by Amber Powell
The Fell is a hardy
pony native to Britain, averaging 13.2 hands in height, but not to exceed 14
hands. They should exhibit true pony
characteristics, with the unmistakable appearance peculiar to mountain
ponies. Fells should be built very
solid, with smooth, correct movements, hard, well-formed hooves with
characteristic blue frogs, and feathering which should be silky and straight on
the legs. The long mane, tail, and leg
feathering should not be trimmed for shows.
Black, brown, bay and gray is allowed, along with white markings, but an
excess of white is discouraged, though still able to be registered. The early Fell was mainly used as a work
horse; ploughing, sledge pulling, and transporting various goods including
wool, slate, copper, and lead. Today
the Fell is known as a versatile, all-around family pony. They are able to stand the weight of a heavy
adult, but yet have a temperament suitable for young children. Their great stamina makes them well suited
in the recreational sport of Driving.
Breed description per the Fell Pony Society:
Description of the Fell Pony and
Scale of Points
HEIGHT:
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Not exceeding 14 hands (142.2 cms).
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COLOUR &
MARKINGS:
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Black, brown, bay and grey. Chesnuts, piebalds and
skewbalds are debarred.
A star and/or a little white on or below the hind fetlock is
acceptable. An excess of white markings is discouraged, but such ponies
are eligible for registration.
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HEAD:
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Small, well chiselled in outline, well set on, forehead
broad, tapering to nose.
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NOSTRILS:
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Large and expanding.
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EYES:
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Prominent, bright, mild and intelligent.
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EARS:
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Neatly set, well formed and small.
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THROAT &
JAW:
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Fine, showing no signs of throatiness nor coarseness.
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NECK:
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Of proportionate length,
giving good length of rein, strong and not too heavy, moderate crest in case
of stallion.
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SHOULDERS:
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Most important, well laid back and sloping, not too fine
at withers, nor loaded at the points - a good long shoulder blade, muscles
well developed.
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CARCASE:
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Good strong back of good outline, muscular loins, deep
carcase, thick through heart, round ribbed from shoulders to flank, short and
well coupled, hind quarters square and strong with tail well set on.
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FEET, LEGS AND
JOINTS:
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Feet of good size, round and well formed, open at heels
with the characteristic blue horn, fair sloping pasterns not too long,
forelegs should be straight, well placed not tied at elbows, big well formed
knees, short cannon bone, plenty of good flat bone below knee (eight inches
at least), great muscularity of arm.
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HIND LEGS:
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Good thighs and second thighs, very muscular, hocks well
let down and clean cut, plenty of bone below joint, hocks should not be
sickle nor cow-hocked.
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MANE, TAIL AND
FEATHER:
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Plenty of fine hair at heels (coarse hair objectionable),
all the fine hair except that at point of heel may be cast in summer. Mane
and tail are left to grow long.
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ACTION:
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Walk, smart and true. Trot well balanced all round, with
good knee and hock action, going well from the shoulder and flexing the
hocks, not going too wide nor near behind. Should show great pace and
endurance, bringing the hind legs well under the body when going.
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GENERAL CHARACTER:
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The Fell Pony should be constitutionally as hard as iron
and show good pony characteristics with the unmistakable appearance of
hardiness peculiar to mountain ponies, and at the same time, have a lively
and alert appearance and great bone.
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CONTACT INFO:
Fell
Pony Society of North America, Inc.
c/o Sheila Amdor, Executive Secretary
17138 275th Street
Council Bluffs, Iowa 51503
712-388-2217
info@fpsna.org
Fell Pony Society and Conservancy of the Americas
125 Edwards Farm Lande
Dobson, NC 27017
(336) 374-7660
www.fellpony.org
The Fell Pony Society
North Craigs Cottage, Waterbeck
Lockerbie, Dumfriesshire DG 11 3HA
Tele/fax: 01461600606
www.fellponysociety.org
The Fell Pony Webring: http://r.webring.com/hub?ring=fellponies
SHOWING:
Show your Fell Pony driving on the trail or through and obstacle course, hacking through the woods,
in a Pony Club show, in a fun or lead-line class, just to name a few. Just
keep in mind the Fell’s kind temperament and wonderful stamina, and true pony
build.
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