Horse remains dating to Roman times were found in the Ribchester area of the Dales, during North Pennines Archaeology's excavations at land behind the Black Bull Inn in 2009.

Clydesdale, Norfolk Trotter, and Yorkshire Roadster blood was added to improve the trotting ability of the Dales.

[5]: 456  The bloodline of the Welsh Cob stallion Comet was also added during the 19th century to increase the size of the ponies, leaving a lasting resemblance between the two breeds.

[8]: 33  With their agility, power and speed, the Dales had great success in trotting races of the 18th century and were also used in organised hunts.

At the same time, a "Grading-Up Register" was developed, with the aim of identifying and breeding ponies with characteristics of the original Dales type.

[13] The US-based Livestock Conservancy lists the breed as "threatened", meaning that population numbers worldwide are sub-5,000 and annual US registrations are less than 1,000.

The legs are very muscular, with hard, dense bone, clearly defined tendons, flexible pasterns, and large round hooves with open heels.

A Dales Pony should move with a great deal of energy and power, lifting the hooves well clear of the ground.

Foals out of Dales mares and non-Dales stallions may not be registered, as the stud book wishes to promote breeding of purebred ponies to maintain the current population levels.

Foals that inherit the gene from both parents appear normal when born, but have a compromised immune system and anaemia, leading to untreatable infections and death within three months.

[17] The Dales Pony may compete in show jumping, cross-country, dressage, driving or three-day eventing.

It is well suited to endurance riding and pony-trekking, as they can carry novice or experienced riders, adults or children alike, over all kinds of terrain and for long distances.