English
The Fell Pony is a rare native British breed known for its beauty, strength, and versatility. Once used as pack horses in Northern England, Fell Ponies are now popular mounts for Pony Club kids and monarchs alike.
While they may appear similar to other English breeds, Fell Ponies are a distinct breed with a long history that traces back to Roman times. The Fell name comes from the Norse word for hill, describing the terrain their sure-footed ancestors evolved to roam.
This hardy breed has the strength and temperament to excel in many jobs. After demand for working animals declined, Fell Ponies found new purpose as hardy riding and driving ponies.
While generally of robust health, this breed is susceptible to a unique genetic disorder, once called Fell Pony syndrome (FPS). Now referred to as Foal Immunodeficiency Syndrome, this inherited condition can be prevented with genetic testing and breeding management.
This breed profile will review the history, characteristics, health problems, and nutritional needs of the Fell Pony breed. Keep reading to learn more about feeding and caring for Fell Ponies.
Fell Pony History
Nestled in the rugged fells of northern England, the Fell Pony is considered one of the purest native breeds in Britain, second only to the Exmoor pony.
The Fell Pony, known for its strength, endurance, and gentle temperament, has been an integral part of the region’s culture and history. While influenced by imported horses throughout their history, they have maintained a recognizable type for nearly two thousand years
Origin
All native British pony breeds descended from prehistoric ponies that migrated to the British Isles in the late Pleistocene period. Specifically, Fell Ponies originate from the wild ponies that inhabited the hills of Northwest England. [1]
By the Iron Age (1200 BC), humans had domesticated native ponies across Britain, and around 1,000 BC, Celtic ponies brought to the British Isles began to influence domestic breeding programs. [1]
Historical records describe ponies with a Fell Pony type that inhabited Northern England during the Roman occupation of Britain. Roman cavalry horses likely crossed with the native ponies, adding height and strength to these hardy equines. [2]
Nordic horses brought to Britain by Vikings in the 9th century also impacted the development of British ponies. Arabians and Draft horses influenced British breeds in later centuries.
Genetic studies show foreign influences on the Fell Pony breed were male-biased, meaning that foreign stallions were bred with native Fell Pony mares. [1] These studies found Fell Ponies had significant maternal diversity with rare ancestral haplotypes.
This male-biased genetic influence indicates that the maternal lineage of the Fell Pony has been largely preserved, with genetic diversity introduced primarily through male bloodlines. [1]
Although Fell Ponies share some characteristics with Friesians, it is incorrect to describe them as a mini-version of that breed. Horses brought to Britain from Friesland may have influenced the Fell Pony’s development, but the two breeds are not closely related. [1]
Historic Use
The Fell Pony’s ancestors served as multipurpose working horses in Northern England for centuries. The sparse vegetation of the local moorland could not support larger horses, so farmers relied on small ponies for everything from light draft work to shepherding in the Lake District. [2]
During the Viking Period, the animals were used for packing loads of fleece and food over long distances on the fell. The strong, steady ponies also worked in pack trains that regularly transported imported goods across the country in the Middle Ages.
Demand for the breed’s packing ability grew as the British mining industry developed. The Fell’s ancestors transported copper, lead, and iron ores across the country from mines in Northwest England.
Eventually, the dark-coloured ponies that predominated the counties of Westmorland and Cumberland became known locally as Galloways. Praised for their trotting ability, Galloways were frequent contenders in the popular trotting races of Cumberland. [3]
The Fell Pony name first appeared in Westmorland publications in the mid-19th century. Around this time, local agricultural fairs began hosting show classes for ponies bred on the fell, and breeders began recording pedigrees for Fell Ponies.
The Fell pony population declined sharply after the industrial revolution when new forms of transportation replaced pack trains of ponies. The breed survived partly thanks to rural communities that relied on Fell Ponies in the first half of the 20th century. [4]
Breed Registry
Founded in 1922 to preserve purebred ponies of this breed, the Fell Pony Society (FPS) has helped the breed find a new calling as pleasure ponies. Since then, registration numbers for Fell Ponies have risen steadily as this once-endangered breed gained popularity worldwide.
