We're going on an adventure...wanna come?
About
THE HERD
This very special herd have been a family, a gang, a group of friends for over ten years...They started as a three - Dolly, a Polish Warmblood - our alpha mare and two black fluffy Dales yearlings. Since then things have grown...and so did the ponies! We now have severn dales ponies, two fell ponies, a Welsh Section A, a Shire cross Clydesdale, a very cool minicob and of course Dolly - our founding horse.​
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A settled, confident, happy herd creates settled, confident, happy individuals who are willing to learn, be independent, yet perfect team players. It's an environment where trust thrives. I know I can do all the training in the world with a new pony, but the learning and the real progression only starts when they are integrated into the herd.
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They graze on very natural pastures, with rough grassland, which suits them perfectly. They have access to hedgerows, natural water sources and so many different herbs and berries. They are kept barefoot, which benefits both the ponies and the ground, they aren't rugged and develop the most amazing winter coats and enjoy very minimal grooming and they live out all year round, fed only natural forage when absolutely necessary. Nature has an amazing way of balancing given the opportunity and the right situation.
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I know the ponies are happy, you know when you just know? They give off a 'happy vibe' It rubs off on you if you stand amongst them.
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I am incredibly proud of the ponies, over the years we have enjoyed so much together and they have given so much to the people who ride them. So here they are, our herd They are not all ridden, but each one deserves an introduction as they are a family.
Lowhouses Matt
Matt is our head gelding and is part of the Herd Explore Team. Born in 2009 in County Durham. He has the respect of the whole herd. His favourite herd mate is his brother Dylan and the only other horse he gives space to is Dolly. Matt has a big fan club, he's a very confident and patient pony to ride, he gives his riders confidence and is worth his weight in gold tens times over. Humans and ponies look to him when they are worried and he never let's them down.
Lowhouses Dylan
Dylan, also born in 2009 is the most loving of ponies who just loves being fussed and groomed. He has a happy go lucky attitude and a big heart. Dylan joined us with his brother Matt when they had just turned one. If he could hang out on the sofa at home and watch movies all day with a pair of slippers he would. Dylan is retired from ridden work, but loves his life in the herd. and he is always available for a hug!
Lowhouses Gina
Gina is our sassy pocket rocket, she is smaller than the boys and as a mare has her own mind, however, she is incredibly safe and fun to ride. Gina was born in 2008 and came to us when she was 6. She loves nothing more than to be free in the water...just don't stand too close...and if you're riding her in the water take a snorkel! A beautiful, beautiful pony. Gina is part of The Herd Explore Team
Ned
What to say about Ned? He's The Herd's gentle giant. He's A shire x Clydesdale and was actually born less than 10 miles from where our Dales ponies were born. He's been with us since he was 2 so we don't really notice how big he really is. He is accepted by everyone in the Herd and can move groups whenever he feels like it, although he does love to hang with his grooming buddy Gayna and his best friend (whether he likes it or not) is Magnus. Ned is part of The Herd Explore Team as an honorary Dales!
Lowhouses Danny
Danny is owned by Hattie and he adores his young owner. We were lucky enough to have been gifted Danny in 2019 as his owner wanted him to live with his family. He is full brother to Matt (born in 2008) and shares the same Dad with Dylan and Gina. He is incredibly handsome and perfect for photoshoots - our very own pony pin up! Danny is part of The Herd Explore Team
Magnus
Here he is, our little rascal Magnus - the minicob with feathers of a shire horse! We rescued this gorgeous boy from a inner city housing estate where he'd been abandoned without his Mum at the age of 4 months in 2018. He is the most popular pony in the Herd - all the ponies accept him (even Matt) and he's always the first to say Hi to a newcomer. He will begin his ridden education slowly later this year and joins us in hand on many treks.
Florrie
Florrie is our beautiful Welsh Section A. She's a special little pony who we all adore. She walks out free with The Herd and loves it.
Lowhouses Gayna
Gayna is smaller than the other Dales pony, but she doesn't care! She's a bit of a tom boy and spends most of her time hanging with the boys. Gayna is owned by Natalie and they are very often on our adventures.
Dolly - Polish Warmblood
Dolly came into our lives in 2009. Due to a mechanical lameness she has lived most of her time with us as an unridden horse. Don't be misled into thinking she hasn't had a job though. She is perhaps our most valuable asset! She has nannied the babies and new-comers, looked after them when they enter the herd and as far as the herd is concerned she keeps them all safe. She is incredibly important to both them and me.
Peanut
Gorgeous Peanut is owned by Fiona, he came to live with the herd in spring 2022 as Fiona loves the way we keep our ponies. He settled in immediately and his a very chilled out, happy guy. As you can see he LOVES water! We love him! Peanut is part of The Herd Explore Ridden Team
Blossom
Beautiful Blossom joined the herd in October 2023. She is owned by Sarah who wanted her to come and enjoy herd life and some amazing adventures. Blossom will join the herd ridden team later in 2024.
Amber
Amber is Pearl's younger sister. She is owned by Natalie. She's enjoying life in the herd and learning all about just being a pony! She'll be three in 2024.
Pearl
Pearl is a Fell pony. She came to us in May with her younger sister Amber to be backed. Turns out Pearl loves it here and we love to so she stayed! Pearl will join the ridden team when we feel she is ready. Pearl's favourite past time is swimming!
This is Us
I'm Elissa, and this is my daughter Hattie, we are lucky enough to own this beautiful herd of ponies. We are honoured that they let us into their herd and we know how much joy they bring to so many people and in turn we can feel the joy that the ponies get out of our adventures. They are incredible creatures with the hugest hearts and souls.
We love being able to share this wonderful experience with others - it's too amazing not to share. Our aim is to promote the breed and increase awareness of this incredible and versatile breed, to give people the opportunity to see how wonderful they really are. Dales ponies are awesome!
