Showtime for Teesdale's native breed

Highcroft Dream, TM picture

PERFECT dales ponies were on parade on Saturday at the annual spring show, held at Streatlam Farm, near Barnard Castle.
The event didn’t quite reach the heights of last year when numbers were swelled by the chance to win the top prize in the Dales Pony Society’s centenary year. But there was still a more than healthy entry, despite the chilly conditions on the showground.
The overall in-hand champion went to Highcroft Dream, a three-year-old exhibited by Lee Daley, of Spennymoor. Overall champion in the ridden section was Westwick Polly, an eight-year-old bred and exhibited by David and Alison Eccles, of Middleton-in-Teesdale.
Mrs Eccles said: “She’s been a prolific winner in-hand but is now doing well in the ridden section.”
Ian Graham, treasurer of the society, said: “We weren’t expecting quite as many as last year because that was an extraordinary year but it’s still good. It’s lovely to see everyone here today – they have come from all over the country.”
A high-profile programme of events was held in 2016 including a pony parade through the streets of Barnard Castle to celebrate Teesdale’s native breed.
Mr Graham said: “We were worried there might have been a drop in interest but we’ve not seen it this year.”
So much so, he said, that special classes organised for the centenary summer show, held last August, would be repeated at this year’s event.
“People have been asking for them. We’re trying to encourage more young handlers so we can get the next generation,” he added.

Westwick Polly (overall ridden champion) at the Dales Pony spring show. Photo taken by Kevin Owens, Digital Works.