on later.
I am based in Sheffield, South Yorks.:D