The Fell Pony Society of North America (FPSNA) is an officially registered overseas branch of the FPS. Established in 2001, the FPSNA supports breeders and promotes Fell Ponies in the United States and Canada.
Breed Characteristics
While new owners are often drawn to the breed because of their impressive hair coat and striking looks, Fell Ponies have many positive attributes that are more than just skin deep. These ponies are versatile equine partners that can suit a variety of riders.
Conformation
Fell Ponies have hardy conformations typical of mountain pony breeds. According to the breed standards established by the FPS, Fell Ponies should not exceed 14 hands in height. Their shorter stature distinguishes the breed from the similar but larger Dales Pony.
The ideal Fell Pony has a small head with a defined outline, a broad forehead, bright eyes, and small ears. Fell Ponies also have strong necks, sloping shoulders, deep heart girths, well-sprung ribs, muscular loins, and square hindquarters with well-set tails.
Their feet are well proportioned to support their body weight with a characteristic blue hoof horn. Their legs are solid and straight, with plenty of fine feathering on their heels. The mane and tail are traditionally left long.
Colours
Black is the most prevalent coat colour in the breed, but brown, bay, and gray coats are also acceptable. Ponies with chestnut and pinto colouring are registered in Section X.
A star or white markings above the lower eye level and below the nostrils is acceptable, as is white on the hindleg. Excess white markings are discouraged.
Temperament
Fell Ponies have docile dispositions that make them an ideal family pony. They are also recognized for thier brave and intelligent personalities, with lively and alert attitudes.
Their work ethic, stamina, and excellent temperament continue to earn the breed fans. Most owners find that Fell Ponies are less reactive to stimuli that would spook other horses. However, personalities can vary depending on the individual pony and previous training.
Disciplines
These ponies have fast walks and smooth gaits that are comfortable to ride. These traits and their sure-footedness are well-suited for long days riding through the countryside.
The breed is popular with therapeutic riding programs, which require horses with a kind nature and reliable personality. The Fell Pony’s even temperament is also an asset among children and beginner riders.
Unlike some ponies of similar stature, Fell Ponies are heavy enough to carry adult riders. Queen Elizabeth II famously owned Fell Ponies and rode her ponies well into her nineties.
Many families enjoy the breed as pleasure horses and low-level competition mounts. Popular disciplines for these equines include:
- Dressage
- Eventing
- Jumping
- Hunter equitation
- Recreational driving
Fell Pony Health
These resilient ponies generally exhibit good health, and the breed’s study constitution contributes to long-term soundness.
However, Fell Ponies carry a gene responsible for a rare fatal condition, which complicates efforts to maintain genetic diversity in the endangered breed.
Genetic Diseases
Foal immunodeficiency syndrome (FIS) is an inherited autosomal recessive disease found only in Fell Ponies, Dales Ponies, and related breeds. Previously called Fell Pony syndrome, this disease results in impaired immune function and fatal anemia in affected foals. [5]
Foals born with FIS have abnormally low red blood cell and B-lymphocyte levels. There is no effective treatment for the condition. Affected foals are typically euthanized or die from secondary infections before four months of age. [6]
DNA testing reveals that 38% of Fell Ponies are carriers of the gene associated with FIS. Carriers do not exhibit signs of the disease, but matings between carriers can produce affected foals. Research shows that carrier testing for the FIS gene significantly reduces disease incidence in the breed. [7]
Genetic bottlenecks after World War II led to inbreeding and contributed to the high concentration of the gene. However, carriers are still used for breeding with non-carriers to preserve genetic diversity. [8]
Health Problems
Like many British pony breeds adapted to survive harsh environments, Fell Ponies are susceptible to metabolic dysfunction. The breed is particularly prone to insulin resistance and equine metabolic syndrome (EMS). [9]
Ponies with EMS have an increased risk of laminitis, a painful condition caused by inflammation of the lamina connecting the coffin bone to the hoof wall. Severe cases involve rotation of the coffin bone and may result in euthanasia. [10]
However, research in native UK ponies shows that owners can modify management practices to minimize the risk of equine metabolic syndrome. [9]
Care and Management
Proper care and management of Fell Ponies is important to keep these majestic equines healthy and sound for their entire lives.
