There are no inhand classes for Dales Ponies in France, but my friend Isabelle Thibault works hard to help promote the breed. In March 2013 she took her two black Dales Ponies to a display of working horses in eastern France.
It was the first ever outing for her 21 month old colt Baron de Kingmaker (Thornville Pride x Akehurst Heather's Lass) who Isabelle has nick-named Willson.
Fortunately, Willson behaved impeccably. I think he took one look at the size of the Comtois stallions and decided he better forget about any "Young Princeling" antics
This is Isabelle with her 11 year old Dales mare O'Connor, bred by Dominique Guillet, the President of the French Association. O'Connor is by the late stallion Gretaside Prince, out of Concoret Louise. She is a superb driving mare and competes at high level in France.
Baron (on the right) is wearing a traditional white french show bridle :
During the day, the horses are tied-up along a Presentation Wall where they can be viewed by the public. Stallions, mares and youngstock are all tied-up together with very few squabbles. Spot the small Dales bums amongst the impressive array of huge Breton backsides!
Max presenting Willson :
Isabelle has kept Willson entire and hopes to register him as an approved stallion in Spring 2014. He will also be broken to drive, with the aim of competing in driving trials as a single and pair with O'Connor.
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