Key Characteristics

Ponies are strong and hardy, and now are used for riding and driving. They are also useful for logging, being able to move up steep slopes that would be difficult for tractors. 

• The Fell Pony is smaller than the Dales Pony, and stands up to 14 hh. 
• Colours are black, brown, bay or grey.

History

• The Galloway pony of South-West Scotland - favoured mount of Border raiders is an ancestor of the Fell Pony.
• A stallion named Lingcropper, found on Stainmore in 1745, was probably a Galloway and became the most famous foundation animal of the Fell Pony.
• The Fell Pony is found on the western slopes of the Pennines, and in the adjacent hills of Westmorland.
• Herds of free-ranging registered ponies still run on the Cumbrian fells, playing an important role in maintaining the Fell pony characteristics of hardiness, sure-footedness and thrift.

Uses

Fell ponies are strong and agile, able to move up steep slopes that would be difficult.

Fell ponies are also great riding ponies, suitable for both adults and children. They are renowned for their ground covering trot and sure-footedness. 

Cistercian monks used Fell ponies and it is thought that they introduced the colour grey, as 'white' stock was the sign of monastic ownership.

Breed Societies

For more information please contact the Fell Pony Society