Donna arrived at YDTC in February. Her previous owner had a young family and struggled to find time to give Donna the exercise and attention she needed. She is a lovely dappled grey Dales with a very showy leg action, which makes her a wonderful ride for experienced riders. She has a lovely kind nature and because of this we decided to put her in foal. Dales ponies are a rare breed and numbers are dwindling so we want to help preserve and encourage the continuance of this wonderful breed. We took Donna to visit Dartdale Shamrock, another grey stallion and she is now in foal, the new arrival due in May. Donna's pedigree goes back to Grey Bobbie, a very influential grey stallion who has made a big contribution to Dales pony breeding, so we are keeping our fingers crossed that Donna's foal will continue this special line and be a grey.

Donna has been on many of the treks and trails in her first year at YDTC and is a favourite among the staff. However, as the foal will be kept with Donna for the best part of a year, customers will have to be patient to get to ride her. Donna's foal will be a half sister to Storm Cat and we're looking forward to watching the two of them grow up, as we always find that youngsters growing up together form very close bonds.