Fell pony

Overview

The Fell pony is native to the north of England, and to Cumbria and the Lake District fells in particular. Its breed standard asks for ponies that are "constitutionally as hard as iron", with the hardiness of mountain ponies and a lively, alert look. Most are black, with a long mane and tail, fine feather at the heels, and the breed's characteristic blue horn on the feet.

History

Ponies have lived in the north of England since prehistoric times. From the 1100s Fells worked as pack ponies, in the wool trade and carrying lead from the mines. They were also used for hill farming and trotting races. Ponies were first registered in 1898, and the Fell Pony Society was formed in 1922 to "keep pure the old breed". As machines took over farm and transport work in the 20th century, the breed's working role declined.

Breed standard

• Height: not exceeding 14 hh (142.2 cm).
• Colours: black, brown, bay and grey. Chestnuts, piebalds and skewbalds are registered in a separate section (Section X).
• White markings: a star or white above the lower eye level, white below the nostrils, and any white on the hind leg or hoof are acceptable.
• Head: small and well chiselled, well set on, with a broad forehead tapering to the nose.
• Neck: of proportionate length, giving a good length of rein; strong but not too heavy, with a moderate crest in stallions.
• Body: a good strong back, muscular loins, a deep carcase, thick through the heart, and round-ribbed from shoulders to flank.
• Legs and feet: plenty of good flat bone below the knee; feet of good size, round and well formed, open at the heels, with the characteristic blue horn.
• Hair: plenty of fine hair at the heels (coarse hair is objectionable); mane and tail left to grow long.
• Action: a smart, true walk, and a well-balanced trot with good knee and hock action.

Temperament and uses

The Fell has a reputation for endurance and stamina. It is sure-footed, with a dense mane and tail and a thick winter coat for hard weather. The breed society calls it an ideal all-round family pony for adults and children. Its fast walk and easy paces make it a comfortable hack, and its sure-footedness makes it safe over the roughest country. With the growth of driving as a sport, Fells have gone back to work they did for centuries. They also take part in endurance riding and Cumbrian trotting races, carry tourists on pony treks, do light forestry and farm work such as shepherding, and help transport equipment for repairing walking paths. Many work in riding and trekking stables.

Health and management

Native ponies evolved to live on sparse grazing. Research at the Royal Veterinary College notes that ponies tend to be more insulin resistant than horses, which makes them more prone to equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). This trait is genetic, probably an adaptation to harsh environments, and on richer grazing it leads to obesity, EMS and a higher risk of laminitis. World Horse Welfare names obesity as the biggest risk factor for EMS, and says insulin testing is a valuable way to assess the risk of laminitis and EMS in native breeds. Keep an eye on weight and body condition, and ask your vet about testing.

Conservation

The Rare Breeds Survival Trust lists the Fell pony as At Risk on its Watchlist.