What is a Fell Pony?

Fell ponies are native to the North of England, and are mostly found in Cumbria, in the old counties of Cumberland and Westmorland, where probably they roamed from pre-historic times. 

By the Iron Age, equines were in relatively common use throughout Britain and averaged 12.1hh in height; they resembled the modern Exmoor breed in terms of overall build.

By the later part of the Roman occupation, somewhat later than the improvements in other domestic species, the average height of British ponies had increased to around 13hh.

The Vikings used ponies to plow and pull sledges as well as for riding and pack work. The animals in use were kept handy in the villages, and the breeding stock lived out on the fell.

From the 11th and 12th centuries ponies were being used for longer distance pack work carrying loads of fleeces, woolen goods, foodstuff such as cheeses, meat, fish and preserves, and local metal ores. They were used for shepherding and to hunt wolves that might attack the flocks on the sheep walks.

By the 13th century there was a brisk trade in wool to Belgium, and ponies or "capuls" were used to transport merchandise all around the country. The Fell type would have been particularly good for this purpose, being strong, a fast and steady walker and small enough to be easily loaded.

 Pack trains were well organized and made regular journeys. For instance, in the winter of 1492-93, 11 Kendal traders made a total of 14 journeys to Southampton with pack horses carrying loads of cloth. From the end of the Middle Ages to the 18th century, pack-horses continued to transport imported goods.

Fell Ponies, known locally as 'galloways', were also used for the Cumberland sport of trotting races. Modern Fell ponies are renowned for their ground covering trot.

As industry developed, ponies were needed to transport copper, iron and lead ores from mines in the north-west of England to the smelting works. They also carried iron and lead long distances across country to Newcastle, returning with coal. Fell ponies were used by big Northeastern collieries such as Ashington until well into the 20th century. They were used underground, where the mine's seam height allowed, and above ground for moving machinery and also hauling dairy produce to town from the colliery farms overlying the pits.

When canals and railways became the main means of transport, pack-pony trains and pony-based postal services remained a lifeline for remote communities. 

In The Westmorland Gazette in 1853, a report about Dent Horse Fair referred to "fell ponies" (with a small "f") being sold. In 1856 Ireby District Agricultural Show held a show class for "the best Brood Pony direct from the fell", and there were 9 entries for the 15 shilling prize. 

In 1861 a show class was held for "the best fell pony of any age" at Orton Agricultural Exhibition.

A special prize was offered at Dufton Show in 1885 for any "fell-gone" pony with foal at foot (i.e., to have lived on the fell and borne and reared a foal there).

Prizes for various classes of Fell ponies were offered at Hesket New Market for the first time in 1890.

Pony breeders had begun to record pedigrees in the second half of the 19th century, and the first Fell ponies were registered in the Polo and Riding Pony Stud Book in 1898.

In 1922 the Fell Pony Society was set up in its present form, not to "improve" but to "keep pure the old breed of pony" in the face of cross breeding to produce farm horses and showy road animals such as the Wilson pony.

Bay and brown ponies were very common at that time. It was not until the second half of the 20th century that black became the predominant colour, followed by brown, bay, and grey.

White markings, in the form of stars and small amounts of white on the hind pasterns, have remained fairly constant over the decades. More than half the breed population has no white markings.

The affluent 1950's saw the rising popularity of riding for pleasure, a pursuit that has guaranteed the future of many native breeds.

The number of ponies being registered with the Fell Pony Society has risen steadily, with foal registrations annually exceeding 400 in the first decade of the 21st century.

The Fell is an ideal all-round family pony suitable for both adults and children.

As a hack and general riding pony, the Fell's fast walk and easy paces make it a pleasant and comfortable ride, and its sure footedness ensures a safe passage over the roughest country.

The Riding for the Disabled movement employs a number as mounts.

It is possible to ride a Fell pony through places where other lighter bred ponies would come to grief and Fells seem to have a sixth sense which alerts them to possible danger. They appear to know which is the soundest track through soft marshy ground or the safest descent of a rocky hillside.

To test these qualities the Fell Pony Society holds an annual performance trial where the course comprises a varied range of difficult terrain including steep and twisting hills, boggy ground, a water crossing and several natural hazards such as fallen logs and the like.

Fell Ponies are generally creditable jumpers, particularly across country, being both agile and clever on their feet. Their abilities are well up to working hunter pony competitions and Pony Club events.

The rediscovery of Driving as a recreational sport has given the Fell pony the means of continuing in a job which it has traditionally done for centuries. They are well suited to this work, having great stamina and soundness. The fact that the Fell Ponies breed very true to type makes it easy to find matched pairs.

Fells take part in endurance riding and Cumbrian trotting races. They perform light forestry and farm work such as shepherding, and carry tourists on pony treks. They transport equipment to help repair walking routes. A few Fell Ponies are still used in Scotland carrying the stags and grouse panniers down from the moors.

Some of HM The Queen's ponies are sometimes used for this purpose at Balmoral while others are used for both riding and driving by the Royal Family.

In the 21st C Fells have become popular and successful in dressage and Trec competitions. Large numbers of Fell Ponies are used in riding and trekking stables throughout the country because of their steady temperaments and useful size. 

All these attributes make the Fell pony an all round versatile family pony.