Fell Pony

Looks how to spot one

Double coat

The Fell Pony has a thick, weather-resistant double coat. In winter a very dense, soft undercoat grows beneath a longer, coarser outer coat, which keeps the pony warm and dry in harsh mountain weather. The mane and tail are full and flowing, and the lower legs carry fine, silky feathering.61

Personality what they are like

Fell Ponies are intelligent, willing and alert, with a strong sense of self-preservation. They form close bonds with their owners but can be cheeky and will expect respect. They are not stupid or stubborn; rather, they are thoughtful and canny. Their gentle, sensible nature makes them excellent mounts for children and for riding for the disabled, though they need a handler who is as clever as they are.42

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Fell Ponies need regular exercise to stay healthy and happy. They excel at riding, driving, endurance, dressage, jumping, and even light farm work. Turnout in pasture as much as possible is ideal. Without enough work, they can easily become overweight.352

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Regular grooming is important: brush the coat to keep it clean and free of tangles, and take special care of the silky leg feather to prevent mud fever (pastern dermatitis). Keep the feather clean and dry. The mane and tail should be gently detangled with a wide-toothed comb and never pulled or plaited. Hooves are naturally hard and often need only trimming every 6-8 weeks unless the pony works on roads. Routine care includes annual vaccinations for tetanus and equine influenza, twice-yearly dental checks, and worming guided by faecal egg counts.63

Home where they are happiest

Fell Ponies are happiest living outdoors year-round. Their thick winter coat allows them to cope easily with cold, wet British weather. A field shelter or natural windbreak is sufficient. Stabling is only needed for weight control or medical reasons. They thrive on sparse, rough grazing and are classic 'good doers', they maintain condition easily on little feed.64

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A diet based on good-quality hay or haylage, plus a vitamin and mineral balancer, is usually enough for ponies in light to moderate work. Hard feed is rarely needed. Overfeeding is a real risk, rich pasture in spring and summer can cause rapid weight gain and increase the risk of laminitis. Restricted grazing, strip grazing or a grazing muzzle may be necessary during peak grass growth.63

Company who they like around

Fell Ponies are very social and thrive in the company of other ponies or horses. They also bond closely with their human companions and can be kept with a single trusted person if they receive plenty of attention. They are not naturally aggressive and generally get along well with other equines.3

The story where it all began

The Fell Pony originates from the uplands of Cumbria in northern England, where it has lived for over 2,000 years. Its ancestors are the ancient Celtic ponies of northern Europe. For centuries, it was a working animal on steep hills: shepherding, carrying packs of lead ore from mines to the coast, and hauling goods such as wool, food and coal. These ponies travelled up to 20 miles a day over rocky terrain. The breed remained largely isolated on the fells, preserving its hardiness. In 1922 the Fell Pony Society was formed to keep the old breed pure, and today the pony is still used for riding, driving, endurance, and as a family mount. It is now a rare native breed on the watchlist of the Rare Breeds Survival Trust.1527

Recognised by the official bits

Fell Pony Society

Formed in 1922 to preserve the breed5

Rare Breeds Survival Trust (RBST)

Listed on the watchlist as a native breed at risk1

The Livestock Conservancy

Recognised as a rare breed2