Where Are The Wild Fell Ponies?

One of Britain’s hardiest native pony breeds, fell ponies are native to the north of England, and are mostly found in Cumbria, in the old counties of Cumberland and Westmorland, where probably they have roamed from pre-historic times.

They graze all year round and are a native rare breed considered to be ‘at risk’.

Fell Ponies are reliable jumpers and agile, which makes them useful for cross-country riding or hunting.

Most animals of the breed lack the scope to make top-class jumping ponies, but Fells generally are well up to local show or Pony Club event standards.

The Fell Pony shares its origins with the now-extinct Galloway pony, which was also the root of the Dales Pony. It is believed to have originated on the border between England and Scotland, quite probably antedating Roman times.

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

In the early stud books, 50% of ponies were brown in colour, though over the last few decades, black has become predominant, followed by brown, bay, and grey.

They 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.