Ensure that your pony receives quality basic care, with regular preventative veterinary wellness check-ups to identify health concerns early. Keep your pony up-to-date on the following:
- Regular vaccinations against common equine illnesses
- Strategic deworming to combat parasites
- Routine dental checks for oral health
While these ponies are built for soundness, they still need regular farrier care to maintain ideal hoof balance and prevent common problems.
Many Fell Ponies stay sound barefoot thanks to their naturally strong hooves, but ponies in heavy work may benefit from the extra support of shoes.
Grooming
Owning a Fell Pony means spending lots of time in the grooming stall. A thorough daily grooming regimen will prevent debris and moisture from accumulating in their hair, where it can cause skin irritation.
The long, silky feathers that grow on the back of Fell Pony legs are a characteristic trait and serve a functional purpose. Historically, these ponies were bred in the wet and boggy regions of northern England, and their dense feathers provided protection against the damp conditions by wicking away moisture and preventing mud from coming into direct contact with the skin.
However, these feathers can also trap moisture and require proper care and attention. Without regular cleaning and grooming, the area under the feathers can become a breeding ground for pathogens, leading to conditions such as mud fever or pastern dermatitis. [11]
Using mud management strategies and regularly removing dirty bedding can help keep their legs dry and prevent skin infections. [11]
Turnout
Fell Ponies evolved to survive harsh weather conditions and typically thrive living outdoors year-round. However, all horses need access to adequate shelter in inclement weather.
If your pony lives inside, providing daily turnout allows freedom of movement to support physical and psychological well-being. Allowing turnout with other horses also provides an opportunity for Fell Ponies to exhibit natural social behaviors.
Fell Ponies can become overweight with full-time pasture turnout on high-quality grasses. Consuming large amounts of starch and sugar from fresh pasture can also contribute to equine metabolic syndrome and pasture laminitis.
You may need to limit your pony’s grass intake by turning them out in a dry lot at certain times of year. Consider other grazing management strategies or use a grazing muzzle if your horse has a history of obesity and metabolic concerns. [9]
Fell Pony Nutrition
Your pony’s feeding program has a significant impact on their overall health and wellness. Proper nutrition is crucial for managing the increased risk of metabolic issues in the breed.
Weight Maintenance
The Fell Pony, hailing from the rugged terrains of Northern England, has evolved to thrive in challenging conditions with limited food sources. Their hearty nature and efficient metabolism make them exceptionally good doers or easy keepers, meaning they can extract adequate nutrients from sparse and coarse vegetation.
This metabolic efficiency can also make them prone to weight gain when provided with energy-dense feeds. Because obesity predisposes Fell Ponies to various health complications, it’s important to regularly monitor their weight and adjust their diet as needed.
Owners can monitor weight changes by learning how to body condition score their pony. A score of 5 out of 9 on the Henneke Body Condition Scale is considered ideal.
Sample Diet
The following sample diet is intended for a mature 450 kg (1000 lb) Fell Pony with normal body condition at maintenance (not exercising).
| Feed | Amount per day |
|---|---|
| Mature Grass Hay (8% crude protein) | Free choice |
| Salt | 30 g (2 tbsps) |
| Omneity® Pellets | 200 g (2 scoops) |
| Diet Analysis | |
| Digestible Energy (% of Req) | 106% |
| Protein (% of Req) | 126% |
| NSC (% Diet) | 6.9% |
In this sample feeding program, Mad Barn’s Omneity® is added to provide essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids that are commonly deficient in the equine diet.
Feeding Omneity® ensures your Fell Pony receives key nutrients required to support