History

In the misty land of northwest England, a breed of pony that roamed the upland hills for nearly 2000 years may still be found. The Fell Pony, taking its name from the native term for "hill", stands proudly today as a survivor of the turbulent history of this island country.

The Fell Pony exhibits the outstanding traits of both these breeds. The Fell has successfully adapted over the centuries to the needs and demands of the locals without sacrificing breed type or character.

The demands on this willing, strong, and intelligent breed have been many. The Fell has been used as a mount for the Picts in their raids on Hadrian's Wall. Under the Viking influence, Fells were used in agriculture, primarily to pull simple plows and other implements. The Normans used the Fell as a pack animal, to haul wool to market. Throughout this early history, the Fell Pony was used for riding, carrying shepherds and merchants on their daily business.

The late 18th century saw the Fell as the pack animal of choice, carrying loads of lead ore to coastal smelters. Fells were often driven in pack trains of ten animals each, carrying a ton of lead ore between them. The loads were just heavy enough so that two men could lift up the pack saddles while a boy led the Fell out from under. The active, long strides of the Fell Pony meant the pack train could travel over 30 miles a day, over 230 miles a week, for seven days a week, year-after-year, with no breaks for the animals.

The Fell became the mount of choice for the Post Office to carry the mail in Cumberland and Westmorland. In the northern towns, the Fell was also a driving animal, crucial to tradesmen. In the 1800's, the breed gained renown as a premier trotter, frequently winning against all breeds.

The Fell Pony Today

The 20th century nearly spelled the end of the Fell Pony. Widespread use of internal combustion and steam power became the order of the day. Large herds of Fells were sold for slaughter. Only the efforts of The Fell Pony Society, with the aid of sponsors such as Beatrix Potter and King George V, were able to stabilize the breed. Fells were registered, and displayed through organized shows.

Under the patronage of HM the Queen, membership has greatly increased. Breed shows, stallion shows, performance shows, and the licensing of stallions have done much to stabilize the breed and to help introduce it to the rest of the world.

The versatile, gentle, undemanding Fell has been asked to do much to serve over the centuries. It has evolved, but its appearance has changed little since post-Roman times. The present day Fell is an ideal riding and driving machine, with the strength to carry adults, but not too big for an experienced child to ride. Fells tirelessly carry riders on holiday in the rugged, beautiful Lake District of Cumbria, the breed's home. It can be seen in demanding combined driving competitions at organized events, often with participation by Prince Philip, driving a team of the Queen's Fells.

The Fell Pony is also used in logging, hunting, and in competition in dressage, show jumping, and long-distance rides. The gentle and willing disposition of the breed is well documented, with Fells being chosen as mounts in Riding for the Disabled activities. R.S. Summerhays, a horseman-writer, said, "A well-trained Fell makes a delightful ride for his activity, strength and hardiness, born of generations of scrambling about the mountains, give him great balance and what horse is worth riding without this?" He adds, "I believe him to be the ideal family pony for he can carry a heavy man with ease and with his temperament he may be trusted with children."

A challenge facing Fells is Fell Pony Syndrome, which affects the immune system of a few newborn foals. Ongoing research continues. To date, there are no known cases in North America.

Fells in Washington State

All in all, the Fell is a remarkable breed, a breed we would like to introduce to your world. Currently, Musta Hevonen Farm in Rainier, Washington, has six registered Fell Ponies of the little more than 100 in North America, including stock selected in and imported from England, as well as the first Fell Ponies born on the West Coast.