The Harness Cupboard.

Dalemain's use of Fell ponies.

At Dalemain, ponies have been used for all purposes, from shepherding to private driving, hunting and pleasure riding. Whether they were carrying out light jobs on the estate and on the farms, snigging timber out of the woodlands, carrying red deer shot in Martindale Forest, or sledging them down the lower slopes, these tough ponies were always at hand.

The harness cupboard contains sets of high quality brown harness for driving 2 wheeled varnished country vehicles, fine bridles with decorated blinkers for use in town, and some unusual items.....

Lawn boots.

You didn't know ponies wore boots? These were strapped on to prevent the pony's hoofs damaging the grass as he pulled the lawn mower.

Safety Stirrup.

This stirrup comes from a lady's side saddle and is designed to swivel if by chance she fell from her mount. The lower arch swings back towards her foot and the tread swings down, releasing her. The leather covering on the top arch saves wear on her boot instep during normal use. This pattern of safety stirrup is similar to that used by Cope, the sidesaddle makers.

Unusual stirrups.

These two small stirrups are referred to as "toe stirrups". They are probably older than the sidesaddle stirrup above. It would be interesting to know what kind of saddle they came from; a sidesaddle? possibly a pillion pad? If you know, please share your knowledge with us . One reader says (June 2005): "about the slipper stirrup, it is indeed older than the safety stirrup. In Europe these were used on a side saddle till 1850 when they started to use the safety stirrup. Apparently they used them longer in the States. "

Legacy of shows past.

Dalemain ponies were regularly successful in the show ring and the rosette case has evidence of their wins.