Fell
Origin
England
History
The Fell Pony is said to belong to the northern edges of the Pennines and the high moorlands of Cumbria to the west. There can be little doubt that the black, coldblooded Friesian, a descendant of Europe´s primitive Forest Horse, was an early ancestor of these breeds. However, the greatest influence, is that of the strong, swift Galloways. The Galloway was the mount of the border raiders and then of the Scottish drovers who brought their cattle into England. It was bred between Nithsdale and the Mull of Galloway, and though extinct since the 19th century, the sterling qualities it bequeathed to British stock are still evident. The most famous of the early Fell foundation stallions was the 18th-century Lingcropper, was probably a Galloway.
The Fell Pony was traditionally used as a pack pony. Moreover, the Fell was, and still is, a tremendous trotter that was used as much under saddle as in harness. Through the Wilson Ponies, it was also a foundation breed for the modern Hackney Pony.
The Fell Pony Society was formed in 1912.
Description
- Head:
small with a straight profile, pricked ears, lively eyes and flared nostrils - Conformation:
-well proportioned, muscular neck, well set into the shoulders
-pronounced withers
-deep and broad chest
-long and sloping shoulder
-long and straight back-broad and strong loins
-short and sloping croup
-sturdy and well muscled legs
-large cannons and feathered fetlocks
-heavy and full mane and tail - Average height:
13 to 14 h.h. - Colour: most Fell ponies are bay, brown, black, or grey. A small white star and small amount of white on the legs is tolerated but not desired.
- Temperament:
they combine courage and stamina - Today:
it is much sought after in its own right for trekking,riding and driving, and in addition it is an excellent cross to produce horses of competition potential.
