In the United Kingdom, the Dales Pony is known as the "Great All-Rounder" which perfectly describes the breed's ability to perform in a wide range of equestrian disciplines. Dales Ponies partake in dressage, show-jumping, working-hunter pony, inhand and ridden showing, cross-country, one day eventing, TREC, hunting, Western, endurance and long-distance pleasure rides.
Most are intelligent, courageous and easy to train. They have tremendous stamina when fit, and are generally blessed with a willingness to please their owner.
Thanks to their large size and depth of girth, the majority of Dales are ridden by ADULTS. Despite the "pony" nomenclature, it is better to consider the Dales as a "small horse". They will happily carry a rider and tack weighing up to 16 stones (100 KGs).
Most would be considered too strong for a child to ride, although a respectful and well-schooled Dales could be handled and ridden by a competent child or teenager, thus making them an excellent all-round family pony capable of tackling any discipline.
Dales are renowned for their excellent conformation and active, highly-elevated trot, which makes them a superb animal for DRIVING. The limited number of colours permitted in the breed, ensures that it is easy to obtain a matched pair or team of ponies, guaranteed to catch the eye and take them to the top in any driven discipline.
Other Dales are used in riding schools, trekking centres, Riding for the Disabled, commercial carriage driving, theatrical displays and historical re-enactment. A small number still plough, cart, roll and harrow on traditional small farms or work in commercial forestry extraction, particularly in sensitive conservation areas.
In the UK it is said that "owning ONE Dales, frequently leads to owning ANOTHER".
Newcomers to the breed are often astounded by the capabilities of these talented horses, and vow to never return to owning any other breed or type of horse!