Are Fell ponies rare? Are Fell ponies endangered?

A Fell Pony is a versatile, working breed of mountain and moorland pony originating on Cumberland and Westmorland farms of northwest England and is used for riding and driving.

The breed is closely related to its geographic neighbour, the Dales Pony, but it is a little smaller and more pony-like in build.

The Fell Pony is noted for hardiness, agility, strength and sure-footedness.

Fell Ponies vary a good deal in weight and size, so ponies may be found to carry almost any rider.

The average height of the breed is 13.2 hands (54 inches, 137 cm), and the upper height limit for the breed is 14 hands (56 inches, 142 cm).

The Fell Pony shares its origins with the now-extinct Galloway pony, which was also the root of the Dales Pony.

The Fell Pony Society makes no claims about any input from imported Roman war stallions being crossed with these ponies.

Fell ponies are primarily a working breed of pony with activity, stamina, hardiness, and intelligence that enables them to live and thrive in tough conditions out on the fells in the Lake District.

Are Fell ponies rare?

Fell ponies are rare.

In fact, fell ponies are still considered rare by the Rare Breeds Survival Trust in England and the American Livestock Breeds Conservancy.

Are Fell ponies endangered?

Britain’s Rare Breed Survival Trust reclassified the fell pony as “endangered” on the basis that there are few male bloodlines and an inherited fatal disease, Fell Pony Foal Syndrome, has appeared.

The syndrome usually occurs 3-8 weeks after birth when a genetic mutation impairs the foal’s immune system.