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A Fell Pony is a versatile and small pony, which originates from the northern part of England. And although the pony is extremely charming, this hardy pony can do much more than just look cute with its huge hair splendor and winning temper. It can quickly become the whole family's pony and best friend.
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The lively cold-blooded pony originates from Westmoreland and Cumberland in the northern part of England. And is particularly well-suited for long walks in hilly terrain that characterize this area. Fell is the Nordic name for mountains and hills, and this is very telling for the area from which the breed originates. It is believed that the ponies have roamed around since ancient times. But over time humans began to use them in agriculture, for example.
The Fell Pony is a hardy little pony that was used up through the Viking Age to plow in the fields and pull wagons. In the 11th and 12th centuries, they were subsequently used in the English coal mines as carry animals, carrying both food and iron. They transported lead ore out to the English port cities. Because at this time there were no roads where it was possible to drive with wagons. This has placed demands on the little pony's strength and robustness. They often had to carry 120 kg on stretches between 50 and 60 km a day.
Over time, people also began to use the robust pony for long journeys. Especially in England, where, for example, they transported mail to isolated communities, as they could move over long distances without problems.
To this day, the Fell Pony is largely used only as a riding pony, but it is also used, for example, for driving and long trips with tourists in England. They are particularly suitable for walks, as they are very steady on their feet, and they are used to a terrain that can vary greatly.
With its good size and calm temper, the Fell Pony is extremely suitable as the whole family's pony. It has a calm temper, which makes it easy to be around for both children and adults. In a Fell Pony you get a teachable and cooperative pony. It is hard not to fall for its distinct hair splendor. They are usually black, but they can also be dark brown or grayish. As a rule, red, spotted or variegated ponies are not allowed, but a star and / or a little white around the fetlock can be allowed within the breeding.
The Fell Pony has a small, marked and wide head, which often points towards the muzzle. The eyes are gentle and intelligent, which also describes the pony's temper quite brilliantly. They have a muscular body, that nevertheless appears harmonious and well-positioned in both leg and neck position. This also means that it is a pony with a lot of propulsion and steady gaits with good knee action.
The effort is not made to breed after a decidedly strong hair growth around the fetlocks, and the goal is rather to have a slightly finer and more elegant hair structure. As opposed to mane and tail, which may grow long and more powerful.
At Malgré Tout Media, we have previously written about nine endangered breeds. The Fell Pony has previously been in this category. The Rare Breeds Survival Trust in England moved the breed from endangered to vulnerable, and the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy moved the breed from rare to threatened. Therefore, many breeders for example in Denmark try to protect them and generally support the breed.
According to the Danish Fell Pony association, there are approximately between 200 and 250 ponies in Denmark, which both children and adults benefit from in many different disciplines. In addition, it is estimated that there are around 6000 Fell Ponies worldwide.
Before Brexit, it was popular to bring ponies from England to Denmark, and this is what the association wants to maintain. In addition, they try to make sure that the Fell Pony is a versatile breed that can be used for both shows, dressage jumps and everything in between. But the breed's charming appearance should be enough for the robust pony to become more widespread in for example Denmark for both shows and for riding.
After looking at the photos on Instagram of cute Fell ponies, we can almost guarantee that you are no longer in doubt as to why we should preserve the hardy and versatile breed from England:
