Fell ponies are a hardy and intelligent breed of pony originating from the English/Scottish Borders region. Standing at 14 hands or less, they are compact but strong animals that are prized for their good temperament and stamina. The interior or character of Fell Ponies is one of loyalty and dependability – they make wonderful companions due to their inquisitive nature and willingness to learn new things.
Fell Ponys are one of the traditional Mountain and Moorland breeds of Britain. When the Fell Pony Society formed in 1916, its aim was "to keep pure the old breed of pony that has roamed the northern hills for years". Like many British native ponies, their origins are obscure, and various theories have developed about their ancestry. One theory suggested that they may have been the descendants of local horses that were bred with stallions belonging to the auxiliary cavalry units along Hadrian’s Wall, based on superficial similarities between modern Fells and Friesians. This is now discredited. The name alone suggests a connection to Norse settlers, since “fell” is a Norse word for a high moorland area or mountain. This is where the ponies are at home, living semi-feral lives on the fells of Cumbria in north-west England. They were not always called Fells though. Like their cousins the Dales ponies, who live across the Pennines in the Yorkshire and Durham dales, they were often called “Galloways” after a famous breed of fast, small horses from over the border in Scotland. The Galloway is believed to have been one of the main ancestors of both breeds and people in the north of England still use this term today to describe their beloved ponies. Fell ponies have always been bred to be good all-rounders, hardy, strong and easy to keep. Some were also used in ridden trotting races at local shows. Until the nineteenth century, literally thousands of them worked as pack ponies, carrying all kinds of goods throughout the north of England and beyond. These were called “jagger galloways”, after an old word for a carrier.
Fell Ponys have a world-wide following. The many fans of Fell ponies maintain that there’s nothing a Fell can’t do. They are truly versatile ponies, who can jump and do dressage, and they make excellent driving ponies. They are also one of Queen Elizabeth II’s favourite breeds. There are many photographs of her riding out on Fell pony Carltonlima Emma.
Fell ponies settle very well into family life, being strong enough to carry most adults and children. Their intelligence and good sense are other reasons that people buy a Fell pony for the whole family. There is an upper height limit of 14 hands (56 inches/142 cm), and the breed average is 13.2 hands (54 inches/137 cm). Though not the largest of the native British ponies, Fells are very strong, having been ridden by hill farmers while carrying bales of hay to their sheep in winter. Black is now the main colour listed when people sell a Fell pony, though Fells can also be brown, bay or grey. Many believe that Fells are “hairy” ponies with lots of feather and mane, but this is only true of some. Others are finer, without masses of hair.
Fell ponies are a hardy and intelligent breed that originates from the English/Scottish Borders region. Standing at 14 hands or less, they are compact but strong animals that make wonderful companions due to their inquisitive nature and willingness to learn new things. Fell ponies possess an even temperament, making them reliable and trustworthy animals that love spending time with their human handlers. They are known for being very cooperative and eager to please, coupled with an adventurous spirit that makes them ideal mounts for activities. These ponies also possess powerful physical characteristics such as muscular bodies, deep chests and short yet powerful legs. Fell ponies have a reputation for being strong-willed yet gentle, this combination of traits allows them to be highly trainable while still maintaining some independence of will. This is often why these animals are so sought after by owners who wish to have a close relationship with their mount! Furthermore, these ponies have become increasingly popular amongst more experienced riders due to their great stamina and ability to stay calm under pressure in the ring or on the trail. Overall, Fell ponies are noble creatures possessing a unique blend of interior traits that make them highly valued equine companions - offering loyalty, dependability and intelligence all in one package!
Fell ponies are a hardy and compact breed that originates from the English/Scottish Borders region. Standing at 14 hands or less, they are strong animals known for their good temperament and stamina. The exterior or appearance of Fell Ponies is one of beauty and grace; they come in many different color variations such as black, bay, chestnut and dun, while their coats may have a light or dark shade depending on the individual animal. These ponies also have a long flowing mane that cascades down either side of their necks and a lush tail to match. Aside from their eye-catching coat colors, Fell ponies boast muscular bodies with deep chests and short yet powerful legs – allowing them to tackle difficult terrain as well as compete in various forms of equestrian sports such as show jumping or dressage. Furthermore, these horses are quite surefooted, making them wonderful mounts for anyone who wishes to explore off the beaten path! In terms of health, Fell ponies have an impressive resistance to common ailmentsfound in other horse breeds due in part to their thick winter coats which protects them from the elements. This coupled with their hardiness makes them ideal companions for rough terrains and cold climates. Overall, the exterior appearance of Fell ponies is stunning – possessing a unique blend of beauty and strength that has been admired for centuries! They are sure to capture the attention of anyone lucky enough to lay eyes on them!
Fell ponies have a long and storied history that dates back to the 17th century in the English/Scottish Borders region. It is believed that these beautiful, sturdy animals were bred primarily for agricultural labor, with some even being used as pack horses during wartimes. As technology advanced and mechanization became more common, the use of Fell ponies decreased and fewer of them remained in their native lands. In 1922, a group of horse enthusiasts formed an organization called The Fell Pony Society with the goal of preserving this breed and its unique characteristics. Since then, Fell ponies have seen a resurgence in popularity due to their gentle temperament, strong work ethic and hardiness – making them ideal companions for many different activities such as trail riding, show jumping or endurance racing. Today, Fell ponies are especially popular amongst first-time equestrian owners due to their calm personalities and willingness to learn new tasks quickly. These animals are also known for their intelligence and good nature - often taking on the traits of the people who own them! While they may be smaller than other breeds, they make up for it in heart; these beautiful creatures possess great stamina while still staying calm under pressure, which is why so many riders trust them with difficult terrain or high speeds. Overall, Fell pony’s rich history has shaped them into one of the most attractive equine breeds today – offering dependability and intelligence all in one package!