Breed and History

The Fell Pony

The Fell Pony is a rare breed. There about 1500 Fell Ponies in England, of which about 300 still roam the fells (hills of Cumbria) as their ancestors did for hundreds of years. There are about 350 Fell ponies in Holland of which the first were imported in 1993 (the Dutch Society was raised in 1995 and recognised since 1997), about 200 in Germany, 50 in the United States and about 35 in Switzerland. It's difficult for interested buyers to find a good pony.

The Fell Pony is well known for its friendly and calm, biddable nature, robustness, versatility and it's responding to affection from humans. They are suitable as leisure horse for the whole family and can compete in every discipline of sport, although they might be too strong for little/inexperienced riders. Despite their imperturbable character, they've boundless energy and a great, cheerful character. Despite of their small size they are impressive to see and strong enough to carry a not to big/heavy adult. They should be as hard as iron, the unmistakable hardiness peculiar to mountain and Moorland ponies where they are part of as one of the 9 breeds. The other eight are: Dales, Exmoor, Dartmoor, Highland, Shetland, Connemara, New Forest, Welsh ponies and Cobs. To keep this status the ancestors must have lived on mountain, moor or common for the last three generations in semi-feral conditions. It is this definition that requires private breeders to go back every so often to source whether for females to bring into their lines or for colts. This also guarantees the preservation of the typical characteristics of this pony for the future.

Living in the semi-feral herd/half wild does not mean living without supervision of the owners or without rules, supplementary feeding etc. The farmers have grazing rights of an amount of animals (cows, sheep, ponies etc.) and are bounded to many rules, whereby the welfare of the animals is prominent. In the winter time the foals are weaned and mostly kept at the farm and/or in the stable. The stallions dare not run on most of the open fells, but are kept in the in by fields around the farm where they cover the mares in the herd in the spring and/or in hand. Ill, weak or wounded animals must be stabled, cannot and may not run on the Fells. Every year most of the foals and elder ponies are sold at the yearly traditional Auction. The ponies may be handled, or not, but not wild.

Fell Pony's gain weight very soon on too much lush grass, with all the problems and dangers coming with it. It can lead to "fever in the feet", laminitus and a decrease of fertility. It's very difficult to get off and it is essential to have controlled grazing and a well-thought-out short feed and hay programme.

Fell Pony's can be kept robust if one provides them enough pasture, a dry shelter, enough fresh and clean drinking water, minerals in the form of saltblocks and some hay and supplementary food (depending on the amount of work etc.). Regular hoof care, worming, yearly vaccinations and sufficient exercise, work and variety, contribute to a long and healthy life. One can't "throw" them in a field and let them languish till someone finds the time and feels like it.

The Fell Ponies are quite strong compared with their size and need to be coached positively especially during their first training. It's important they learn to like it and not resist. The English say: "Don't put your will against the pony, it will always win." You need patience and perseverance to encourage a Fell to enjoy the schooling necessary to make it an obedient and enjoyable ride. Show it how much better it is to do things your way and you will have little trouble; one the pony starts to enjoy the work you will find it most willing. Don't pamper them too much, treat them consequent, quiet and honest and they will be friends for a lifetime, going through the fire for you if they have to.

Take care they have company in their pasture, if not a Fell Pony at least a shetland pony or something, as more as a native horse they need the social contact with the same kind or they will get disturbed in their behaviour and work off their feelings towards humans. Keep in mind the time, possibilities and experience you have when buying a pony. Normally an about 6-12 year old pony suits best (they are relatively late matured) who's handled often, ridden and/or driven, used to traffic, easy to catch, brush, trim and for all not bites, kicks or who's too afraid, restless or spoiled in whatever way. Of course this affects the price and won't be easy to find, but it's really worth it as is the safety of you and your family. A gelding is normally most practical, because he isn't bothered with fluctuations of hormones, pregnancy's etc. and is usable the whole year.

The most seen colour is black, but jet-black doesn't officially exist with Fell Ponies. When breeding it's very important for the future not just to select on colour and possible white marks as one would narrow the gene-pole too much and it would be a loss of the breed as it was. It's most important to stick to the criteria as set by the Fell Pony Society and to look for the quality of the pony before looking at the colour. Good quality ponies, browns, blacks, blacks with small white marks, bays and grays and for all to promote and use them in a positive way.

It's a pony for enthusiasts, who value the pony for what it is.

Because: FELL PONY'S ARE REALLY WONDERFUL!

Sabine

http://www.raresteeds.com/fellponysociety	The Fell Pony Society
http://www.nfps.nl	The Dutch (daughter) society