Meet the Fell Pony!

Horses are at the heart of BreyerFest. Every year, many excellent breed groups share their horses with BreyerFest fans. From well-known breeds such as the Arabian to rarer breeds such as the Gotland Pony, there are a variety of horses to explore. Catch all our wonderful breed demonstrations daily in the Covered Arena or go stop by their stalls to learn more about each breed!

Meet the group promoting the breed that was loved and cherished by Queen Elizabeth II! The Fell Pony is the best of what remains of the now-extinct Scottish Galloway pony. Hailing from Northern England, Fells were traditionally used as pack ponies to move goods long distances to market, as everyday transportation mounts, for shepherding cattle and sheep, and for light farming. Today’s Fell pony is just as versatile and willing to do just about anything – including riding, driving, jumping, trail/trekking, and agility/gaming.

Photo Courtesy: Fell Conservatory 

Fell Ponies are strong and active, with pretty pony heads, a good slope to the shoulder, a broad, deep body, well-muscled quarters, strong legs, and hooves that rarely require shoeing. They come in a variety of standard colors - black, traditional dark brown, bay, and grey. White markings are minimal. Affectionately known in England as the “hairies,” Fell ponies' long manes, tails and leg feathers should not be trimmed or shaved for showing – not even ears or whiskers!

Photo Courtesy: Fell Conservatory 

Although Fells average only 13.2 hands in height, they take a hunter-sized girth and are capable of carrying the weight of a heavier adult. Their height and calm temperament still makes them suitable for experienced children, however. The strength, endurance, and mild temperaments of the Fell pony makes them ideal for a number of modern tasks – pleasure or competitive driving, any sort of riding, as pack ponies, logging, and even the shepherding of sheep or droving of cattle. Fell gaits are ground-covering and comfortable with sensible action that is never excessive, high, or wasted. As a breed, Fells have tons of personality and curiosity, and sense of fun that never seems to tire, though they can sometimes be “cheeky” or mischievous. 

 Photo Courtesy: Fell Conservatory

The Fell Pony Society (FPS) in Britain is the mother registry for the Fell Pony breed, and it is where all Fell ponies in North America are registered. While the USA does not have a a registry, the FPS officially recognizes the overseas branch sponsoring this BreyerFest Fell Pony exhibition - the Fell Pony Society & Conservancy of the Americas. This nonprofit works to promote and conserve the Fell Pony breed, and celebrating its 20th anniversary this year! 

 Photo Courtesy: Fell Conservatory

With all the Fell can do, it is easy to see why they have earned the adage, “You cannot put a Fell to the wrong job!” However, as versatile as they are, the Fell Pony is an endangered breed, listed by the Equus Survival Trust as "vulnerable."  Global numbers estimate fewer than 6,500 Fell Ponies worldwide, with around 600 here in North America. The good news?  Fell Pony populations are stable and the breed does not appear to be in any danger of extinction. Instead, they need only sound conservation and promotion to spread the word about how talented they are for today’s markets.

You can watch the Fell Ponies daily in the Covered Arena or stop by their stalls to say hello!

For more information about Fell Ponies, you can head on over to the Fell Conservancy & Equus Survival Trust.