Raycroft Stud

13/07/2026

Finally the time has come to put our long awaited arena surface in! Watch this space.

My Dad would have loved this. Two posi-tracks, tip truck, roller and a harley rake...plus 500tonnes of materials.

29/06/2026

Two friends and a long walk...Sharing space with a Dales Pony is a special moment in time.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1bZBBTQMs2/

A man has completed a three-week trek visiting Dorset’s hill forts, accompanied by his faithful Dales pony, who he led in hand for the entire adventure.

Roger Sewill and Scarlet took on the challenge from 14 April to 5 May, encountering everything from unpredictable weather and kit malfunctions, to blocked paths and bogs.

Find out more about his adventure via link in comments.

19/06/2026

Today's Auction was very encouraging but unfortunately bidding didn't meet the reserve.

I can assure you that the reserve was well below his break even point, and Im humbled to see healthy bids, so thank you to those who took an interest in him.

Once you own a Dales Pony you will tell me he's worth his weight in gold.

So of cause the lovely Elliatt gets to stay at Raycroft for a wee bit longer, where we will continue to educate him and watch him grow.

He is available for viewing and/or video calls to any serious enquiries.

18/06/2026

TODAY IS THE DAY!!

PUREBRED DALES PONY - GELDING - TO MAKE 14.2hh

Elliatt is up for AUCTION with an eye-watering reserve. Someone is going to be very lucky to take this boy home, so don't miss your chance to secure this fabulous pony!

BIDDING CLOSES 4:00PM - BID NOW!

https://andrewwilsonandco.hibid.com/lot/307135310/-nsw--raycroft-elliatt-dales-pony-gelding?ref=catalog

17/06/2026

🐴 Did you know? Every pony bred at Raycroft Stud comes with a registered Equine Passport.

We believe paperwork matters. Passports stays with the pony for life, recording its pedigree, identification, health records, vaccinations and ownership history, creating a valuable record for both owners and veterinarians.

You wouldn't buy a car without its service history... so why buy a horse without one?

Although Australia doesn't have a national equine passport system, we're proud to continue this practice to preserve the Dales Pony breed and provide complete transparency for every new owner.

📸 Swipe through the photos to see what's inside a Dales Pony passport.

📖 Documents matter. Heritage matters. Transparency matters.

Would you like to see an official equine passport system adopted across Australia? Tell us what you think! 👇

12/06/2026

Well, with a heavy heart, the time has come to part with this gorgeous boy! Raycroft Elliatt will be available in the next Andrew Wilson & Co Online Horse Auction on 18th-19th June.

Watch this space for updates. Someone is going to be very lucky to have this fabulous pony!

For more details or to enquire about our other Dales Ponies, please send us a message.

02/05/2026

Historically used in farming and forestry, Dales Ponies are built for work. Their strength, endurance, and sure-footedness made them invaluable for hauling and navigating rough terrain.

Today, these qualities remain relevant in sustainable land management, conservation grazing, and eco-tourism. Their ability to work with a light environmental impact makes them a practical choice for modern, sustainable practices in Australia.

Pic 1
Pony:
Owner: Charlie Parker

28/04/2026

Australian riders often look for one horse that can do many jobs, and that’s exactly where the Dales Pony shines.

Bred for tough terrain and long working days in northern England, these ponies bring traits that translate beautifully to conditions here in Australia.

✔ Built for Distance and Tough Ground
Dales Ponies developed on steep, rocky fells, travelling long miles carrying heavy loads. That natural stamina and sure-footedness make them ideal for trail riding, farm use, and endurance-style adventures.

✔ Strong Enough for Adults, Kind Enough for Families
One of their biggest advantages is versatility. They comfortably carry adult riders while remaining steady and sensible for teenagers and supervised younger riders, making them genuine family ponies.

✔ Heat, Feed & Management Efficiency
While they originated in cooler climates, Dales Ponies are known for their hardy constitution and efficient metabolism. They have adapted well to Australian conditions and thrive as low-maintenance partners compared with larger horses.

✔ Ideal for Multiple Disciplines
In Australia, riders often want one mount for many activities. Dales Ponies are suited to:
• Trail riding
• Pleasure and competitive driving
• Pony Club activities
• Dressage at grassroots levels
• Family riding and farm life

✔ Temperament that Builds Confidence
Perhaps their greatest strength is their outlook. Dales Ponies are intelligent, loyal, and practical thinkers. They tend to bond strongly with their people and are known for being dependable partners rather than reactive mounts.
For Australian riders wanting a safe, capable, and historically rich breed that can genuinely do a bit of everything, the Dales Pony offers a rare combination of strength, sense, and heart.

24/04/2026

One of the joys of discovering the Dales Pony is realising that this traditional British breed comes dressed in a small but striking palette of colours, each tied to its history and heritage.

🖤 Black
Most Dales Ponies are black, and it’s easy to see why this colour dominates both the breed and the show ring. Judges often admire the depth, shine, and traditional look of a well-conditioned black coat, as it reflects the powerful, workman-like ponies that shaped the breed. Black has long been the most common colour in the breed population, making it strongly associated with traditional type.

🤎 Bay & Grey
Alongside black, the recognised colours include bay and grey, both part of the official breed standard. These colours reflect the native pony heritage and centuries of practical breeding for working ability rather than fashion.

🩶 Roan
Roan Dales Ponies are something truly special.
A roan coat is created when white hairs mix through the body while the head, mane, tail and legs stay darker. This effect comes from a dominant genetic trait, meaning the colour can be passed from just one parent carrying the gene.
Within the breed, two forms of roan are most recognised: Bay Roan and Blue Roan.

Roan has historically been rare in the Dales Pony population, making these ponies particularly eye-catching. Dedicated breeders have played an important role in keeping this colour alive.
The renowned Roandale Stud is especially known for producing and preserving roan Dales Ponies, with their breeding programme recognised for maintaining these rare and beautiful colour lines within the breed.

Their careful, selective breeding has helped ensure that newcomers today still have the chance to see this shimmering colour in the Dales Pony population.

What's your favourite colour?

23/04/2026

This question gets asked a lot, and rightfully so. Although Dales Ponies are the largest of the British M&M class, standing at 14-14.2hh, they are well-suited to families due to their calm and gentle temperament.

They are strong enough for adults yet patient with younger riders, making them a versatile choice for shared use. Their adaptability allows them to grow with a rider’s skills, from beginner to more advanced levels.

They encourage confidence, responsibility, and connection, making them a valuable addition to any family.