The Fabulous Fell Pony

Modern Fells are bred to be great riding ponies and can be as tall as 14 hands. They make excellent sport horses for young riders. They’re talented jumpers in the arena and sure-footed and agile for cross-country. Since their ancestors were bred to pull carts, they make great carriage driving ponies, too.

For riders who love hitting the trails, a Fell Pony could be the perfect match. They’re known for their ground-covering gaits, and they can get through some tough terrain. In England, Fell Pony Performance Trials prove just how handy these ponies are. Similar to eventing, competitors perform a dressage test and a stadium jumping round, but the cross-country phase adds a twist. Ponies and their riders do jump and cover varied terrain, but they also complete trail-type challenges, such as opening and closing a gate and crossing water.

In North America, Fells are popular dressage mounts. You’ll see them at major competitions, including the National Dressage Pony Cup. Fell Ponies in the U.S. have competed at the national level in carriage driving and competitive trail, as well.

A Rare Breed

Fells are considered a rare breed and are especially rare outside of their native England. There are about 5,000 registered Fell Ponies in the world, and just over 600 in North America as of 2016.

Organizations like the Fell Pony Society of North America are working to showcase this beautiful and versatile breed. As more people discover what Fells have to offer, there will be more fans to help preserve their positive qualities for the future.

Quick Facts

Height: Up to 14 handsColor: Black, seal brown, bay and gray. Small white markings are allowed.Features: Thick, long manes and tails and feathering on the lower legs. Fell Ponies’ manes are kept long, not pulled, even in the show ring.