Show trophy for rare breed goes full circle

A TROPHY awarded in memory of a top dales pony breeder has come full circle by going to a Teesdale horse bred from the bloodline he maintained. 

The family of Ernest Blockley, a regular winner at the Dale Pony Society’s annual shows, decided last year to dedicate a trophy for the top brood mare at the Great North Yorkshire Show.

This year, it was won by Middleton-in-Teesdale breeder David Eccles and his daughter, Rachael Cook, with their pony Westwick Heather. Westwick Heather was born from the bloodline of Hodgson Lane Prince II, which they bought from the late Mr Blockley.

It is only the second time the trophy has been awarded.

Mr Eccles said: “That is what we are aiming for. I

didn’t know last year, so we didn’t take a brood mare.”

The Eccles family had considerable success at the annual show taking first and third places in the yearling category with Westwick Mary Lou and Westwick Hannah; second in the mare or gelding section with Westwick Mille; and second and third in

the foal division with Westwick Fashion and Westwick Hamish.

The took enjoyed first and third position in the brood mare category with Westwick Heather and Westwick Hamish and Westwick Fashion and Westwick Alfie respectively.

Westwick Heather went on to be reserve champion dales pony.

It is significant that Mr Blockley’s family decided to sponsor the trophy for the brood mare because dales ponies are becoming increasingly rare and are listed as endangered.

The problem is compounded by mechanisation as most upper dale farmers have long since exchanged their hardy ponies for tractors and quad bikes, leaving a critical shortage of horses for breeding.

Mr Eccles said: “We are always looking for blood but we can’t find any we want.”

He added that only about 70 dales pony foals are born each year.

However, there is hope for the future of the breed, with Mr Eccles finding an increasing market for his ponies in Germany.

He said the breed is favoured because of their hardiness and low maintenance.

The animals are happy to live outdoors and upkeep is cheaper than other breeds.

Mr Eccles’ wife, Alison, said: “Generally they don’t ail much.”

For more information about the breed visit west

wickdalesponies.co.uk.